Mother Cabrini Health Foundation awards major grant to support virtual mental health programming for youth in foster care.
NEW YORK (March 19, 2021)—Through YouthWorks, a virtual program piloted by the NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) and The New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) in 2020, older youth in foster care receive critical support around their mental health and well-being during an especially vulnerable time. The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation has awarded a $250,000 grant that will enable the program to reach even more NYC youth in foster care in 2021.
Following the 2020 YouthWorks pilot with youth at the Nicholas Scoppetta Children’s Center, ACS staff reported that the participants established rapport with credible messengers—individuals with prior experience in the child welfare system—and engaged with all aspects of the online program content. In addition, more than 50 percent of participants noted via post-session evaluations that they would like to continue to engage with programming after the pilot concluded.
“Through the YouthWorks program, ACS and NYAM have created a successful model for supporting the physical and mental health and well-being of NYC youth in foster care during a particularly challenging time,” said Judith A. Salerno, MD, MS, NYAM President. “YouthWorks demonstrates the importance of public-private partnerships to reach those who are often overlooked in such times.”
“Now more than ever, as we work to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it’s important that everyone understand the importance of keeping healthy and this partnership with The New York Academy of Medicine means young people in foster care will have greater access to this critical information,” said ACS Commissioner David A. Hansell. “With the help of credible messengers, the YouthWorks Virtual Community Program teaches our young people in foster care how to make healthy choices, cope with stress, maintain healthy relationships and more. This program is just one of the many ways in which ACS works to support and empower youth at some of the most vulnerable times in their lives.”
“Our grants seek to ensure that essential health and social service providers receive the support necessary to address an unprecedented level of health-related needs across New York State,” said Msgr. Gregory Mustaciuolo, Chief Executive Officer of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation. “Last year, so many organizations demonstrated resilience, creativity, and flexibility in serving their communities. Our grants reflect our commitment to these critical providers, which are the bedrock of a healthy and equitable future in New York.”
YouthWorks participants meet virtually three times per week with credible messengers to discuss topics related to personal growth and resilience, COVID-19 and social distancing adjustment, empowerment and self-motivation, physical fitness and wellness, coping skills, and entrepreneurship. Following credible messenger sessions, the participants access additional self-paced content through Google Classroom, providing an opportunity for them to continue to engage and reflect on personal goals.
The next phase of YouthWorks will engage youth, 13-20 years old, living in residential foster care sites and youth involved in NYC’s juvenile justice continuum over 2020-2021. This phase will also include a process evaluation with a youth advisory committee to document the implementation of the virtual program and training across sites. The evaluation will inform which modules are most successful in engaging youth while meeting the core outcomes of improving individual physical and mental health and emotional well-being.
About The New York Academy of Medicine
The New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) tackles the barriers that prevent every individual from living a healthy life. NYAM generates the knowledge needed to change the systems that prevent people from accessing what they need to be healthy such as safe and affordable housing, healthy food, healthcare and more. Through its high-profile programming for the general public, focused symposia for health professionals, and its base of dedicated Fellows and Members, NYAM engages the minds and hearts of those who also value advancing health equity to maximize health for all. To learn more, visit NYAM.org and follow @NYAMNYC on social media.
About the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation
The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization with the mission to improve the health and well-being of the vulnerable New Yorkers, bolster the health outcomes of targeted communities, eliminate barriers to care, and bridge gaps in health services. The Foundation – which is named in memory of a tireless advocate for immigrants, children, and the poor – provides flexible support for new and innovative approaches that enhance health and wellness across New York State. For more information, visit https://www.cabrinihealth.org/
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