PROJECT FIRST DAY
For the thousands of children living in New York City shelter system, school supplies are a necessity most families cannot afford.
Project First Day is a back to school program giving children a new outfit, new shoes, a backpack, and grade-specific school supplies for the entire year.
2024 marks our 18th year of Project First Day and we have committed to helping 1000+ vulnerable children this year with their back to school needs.
Outfits and backpacks are provided by sponsors who receive a Mad Libs filled out by the child to give the sponsor some insight into their likes/dislikes/personality
Sponsors write card or letter of good wishes for the school year so the child knows that there is someone cheering them on.
Click Here to learn more about Project First Day
See Our CBS News New York Feature Story!
STOCKINGS WITH CARE
2024 marks the 33rd year of the Stockings With Care Program!
Working with agencies citywide, 2000+ kids receive gifts through STOCKINGS WITH CARE each year at Christmas.
Each of the children we serve makes 3 holiday wishes and their sponsor “Santa” buys and wraps each of these gifts for the child. All the gifts are delivered to parents and caregivers who then give them personally to their children on Christmas Day.
Unlike other holiday gift drives, the parents are the heroes for older children, while the magic of Santa remains alive for the little ones.
When children get the gifts they asked for, they know they are heard, they see that they matter, and they experience the joy of Christmas.
PROJECT WELCOME HOME
Project Welcome Home is a pilot program of PROJECTS WITH CARE, which will fill in the gap for families who have survived domestic violence by providing the basic home necessities as they transition from shelter life to independent living. We will be starting the pilot program in 2024 geared toward our shelters that house families who have survived domestic abuse, with plans to scale the program to other residential shelters that house homeless families that we currently support with our Project First Day and Stockings With Care initiatives.
When a family of a domestic violence shelter is finally able to find a place to call home, they are often unprepared for what awaits them. Economic abuse, extreme exhaustion/burnout and for some, even the joy of finally receiving an apartment overtakes the power to consider the next step: where will my children sleep? How will I cook and dine with my kids, bathe, take out the garbage? All of the basic day to day living responsibilities for a parent.
Project Welcome Home will support these abuse-survivor led families by providing some of the practical items they will need as they try to create a home for their children. Utilizing our network of volunteer “Good Neighbors”, we will purchase basic necessities for the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom to ease some of the burden and help them to create a home for their family. All of PWC’s initiatives are personalized and our “Good Neighbors” will know the children’s ages, first names, favorite colors, etc. that will help them choose specific items in order to bring the children some joy in their new environment.
To learn more about Project Welcome Home, click here.
To purchase beds for a family, click here.
SPECIAL PROJECTS
At Projects With Care, we believe in the power of community helping community, especially when it comes to supporting those less fortunate in New York City.
Our one-off special projects are designed with care and compassion, aimed at making a tangible difference in the lives of families facing hardships. From providing essential supplies during times of crisis to organizing community events that foster a sense of belonging, each project is a testament to the strength of unity and generosity. By coming together and lending a helping hand, we not only address immediate needs, but also build lasting connections that uplift spirits and instill hope.
Together, we can create a brighter future for all, one project at a time.
Click here to see some of our Special Projects
“In the past several years, the Healthy Families children have benefited from the generous donations from Stockings with Care. The gifts provided by so many wonderful donors brighten the faces of these children who didn’t expect to get anything for the holidays. The most rewarding experience is when the parents are overwhelmed with joy and are appreciative for this help during the busiest time of year. It is an empowering experience for the parents, because it is not just a handout but a process of inclusion.”
— Terri-Ann Villas, Healthy Families New York