Poverty cannot be overcome with one service or program at a single point in time. That’s why we are committed to supporting children, youth, and families every step of the way. For more than 170 years, with your support, Children’s Aid has been able to help families change their lives by adapting to the ever-evolving nature of poverty. We are on a mission to connect young people and their families with the tools they need to learn, grow, and become leaders of their own lives.
100-plus programs offered to unlock a child’s inner grit and beat the odds
50,000 children and families served in targeted, under-resourced New York City neighborhoods
Established in 1853, Children’s Aid has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of children, youth, and their families every step of the way
Academic and Social-Emotional Learning
Young people have the best chance to rise above the barriers of poverty when they succeed academically. Education goes beyond the classroom, so we built integrated supports to help children and youth excel in school.
Early childhood programs establish strong attendance behaviors and emphasize social-emotional learning. Dynamic academic engagement transcends mandated class time, through opportunities like enriching summer programs. College admissions test prep and campus visits make higher education more than just a dream. Internships and summer youth employment teach workplace behaviors and shape ideas of an independent adulthood.
93% of children in our early childhood programs met or exceeded the mathematics school readiness goal by the end of the 2024-2025 academic year.
In FY2025, Children's Aid provided 17,982 extended learning services to 3,818 children and youth.
99% of four-year graduates in our targeted high school programs who applied to college were accepted.
Community schools work to transform students’ education through a holistic approach.
Jieshan Zeng’s life was transformed after she enrolled her son in our early childhood program.
A Children’s Aid community school is shortlisted for a prestigious award.
Health and Nutrition
For children and youth to thrive, they need to grow up strong and healthy. All of our health and nutrition programs are tailored to address the whole body and all aspects of behavioral wellness. And they are designed to permeate family life.
A full array of physical, dental, and behavioral health services provides thousands with access to high-quality care. Fitness and creative expression are fundamental to helping young people realize their potential. Counseling and education empower young adults to make sound decisions that will have lasting consequences for their future.
100% of eligible children enrolled in our early childhood programs receive a flu shot.
Last year alone, Children’s Aid food and nutrition programs distributed 200,000 meals, snacks, and food packages to families facing food insecurity.
Our eight community- and school-based health centers treated 7,500 patients across 54,000 visits last year.
Our school-based health centers provide critical access to dental services.
Students learn valuable skills as part of our Culinary Teen Apprenticeship program.
Our team in the South Bronx has made it their mission to operate food pantries for families in need.
Family and Community
Children’s Aid creates opportunities, empowering kids to shine while equipping parents and guardians with the tools to strengthen their families and advocate for their communities.
Parenting is a universal challenge, and we provide the support parents and guardians need to lead their families. Strong communities are crucial, so we partner with governments and nonprofits to build on community strengths. Effective advocacy drives public policy and increases funding to support children, youth, and families. Investments of time and money—both individual and corporate—significantly impact our mission's success.
99% of families enrolled in our crisis interventions avoid foster care placements and forge a path toward maintaining strong and healthy homes
In FY2025, Children's Aid placed 241 foster children in stable, permanent homes through adoption, kinship guardianship, and family reunification.
In FY2025, all of our foster care programs scored over 90% on city ratings on well-being of foster children in care.
Here’s what we learned during an engaging and enlightening event in Albany.
Liza and Alex Dacian fulfilled their dream of becoming parents when they adopted Nova.
Jeff and Tarik fell in love before gay marriage was legal. Now they're providing a loving home for a family of their own.
