Each month, we’ll spotlight examples of the kinds of people that nonprofits in our funds are helping. Here, we'll take a look at some of the beneficiaries of the programs included in the Children's Health Fund in New York City that we've launched in partnership with 361Firm.

St. Mary's Kids

St. Mary's Healthcare System for Children is a certified home health agency providing home-based therapy and related rehab services to children and young adults with special needs. Their programs include children's healthcare services that deliver medical care, evaluations, treatments, and rehab services to children in need.

Impact Story: Xavier

Xavier is a 3 year old boy who came to St. Mary’s after suffering a severe asthma attack, which caused Xavier to return to his newborn stage. He was experiencing difficulty walking, eating and talking the way he used to. He had to learn how to do everything over. His family brought him to St. Mary’s Hospital for Children to help him through this daunting process.

Since coming to St. Mary’s, Xavier has benefited greatly from the occupational, physical and speech therapy programs. He is now able to eat and swallow with ease, and is at a normal body weight. He can now walk short distances with little assistance. He also participates in Toddler Storytime. His vocabulary skills have improved greatly and he is even saying new words! 

Wellness in the Schools

Wellness in the Schools inspires healthy eating, environmental awareness, and fitness as a way of life in public schools. They partner with public schools, chefs and coaches to ensure access to nourishing food and active play. Their children's wellness and nutrition programs include Cook for Kids and Coach for Kids, which deliver nutritional school meals and physical activity education, respectively.

Impact Story: Charles R. Drew K–8 Center

Wellness in the Schools has worked in the Charles R. Drew K–8 Center for almost a decade, leading hands-on garden education experiences as well as culinary and nutrition education lessons in the classroom, with WITS Labs like Roasted Potatoes and Potato Salad earning high praise from students. Students love to pick herbs from the garden and harvest produce to take to the classroom and make healthy, simple recipes with a WITS Chef. 

Principal Voley is a treasured supporter of Wellness in the Schools and understands the importance of promoting health and well-being among her students. She shares, “When students have access to wholesome food options, they perform better academically and develop lifelong healthy habits. Wellness in the Schools’ initiatives not only educate students about healthy eating but also empower them to make informed choices that can positively impact their lives both now and in the future.” 

Room to Grow
Room to Grow offers coaching, material goods, and community connections to support parents as they activate their natural strengths and expand their knowledge so children thrive from the start. Their programs include family support services which help parents and families receive early childhood intervention education and support.

Impact Story: Cindy Del Villar

Cindy Del Villar has endured some pretty tough times in life, including homelessness and critical judgment, so joining Room to Grow was like nothing she had experienced before. 

When she was 24 and her oldest child was just 6 months old, she found out she was pregnant with her son Noa. She was referred to Room to Grow and things really started to change for the better. They attended the sessions as a family, with their oldest, Caleb, in tow. He wasn’t an official part of the program like Noa, but RTG included him in the sessions and shared strategies and ideas with Cindy and her husband about Caleb and his development too.

One thing that really stood out is that Room to Grow isn’t just about the kids. Having two children in diapers at the same time — less than a year apart in age — put a strain on their marriage but RTG offered Cindy and her husband helpful exercises to better communicate and reconnect. As a family unit, they are now excelling.

NIA Community Services Network
NIA Community Services Network strengthens and empowers children, families, and communities through comprehensive programming and vital human services. Their children's learning and development programs deliver after-school learning, skill-building, and counseling to children in need.

Impact Story: Read Out Loud

NIA’s 3rd Annual Read Out Loud Campaign kicked off with a visit from award-winning author Dr. Ibram X. Kendi at PS/IS 30. 

They continued the initiative by celebrating World Read Aloud Day and will continue with book giveaways and visits from authors, illustrators, and special guests who will read to students and hand out free books. 

Once again this year, they are giving away more than 10,000 books to students across Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Queens.