Local Spotlight: Children’s Aid

September 14th, 2020 by

Every child should have access to success, regardless of their socioeconomic status. At Children’s Aid, they advocate that every child’s potential is limitless until other factors reduce their potential. But what if at-risk children and those experiencing poverty don’t have to face a lack of basic needs and educational hurdles in order to succeed?

With the help of Children’s Aid, Manhattan, Bronx, and Queens, NY, children can thrive in a positive atmosphere. Keep reading to learn more!

What is Children’s Aid?

Helping KidsChildren’s Aid was founded in 1853 by Charles Loring Brace and other social reformers. During this time, orphan asylums were the only resource available to homeless and impoverished children. Children’s Aid was created as a safe haven for these children. At the time, an estimated 30,000 children flocked to Children’s Aid.

In more than 150 years since its founding, Children’s Aid was the source of many milestones:

  • First unofficial free school lunch program (1853)
  • First daytime nursery for working women (1881)
  • First free school-based dental clinic (1906)
  • First to establish licensed mental health services with ongoing social work programs (1973)

Children’s Aid continues to grow and evolve to address the changing needs of today’s students through teen pregnancy programs, after-school programs, and more.

How Children’s Ad Helps

At Children’s Aid, they understand that success starts within the home. That’s why they provide support not only to students but to their families as well. Let’s take a look at some of the programs Children’s Aid offers!

Building a Strong Foundation: Home Programs

Children’s Home Help ProgramsHaving a stable household makes a huge difference in the lives of children and adolescents. Children’s Aid works to create a stable home environment by:

  • Providing domestic violence prevention and intervention
  • Family stability in the wake of events or an ongoing crisis
  • Foster care if needed

Over the years, 500 to 600 children have found safe and stable foster homes with the help of Children’s Aid.

Mind, Body, & Soul: Health & Nutrition Programs

Having the right food fueling young minds can help them grow up strong. In terms of nutrition, Children’s Aid helps students make smart food choices by teaching healthy habits and how to prepare healthy meals.

Physical health is also a focus through recreational sports, sexual health & education, and basic health checks—including dental, vision, any doctor physicals.

Broadening Horizons: Education Programs

No matter the students’ ages, Children’s Aid is here to help set them on the path of success through their many programs. Some education programs include:

  • Early childhood programs
  • After-school & summer camp programs
  • College prep
  • Youth employment

With the help of Children’s Aid, a student’s potential is never limited.

Get Involved Today

For over 150 years, Children’s Aid has provided at-risk NYC children with the tools they need for long-term success. You can help the next generation of students succeed by getting involved through donation, volunteer work, fundraising, and more.

To learn more about Children’s Aid and how you can get involved today, head over to their Facebook page. Together, you can create a positive change for upcoming generations.

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