Building Bright Beginnings:

A New Program With Infinite Impact

Dear Mary Theresa,

We've recently noticed an increase in special requests for support that really weighed on our hearts. "Can you please get some sheets for my three-year-old son instead of getting me a comforter?"

This is just one of many sincere and heartstring-tugging requests we've received from young parents aging out of foster care—parents who are willing to go without so their children can feel safe and cared for in a new home.

These selfless parents are one of the many reasons we're so excited and proud to announce Building Bright Beginnings, a new Hearts to Homes program that provides essential items for the infants and children of the young adults we serve—things like cribs, strollers, toddler beds, high-chairs, baby dishes, and safety gear.



Nearly 1 in 3 referrals to Hearts to Homes is for a young adult who is aging out as a parent. Not only do they need to transition themselves from foster care to independence, they also need to create a safe and comfortable home for their child. Thanks to generous seed funding, we launched this initiative in May to give young families a stronger start. Five families have already received these important baby and toddler items, with many more to come.

If you are interested in helping support the needs of young families, your gift to Hearts to Homes can be made specifically to this program by selecting Building Bright Beginnings when you "Make a Monetary Donation." Or follow the link to "Donate Furnishings Now" and find a choice of three child-focused bundles that you can provide today. We need your help to keep this new program growing and positively impacting the lives of young families!

You Helped Us Reach Our Goal for National Foster Care Month!

In honor of National Foster Care Month, we activated our annual May GoFundMe Challenge, and with your support, it was a success!

Over 100 donors helped us raise more than $45,000 by May 31! These donations were supported by a match from our Board of Directors, which doubled the first $14,000 donated to the campaign. Special thanks to all who participated and a special shout out to those who not only donated but also applied for a corporate matching gift. This powerful combination helped us cross the finish line. Together, Hearts to Homes and you will provide comfort, dignity, and a strong foundation for more young adults taking their first steps toward independence. 

So Much Fun at Our Recent Special Events

In March, we had an unforgettable night at our annual Open Hearts event at City Winery. We honored Jess Dannhauser, Commissioner of NYC's Administration for Children's Services, and heard from Hearts to Homes alumna, Monica Malcolm, who spoke of her experience receiving support when she aged out of foster care. Thank you to all our incredible sponsors, ticket purchasers, auction donors, and auction winners—your generosity helped us raise an amazing $68,000!

On Monday, May 5, your generosity helped us raise $35,000 at our inaugural golf outing, Caring Hearts at Rockville Links. Thank you to everyone who came out to golf despite the rainy conditions. It was wonderful to gather with so many new friends for a wonderful lunch and some indoor putting. Thank you to our many generous sponsors, raffle and auction donors, and winners. And a great big thank you to our host, Dan Zingone.

We wanted to give a special shout out to Diane and John Vezza who organized a wonderful Tennis and Pickleball Party at Yonkers Tennis Center (YTC) in May. YTC had donated a party as a raffle item to our fall fundraiser, Wings & Things, so when John, an avid tennis and pickleball player, won the raffle, he knew that he wanted to turn that party into a fundraiser for Hearts to Homes. Diane is a former board member, and John is a current board member, so their Hearts to Homes roots run deep! Both have been instrumental in helping our pregnant and parenting youth get the supplies and support they need—like toys and diapers—through our connections to organizations like Bundles of Joy NY.  The evening's activities raised enough for us to furnish one complete apartment!

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At Hearts to Homes, our core mission is to empower individuals aging out of foster care by transforming empty living spaces into a place they can call home. We provide essential furnishings and a sense of comfort to those in need, ensuring that young adults who are transitioning out of the foster care system have the support they deserve as they embark on their journey of independence.