Promise in Action: Summer 2025

Promise in Action

A publication of Children’s Aid, helping children in poverty to succeed and thrive.

Children’s Aid

117 W 124th Street, 5th Floor New York, NY 10027

Jill Olson Chair

Phoebe C. Boyer

President and Chief Executive O cer

Caroline Gallagher Chief Development O cer

Anthony Ramos Vice President, Marketing and Communications

From the CEO

Dear Friends,

At Children’s Aid, summer is so much more than a break from school – it’s a vital opportunity for learning, exploration, and growth. And this year, nearly 6,000 kids and teens across New York City experienced just that.

Our summer camps are carefully designed to combat learning loss and spark curiosity. Campers dive into hands-on science experiments, stretch their creativity through the arts, take swim lessons, and explore the cultural treasures of our city on field trips. These experiences are joyful, but they’re also deeply intentional –helping young people build confidence, skills, and a strong sense of belonging.

For our teens, summer brings a di erent but equally powerful opportunity. Through the Summer Youth Employment Program, 3,500 young people gained valuable work experience – many for the first time. Over six weeks, they earned a paycheck, developed professional skills, and began to imagine what’s possible for their futures. For many, it’s a stepping stone to long-term success. Your support makes all this possible. Together, we are creating summers that inspire, empower, and lay the foundation for a lifetime of opportunity.

Thank you for standing with us – every step of the way.

With gratitude,

Phoebe C. Boyer President and Chief Executive O cer

On the Cover:

Students compete in the annual Children’s Aid Iron Go!Chefs cooking competition. Hosted by the Health and Wellness team, this competition teaches the fundamentals of cooking and nutrition and allows students to apply what they have learned.

Children’s Aid launches a podcast

We are excited to announce the launch of “Every Step of the Way: Conversations that Inspire,” the o cial podcast of Children’s Aid. This dynamic new series, hosted by our very own Executive Vice Presidents Georgia Boothe and Sandra Escamilla, o ers a powerful platform to share the voices and stories that define our work.

Each episode features intimate conversations with alumni, sta , and supporters whose lives and e orts shape the Children’s Aid mission every day. Through these stories, listeners can gain a deeper understanding of the resilience, passion, and triumphs of those we serve.

The first series, I’m a Children’s Aid Kid, spotlights six incredible alumni who have successfully transitioned into adulthood. These remarkable individuals open up about their personal

journeys, sharing how Children’s Aid played a transformative role in helping them navigate challenges, embrace opportunities, and achieve their dreams.

From heartfelt memories to behind-the-scenes insights, the podcast is a celebration of lives changed. Whether you are a longtime supporter or someone new to our work, “Every Step of the Way” o ers a meaningful way to connect with the mission and people of Children’s Aid.

These stories were made possible by your generous support. We hope you will tune in and be inspired by the impact of your giving. Subscribe using the QR code below or search for “Every Step of the Way” on your favorite podcast platform.

Promise in Action Executive Update

Rebecca Hartje joined Children’s Aid as the new Director of Institutional Giving. Rebecca has spent over a decade building revenue and strategies for educational organizations, with particular expertise in growing institutional giving programs, developing systems and processes, and working crossfunctionally.

Ezra Miller joined Children’s Aid as the new Chief Financial O cer. Ezra brings more than 20 years of financial leadership experience across sectors, including nonprofit organizations, legal services, and corporate finance.

Felicia Perrin was promoted to the position of Controller. Felicia has been with Children’s Aid for nearly five years, and her expertise in streamlining processes and implementing innovative solutions will enable her to excel in this role.

Local authors bring stories to life

A love of reading starts early and can last a lifetime. Reading with young children builds language and literacy skills, imagination, empathy and curiosity— laying the foundation for success in kindergarten and beyond. In 2017, our Early Childhood team launched a grassroots reading initiative known as Reading on the Rug in celebration of National Reading Month. What began as a simple idea quickly grew into a beloved, highly anticipated tradition.

Each year, authors are invited to read their books aloud to children enrolled in our Early Childhood programs. These stories are carefully chosen to reflect a variety of backgrounds, helping students see themselves, their families, and their cultures within the pages of a book. After each visit, every child receives their own copy of the story to help them build a home library. These copies are always purchased from a local, independent bookstore to further support the community.

The impact has been profound. Children are thrilled to meet the people behind their favorite books, and authors are just as excited to connect with young readers. Many writers return year after year, inspired by the energy and enthusiasm of the classrooms. These experiences help prepare children for kindergarten with improved listening, comprehension, and vocabulary—setting them on a path of lifelong learning.

This beloved reading program is just one example of how our Early Childhood team builds the foundation for academic success. Through engaging experiences like these, we ensure every child is ready to thrive.

If you know any published childhood authors or illustrators who might be a great fit for this opportunity in the future, please contact Giving@ChildrensAidNYC.org.

Thank you to all of this year’s authors and illustrators!

Denise Rosario Adusei

Selina Alko

Nina Crews

Jessica Jackson

John Parra

Misa Saburi

Dan Saks

Christopher Silas Neal

James Yang

26th Annual Golf Classic

In May, Children’s Aid welcomed golfers back to the prestigious Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey, for our 26th Annual Golf Classic. Despite the rainy weather and gray skies, our dedicated friends, supporters, and corporate partners were all smiles upon arrival. This year we welcomed 106 golfers, raising more than $400,000 for vital programs and services.

After a day on the course, golfers gathered for an intimate cocktail reception, where Phoebe Boyer, president and CEO of Children’s Aid, spoke passionately about the organization’s impact. Emmy Awardwinning NBC 4 New York anchor Bruce Beck brought his trademark energy and warmth as the emcee and auctioneer for the evening.

Guests had the pleasure of hearing from Mahmodol Mojumder, a Children’s Aid alumnus and sophomore at Stony Brook University studying physics and applied math. He shared how Children’s Aid helped guide his academic path and future aspirations. “Beyond everything, Children’s Aid taught me about service, leadership, and community, but what I’ve come to value most is how they consistently showed up for me,” he said.

Mahmodol’s powerful speech left a lasting impression. He truly embodies the Children’s Aid mission—empowering young people to learn, grow, and lead their own lives with confidence and purpose.

This unforgettable day was made possible by the outstanding leadership and dedication of our host committee. Special thanks to our generous co-chairs—Mark Allen, Russel Hamilton, and Jon Harrington—and committee members Clint Factor, Guy Kohles, Andrew S. Molloy, Children’s Aid Trustee Tom Reynolds, and John Stuart. Their passion for Children’s Aid’s mission and unwavering support of our Golf Classic continues to drive its success year after year.

Children’s Aid extends heartfelt thanks to all of our sponsors, including Chelsea Piers Foundation and Tilcon who generously supported our Youth Golf Clinic. Nine students from Curtis High School, our community school on Staten Island, participated in a skills clinic (pictured) led by Baltusrol pros and connected with Children’s Aid leaders and supporters. We also want to express our deep appreciation for our member hosts, Jon and Janet Harrington, who allow us to tee o at Baltusrol.

Thank you to our community of supporters for their continued commitment to Children’s Aid and for making our 26th Annual Golf Classic a memorable day. See you back at Baltusrol next year on May 4.

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13. Bronx Career and College Prep students get a behind-the-scenes look at GoGo squeeZ, learning about career paths from HR to production.

14. Elementary and middle school students compete in the Children’s Aid Iron Go!Chefs cooking competition at the Frederick Douglass Community Center.

15. PIX11 News’ Mr. G interviews students participating in the Iron Go!Chefs competition.