2024 Annual Appeal

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.

A man with a beard, wearing a dark polo shirt with an embroidered logo, smiles while sitting on a chair in a brightly lit room. A whiteboard with notes is visible in the blurred background.
Paving the Way for Brighter Futures with the Roadmap to Success™

Trent Griffin-Braaf envisioned a workforce preparation program for young men at one of Together for Youth’s group homes 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. Despite challenges, Trent remained committed, and 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 continuing to empower youth through future projects with Together for Youth.

Two joyful young adults, a woman in an orange sweater and a man in a green jacket, walking in a city setting with backpacks, smiling and enjoying a sunny day.
Celebrating 25 Years of The Bronx Power Project

For 25 years, Jenifer Gilmore has been a cornerstone of Together for Youth’s Bronx Power Project, dedicating her life to transforming at-risk youth. From pioneering adventure-based counseling to addressing severe mental health challenges and the stigma surrounding it, Jenifer has been a steadfast advocate. She has adapted to evolving issues, like substance-induced mental health crises, and recently embraced art as a powerful healing tool. 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.

A young man in a blue shirt is embracing an older person with curly hair inside a home. The young man is smiling brightly, showing his teeth. In the background, there is a staircase and a large window letting in natural light.
How Together for Youth Helped a Mother and Child Overcome the Odds

In Buffalo, NY, Together for Youth 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 Together for Youth, 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, the youth was fully reunited with his mother, demonstrating the effectiveness of Together for Youth’s support in helping families overcome challenges and stay together.

A person with curly hair, wearing a brown shirt and white t-shirt, holding books and a backpack, looks at their smartphone while standing outside near a building with large windows and trees.
From Adversity to Achievement: Patrick’s Journey toward a College Degree
Patrick’s life transformed when he met Mr. Robinson, a TFY foster parent and a community leader who became a father figure and mentor. Despite facing challenges, including Mr. Robinson’s stroke, Patrick carried forward the lessons he learned, setting goals and making strides toward a brighter future. He came under the care of Mr. Robinson’s grandmother, Mrs. Harris.

With the support of Together for Youth 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 stigma about foster care, but there’s also a lot of good,” he shared. With the help of supportive figures like Mr. Robinson and Ms. Harris, Patrick is thriving, proving that with determination and the right guidance, success is achievable.

A young girl with curly hair smiles warmly at the camera. She is wearing a pink sleeveless top. The background is softly blurred, giving a bokeh effect with gentle light shining through, creating a bright and cheerful atmosphere.
A Youth’s Journey to Healing Through Play Therapy
A social worker at Together for Youth has been working with a young girl in foster care who endured severe abuse before entering the system. Using child-centered play therapy, the social worker created a safe space for the child to express her emotions and slowly confront her trauma. Initially withdrawn and emotionally closed off, the girl gradually became more confident and communicative, showing significant emotional growth.

During a pivotal session, the girl 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.

A joyful young girl with sunglasses and curly hair jumps in front of a blue wall, arms spread wide, wearing a white shirt, denim jacket, and black pants.

One Gift. Infinite Impact.

Become a catalyst for change in the lives of children and families in care. Your involvement can truly make a world of difference.

Learn more on how you can make a lasting impact, today.