One Gift. Infinite Impact.
Imagine a world where every child feels safe, and every family thrives.
At Together for Youth this is not just a dream—it’s our daily mission. Your support amplifies positive change that extends from a single home, to a whole community, to all across New York State.
When you make your year-end gift, you aren’t just making an individual difference—you’re joining a community of people who share your beliefs: lifting up children and families in need. Your contribution, alongside the efforts of others, becomes part of a larger movement—one that is transforming lives every day. Together, we build stronger, healthier communities where children can thrive, families can heal, and hope can flourish.
Give today in support of the more than 5,800 youth and families that relied on TFY services last year.
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Now through December 31, Mohawk Insurance is matching every donation, up to $10,000. Your gift will go twice as far to support Together for Youth!
Don’t miss this chance to make a bigger difference—donate today.
Check out some of the stories from across the state, where your gift supports programs that help youth and families thrive right where they belong: in their own homes and communities.
Christopher’s Story – Buffalo Region
In Buffalo, TFY played a crucial role in helping a mother reunite with her son. The young man, initially placed in a challenging situation, was nearly relocated to Arkansas with his paternal grandmother due to the mother’s difficulties in meeting court requirements. With ongoing encouragement and support from TFY, the mother gradually began to meet her obligations, attending visits and appointments more consistently. Her renewed commitment led to unsupervised visits and eventually to a schedule where her son spent most of the week at home.
After five months of progress, Christopher was fully reunited with his mother, demonstrating successful support in helping families overcome challenges and stay together.
TFY Family Preservation Programs reduce out-of-placements by helping families resolve issues and develop skills necessary for children to achieve safety, permanency, and well-being.
Mason’s Story – Southern Tier
Mason grew up in a home environment that led to trauma, and ultimately poor choices and circumstances. He spent time in two programs aimed at getting him back on track, but one final action landed Mason in the TFY non-secure detention facility. This was a new setting for Mason and being there made him question his worth and future. After working closely with TFY staff, he gained skills and set goals for himself that were important to him.
Several weeks after leaving the facility, a TFY staff member received a phone call from Mason, who excitedly shared he was living in his very own apartment. He had plans to finish his GED and was also applying for jobs. He was confident and putting his newly developed skills to work.
TFY Non-Secure Detention Programs provide youth with a safe environment while facilitating efforts for their safe return to their homes and communities and to prevent further interaction with the family court system.
Jasper’s Story – North Country
Jasper was one of three boys being raised in a household by a single mom. He was an overzealous youth who couldn’t stay focused on his studies and struggled with mental health issues. He was acting out, arguing with his coaches, teachers, and mom, and finding ways to get in trouble. It was difficult to prioritize Jasper’s mental health.
As his disruptive behavior escalated, Jasper found himself under the care of a TFY group home. Within just a short period, Jasper’s behavior improved, leaving a positive impression on both the TFY team and fellow youth in the group home. With the dedicated care of his team and stabilized mental health, he continued to actively participate in cherished activities, particularly sports.
With newfound clarity and determination, Jasper now looks ahead to a promising future. His journey serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of community, overcoming adversity, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams. As he embarks on this next chapter, Jasper remains committed to making his family proud and embracing the opportunities that lie ahead.
TFY Group Home Programs provide care, services, and support to youth who need to be removed from their homes for some time but can remain in the community.
Roadmap to Success Story – Capital Region
Trent Griffin-Braaf envisioned a workforce preparation program for young men in our secure detention facility, but quickly realized they needed more than career readiness—they needed personal development through his Roadmap to Success™ program. Over eight weeks, he shifted the focus from job skills to building self-esteem, communication, and confidence. The youth responded by setting goals, engaging fully, and making significant strides in both personal and professional development.
By the program’s end, they had not only learned practical skills but also developed habits like setting SMART goals, leading to remarkable progress. Inspired by their achievements, Trent looks forward to empowering more youth through future projects.
TFY Capital District Secure Detention Center serves youth who are classified as juvenile delinquents, juvenile offenders, or adolescent offenders, with a goal of providing them with the safety and support they need and to prepare them for a successful transition to the community.
Melissa’s Story – Hudson Valley Region
As a young girl who endured severe abuse, Melissa was placed into foster care and in need of behavioral health services because of her traumatic past. Using child-centered play therapy, a TFY social worker created a safe space for Melissa to express her emotions and slowly confront her trauma. Initially withdrawn and emotionally closed off, Melissa gradually became more confident and communicative, showing significant emotional growth.
