WHO
WE SERVE
Hearts
of Gold (HoG) improves the lives of more than 350 children and 230 mothers
annually at three Manhattan shelters: Icahn House East, LLC; the Alexander Abraham
Residence (a program of WIN); and Nazareth Housing. HoG also helps mothers and
their children as they transition from these shelters to permanent housing through
our Alumni Support Program by maintaining a relationship with ‘alumni’ in
need who are often alone in a home for the first time in their life. Sadly, half
of the women and children in New York City shelters are victims of domestic violence,
some have additional children in foster or kin care, and others spent their own
live in foster care. On average, the mothers have only a 10th grade education,
and are at a clear disadvantage in the workplace. Though 53% of New York City’s
total population are black and Latino, approximately 90% of all shelter residents
(including the mothers and children we serve) are black or Latino.
WHY
WE SERVE
Hearts
of Gold grew from a simple idea that Founder and Executive
Director Deborah Koenigsberger had not only for her children
but also for mothers and children less fortunate. Her
faith in the possibility of a bright American future for all
was infectious and drew her friends, influential and otherwise,
to rally with her to “do something” to improve
the lives of New York City’s homeless mothers and their
children. Reducing
homelessness is not simply a matter of providing housing.
It is also a matter of addressing the root causes of homelessness:
the disintegration of extended families, domestic violence,
joblessness, and a lack of education and basic life skills.
Hearts of Gold (HoG) exists to enhance the lives of New York City's
homeless mothers and their children. This
mission is steeped in the values of equality and self-empowerment. HoG
reawakens hope and expectations by providing incentives
and rewards for those who strive for self-improvement,
opening doors of opportunity and lending a helping hand
whenever necessary.
Though the city provides basic “shelter” and
services, we have found that quality-of-life resources are
scarce to non-existent. HoG celebrates life throughout
the year, empowering mothers and children toward self-improvement
and independence as they move from homelessness to the shelters
to permanent housing. We also improve the shelters’ physical
facilities and provide basic furniture and equipment as our
families move out to subsidized housing. HoG’s
programs have evolved into the following three areas:
1. LET'S
CELEBRATE!
2. HOMEWARD
BOUND!
3. EMPOWERMENT
= ACHIEVEMENT!
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