Advancing towards a brighter future for youth in care.

A man from the Education program smiling and posing with his college shirt.
Scroll down

Our Educational and Employment Support model combines mentorship, connection to a caring adult, educational advocacy, and trauma-informed educational support services for youth in care — from middle school to adulthood.

WHAT WE DO

Heartshare St. Vincent's Family Services deploys a research-based approach in order to improve educational and life outcomes for youth in care. Coaches stick with these young people after they transition out of care and continue to provide one on one support services around academics, employment and career counseling, skill-building, accessing housing, and emotional support through the age of 26. Coaches are trained in motivational interviewing and trauma-informed care, which allows them to build a trusting relationship with young people, meet youths where they are, and tapping into their intrinsic motivation to collaboratively set goals and develop plans.

The positive impact of this model on the educational outcomes of youth in foster care is evident through improved high school graduation, college enrollment, and college graduation rates. Access to high quality education and work will eradicate many of the racial inequalities and systemic barriers our young people face and ensures they lead happy, fulfilling lives. This model is proven, creating new opportunities and futures for those we support.

WHO WE SUPPORT

This programming is focused on young adults within the foster care system, along with individuals who are transitioning out of the foster care system and entering the workforce, through the age of 26. As we add an alumni component, our reach will expand deeper into adulthood.

WHY WE ARE HERE

In New York City, the disparities in educational outcomes for youth in foster care are staggering. While 77% of NYC youth not in foster care graduate from high school, less than 25% of foster care youth achieve the same milestone. And when a youth in care does find success, barriers to internships and employment crop up.

Youth in care have limited access to trauma-informed, mental health support, they receive inadequate academic tutoring, and lack access to mentorship opportunities. This suite of programming tackles all of these impediments head on, and aims to increase educational standards for youths in foster care and continue to foster achievements within each individual’s life.

Education, employment & COMMUNITY

We are always looking to improve and grow what we can offer. Our coaching model is a lifeline for our young people and central to the work of Heartshare St. Vincent's Family Services. Over the next few years we hope to expand this life-changing model to other populations, including youth we serve in NYCHA community center, and those who are at risk of entering foster care. Through career exposure, training and immersion, not only will our young people have a shot at upward mobility, but our partners will have the opportunity to create and develop a diverse talent pipeline.

American Dream Program

A Transformational Educational Program
‍‍

Founded in 1997, American Dream Program (ADP) is a research-based approach to improving educational and life outcomes for children and youth in foster care. The model combines mentorship, connection to a caring adult, educational advocacy, and trauma-informed educational support services for youth in foster care from middle school through college.

Our coaches stick with these young people after they transition out of foster care (at age 21) and continue to provide one on one support services around academics, employment and career counseling, skill building, accessing and maintaining housing and emotional support through the age of 26. Coaches are trained in Motivational Interviewing and trauma-informed care, which allows them to build a trusting relationship with young people, meet youth where they are, and tap into their intrinsic motivation to collaboratively set goals and develop plans.

The Pathfinders

Workforce Support Built on American Dream

The barriers to gainful employment are known, but they are always addressed in disparate ways (if addressed at all). Pathfindings focuses on directly tackling them—in a cohesive, targeted manner. Beyond the moral responsibility, we see clear steps forward, and are prepared to take them.

We've taken the general approach to ADP and reapplied it to those hoping to enter the workforce. Employment coaching, targeted upskilling and exposure to industries and opportunities to helping to create new pathways forward.

The Network

COMING SOON: A New Community for the Alumni of American Dream

Led by former ADP Scholars and current youth in care, the Network will be a multi-pronged Alumni Network connecting everyone who has passed through the doors of HeartShare St. Vincent’s Family Services. Modeled after a college alumni network, it will be a platform for sharing stories, finding meaning and growing together.

The Network will provide support and guidance to the ADP Youth Council. Network members will be connected to the current ADP program updates through the ADP Ambassadors (youth council leaders currently engaged in the ADP Program).

It will be a place for youth and scholars to learn crucial life skills that many people take for granted. From home ownership planning to networking workshops, this Network will be a living and breathing program, led by the youth of St. Vincent’s and their needs.

Two adolescents from the education program smiling.

Relevant Programs

Educational & Employment Supports are just one piece within a larger ecosystem of supports for children and adults dealing with the trauma related to family separation.

Community Programming

Community Programming

Supportive Housing

Supportive Housing

Foster Care & Home Finding

Foster Care & Home Finding

Get in touch!

You can also reach out to us directly at:
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.