Relational Systems Change

Provides quality of life, guidance, education, prevention, and support services in New York City, with a focus on the Bronx and upper Manhattan through the Bronx Connect initiative.

Founded Seekers Christian Fellowship and the Connect programs as part of its organizational development to expand community engagement and program capacity.

Advocates for policies and practices that reduce harm to families in the Child Welfare System, advance change for children and youth in foster care, and promote family preservation by reducing child poverty and neglect. Leads the Reimagine Initiative, a community-driven advocacy effort focused on preventing unnecessary entry into the child welfare system.

Organizes community events, tabling activities, youth gatherings, and Vision Tours to engage the public, showcase impact, and mobilize volunteer support for youth and families in need.

Provides reunification support services including resource identification, mental health support, case management, and collaborative goal-setting for families involved with the child welfare system in Monroe County, aiming to achieve stability and prevent unnecessary entry into foster care.

Operates a foster home program in Monroe County that supports teenagers aging out of foster care by placing them with specially trained foster moms who help build essential life skills in a nurturing environment.

Operates the HOPE Rising workshop program that teaches goal-setting, the science of hope, and practical life skills to system-impacted youth to support their transition to independence.

Operates the Legacy Fund, which provides unrestricted cash assistance to approximately 150 families per year in Monroe County, including youth aging out of foster care and families working toward reunification, to prevent homelessness and reduce poverty-related stress, supporting needs such as housing, employment, and food security.

Fosters a relationship-centered community for marginalized youth and their families, supporting their transition from systemic trauma to empowerment, belonging, and independence.

Conducts research including focus groups with impacted women and publishes reports analyzing systemic patterns and consequences of unfounded child welfare investigations, such as fiscal and human costs and local data from Monroe County, to inform policy discussions and organizational strategy. Publishes annual impact reports (2022–2025) documenting activities and outcomes.

Curates and provides access to resources that support ethical and informed decision-making around mandated reporting and offers immediate support and resource navigation for families at risk of child protective services investigation due to poverty-related challenges.

Engages volunteers in administrative and outreach functions to support program operations, including connecting community members with children and families in need in real time.

Provides short-term crisis counseling, case management, crisis intervention, family support, resource navigation, and referrals through mobile, community-based service delivery in the City of Rochester.

Connects system-impacted youth, particularly those in foster care or aging out of the system, with trained adult mentors through a structured volunteer program focused on building trust, personal agency, and independence using trauma-informed practices and the Science of Hope. The Life Launch Mentoring Program specifically serves youth ages 13–18 in Monroe County.

Conducts workshops and community education initiatives to raise awareness about commercial sexual exploitation of children and the link between gang affiliation and human trafficking, reaching thousands of local professionals.

Provides child support enforcement through ERASE and Project Support, and offers compliance support for public assistance recipients, helping families meet program requirements.

Provides immediate in-home crisis intervention for families, implements Family Intervention Plans, diverts youth from the juvenile justice system with over 90% success, and makes community referrals to help keep families together, saving Suffolk County approximately $1 million annually.

Provides vocational training programs and employment support to help homeless and at-risk individuals gain and retain employment.