During a pivotal session, Melissa experienced a breakthrough, realizing the discomfort of having too much power over others while playing out a scenario. This led her to open up about missing her family and grappling with the complex emotions tied to her past. The social worker praised the girl’s bravery and highlighted the importance of providing a supportive environment that allows children to heal at their own pace.
TFY Behavioral Health Services provides a range of person-centered home and community-based clinical and rehabilitation services to improve health, well-being, and quality of life.
Essence’s Story – The Bronx
In the heart of the Bronx, 17-year-old Essence found herself grappling with the consequences of her choices. High school had been a whirlwind of highs and lows, and during her junior year, she had fallen in with a crowd that led her amiss.
One day, Essence’s mother took her to the Together for Youth office. Initially skeptical, Essence saw it as just another program for troubled teens. She sat on the couch, feeling frustrated, while her mother spoke with the staff. It wasn’t until she met Maury, Emily, and Elizabeth that her perspective began to shift. They welcomed her warmly and made her feel seen and valued.
The TFY Bronx Power Project became Essence’s sanctuary. About once a week, she would travel from her high school in the East Village to the Bronx for the group sessions. These meetings were more than just therapy; they were a lifeline. In a safe and supportive environment, Essence found her voice and learned to navigate her emotions and anxieties.
Reflecting on her journey, Essence learned about a scholarship opportunity through TFY and applied. She earned the scholarship and is wrapping up her first semester at Mercy College studying Biomedical Sciences. Essence’s transformation, supported by the Bronx Power Project and Together for Youth, marked her journey from a struggling high school junior to a confident and ambitious young woman.
The TFY Bronx Power Project is an after-school support program for adolescents living in the Bronx with substance abuse and psychiatric diagnoses. Through individual and group counseling sessions, trained staff help youth work through their resistance or apprehension regarding counseling.
This year, the Bronx Power Project celebrated 25 years. Program Coordinator, Jenifer Gilmore, has been a cornerstone of this program and her unwavering dedication has left a lasting impact on the Bronx community, marking a legacy of compassion, resilience, and commitment to empowering the next generation.
Patrick’s Story – Long Island Region
Patrick’s life transformed when he was placed in foster care with Mr. Robinson, who became a father figure and mentor to Patrick. Being placed in foster care is a traumatic experience, but Patrick was challenged even further after Mr. Robinson suffered a stroke. Despite this setback, Patrick continued to work towards his goals and making strides toward a brighter future. He came under the care of Mr. Robinson’s grandmother, Mrs. Harris.
With the support of TFY and a dedicated treatment team, Patrick started college at Suffolk County Community College, secured a work-study job, and began working on his driver’s permit. He is proudly earning a degree in Data Science.
Reflecting on his journey, Patrick emphasized the positive impact of foster care, urging others to trust their workers and build strong relationships. “There’s a lot of bad stigmas about foster care, but there’s also a lot of good,” he shared. With the help of supportive figures like Mr. Robinson and Mrs. Harris, Patrick is thriving, proving that with determination and the right guidance, success is achievable.
TFY Foster Care Programs include over 500 certified foster families across New York State with a goal of facilitating a safe transition back home. When reunification with birth families is not possible, we work with foster families toward adoption.
Joy’s Story – Central New York
Joy has been fostering with TFY since 2016 and based on her latest headcount, she has welcomed over 50 children into her home. She continues to create a haven of love and support for youth in care. Among her many moving tales, one stands out vividly: the story of a young teenage girl who was the first child she welcomed into her home – a teammate and friend of Joy’s biological daughter. Joy distinctly remembers Becca’s first day in their home, the uncertainty in her eyes, and the weight of her past clear in her timid steps.
Over the next few weeks, Becca started to settle in. They would discuss both Becca’s struggles and accomplishments. Initially, her grades were suffering, and Joy and her husband made an effort to work with her teachers to help Becca progress in school. Soon, her grades were improving.
Becca began blossoming socially, academically and even became a better teammate on her basketball team. After months of progress, she was eventually able to reunify with her family – the ultimate goal when fostering. Joy shares that they still keep in touch and that Becca has thrived since her time in the their home.
Joy’s inspiring journey, marked by triumphs and challenges, underscores the profound impact that nurturing environments and dedicated caregivers can have on the lives of youth. As we reflect on her story, we celebrate Joy and all foster parents like her, whose selfless dedication enriches the lives of countless children and strengthens our communities.
TFY Foster Parents play a crucial role in providing a stable and loving environment for children while their birth families work toward reunification. Whether it’s for short-term respite care, several months, or until adulthood, the commitment of foster parents can have a profound and lasting impact on a child’s life.
