In this issue we spotlight one of our day care employees, Sade Dickson, whose initiative in starting a Parent Action Committee at the Saratoga Family Inn has created a renewed sense of community within the Early Childhood Education Center. Another feature focuses on Family Works, an internship program designed to provide adults in our shelters with job-readiness training and search support with the goal of finding full-time jobs and permanent housing. We are proud to share the story of the Prospect Family Inn Chess Team, which is comprised of children who are learning to play chess and has already garnered several medals in tournaments throughout the city. The final article is about our recent receipt of the EmblemHealth Commitment to Care Award for our work with homeless families at the Saratoga Family Inn.

In this issue, we spotlight KidCare, an organization founded by a dynamic group of young professionals with a desire to give back to children in need. Another feature focuses on college volunteers from St. John’s University who are leading job readiness workshops for parents at the Saratoga Family Inn. We are pleased to share the story of the popular Children’s Garden at the Saratoga, which continues to grow with new offshoots at our Williamsbridge and Prospect Family Inns. The final article showcases The Teen Leaders Program, a new project that enables former campers from our Summer Camps for homeless and foster children and youth to come back to camp as counselors in training.

This edition of our Bulletin focuses on how our four New York City family shelters are unique, as they provide not only a place to sleep for our neediest families and children, but offer a wide range of other programs. Our educational and instructional programs, like the Clinton Family Inn’s Play and Read program for kids and its book club for parents, both of which are featured in this issue of the Bulletin, ensure that our children and their parents receive educational enrichment. As discussed in the Bulletin, we have also teamed up with the National Diaper Bank Network to give away 100,000 diapers at our four inns. Other programs like Milk from the Heart, which is also featured in this issue, represent Homes for the Homeless’ dedication to the larger community of families who are at risk of becoming homeless.

As a friend of Homes for the Homeless, you were probably saddened, but not likely surprised, that the most recent U.S. Census numbers showed 30 percent of New York City children were living in poverty. Unfortunately, in these tough economic times, it is children who suffer the most. Rather than be discouraged, Homes for the Homeless is working harder than ever to support New York City’s families. With your help, we are able to operate our quality family shelters; the Prospect Family Support Center, which gives emergency care to families in crisis; after-school programs; summer camps; and our newest program, Milk from the Heart, which provides free, fresh milk for New York City’s low-income families.