AREA SERVED

New York City, NY, the “Big Apple” includes 5 boroughs where the Hudson River meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is the most densely populated city in the United States with population of ~8.4M+. 17.3% of the population – and 23.8% of children – lives in poverty. 48.7% of New Yorkers speak a language other than English at home, most commonly Spanish.

BACKGROUND

The New York City Chapter was launched by Fair Futures, a coalition of over 100 organizations and foundations advocating for all foster youth in NYC. This coalition aims to ensure that all youth have access to the coaching and robust support they need to achieve their potential. The Foster Care Excellence Fund invested in the infrastructure needed to scale the Fair Futures model across the child welfare sector in NYC, including supporting One Degree to launch a comprehensive directory of workforce training programs and alternative high schools that can be used by young people and adults citywide.  

This initial phase of the NYC Chapter will be useful in helping Fair Futures staff, youth, and caregivers identify best-fit programs and opportunities, and it can be used by young people and adults citywide.  

This chapter was expanded in 2022 in partnership with Benefits Data Trust, a national non-profit organization harnessing the power of data, technology, and policy to provide efficient and dignified access to public benefits, and a network of community-based organizations and social service providers who help New Yorkers access public benefits and services. This expansion was generously funded by Robin Hood.