50th Anniversary Messages from our HFY Leaders

As we recognize HFY’s 50th year of existence I am delighted to be able to point out that the agency embodies the core principles of an elective organization as represent by the acronym GREAT coined by the MacArthur Foundation. Governance, Responsibility, Ethics, Accountability & Transparency. In navigating the ever changing system of public and private finance in the child welfare agency world, HFY has been able to achieve and sustain success with the support of many thoughtful and socially responsible individuals and organizations. As we complete our 5th decade of work on Long Island we are clear about our values, mission and areas of work. We employ creative and compassionate people who are excellent in building the well-being of our community and just as we would turn to knowledgeable contractors for a construction project, we turn to these human service professionals to tackle the complex job of building, maintaining and restoring well-being. Each year our programs and their reach has expanded, and I am proud to be alongside past and present board members, seasoned and new staff, recent graduates, foster families, donors and many other community members to celebrate 50 years of HFY’s outstanding service! As we complete our 5th decade of work on Long Island we are clear about our values, mission and areas of work. We employ creative and compassionate people who are excellent in building the well-being of our community and just as we would turn to knowledgeable contractors for a construction project, we turn to these human service professionals to tackle the complex job of building, maintaining and restoring well-being. Each year our programs and their reach has expanded, and I am proud to be alongside past and present board members, seasoned and new staff, recent graduates, foster families, donors and many other community members to celebrate 50 years of HFY’s outstanding service! Anthony W. Cummings, Esq. Hope For Youth, Board President EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE In 1969, Hope for Youth was founded to get children out of large residential treatment centers and into the community. Our founder, Judge Golding, and the board members who followed over the last 50 years recognized that when we support child well-being, we make sure that everyone can reach their full potential and fully contribute to our communities. Maximizing the potential of all children helps our communities to thrive and remain vibrant. Fifty years later, the focus of Hope For Youth programs in 2019 continues to be the well-being of children, youth and families. The struggles of addiction, mental health, housing, food insecurity and family dynamics are still ever present, but the treatments and scope of work now requires evidence based models and cutting edge solutions that keep children at home with parents or other family members, or return them home as quickly as possible. Hope For Youth’s current board of directors and our dedicated staff recognize that the well-being of individuals and of our agency is built on strong foundations. Just as building a strong house requires a variety of materials, building well-being and programs that support families requires community resources, social relationships, and opportunities to thrive. To build well-being in our community depends on many people working together, just as building a house or home does. We have learned so much in 50 years. Today our scope of services has expanded and diversified in response to community feedback, local and national initiatives reaching children/ youth at critical junctures in their lives. As we look ahead to our next 50 years, Hope For Youth will continue to collaborate with local government agencies, foundations, corporations, other nonprofits and community members to build ever stronger foundations for children and families to thrive. Dr. David J. Hegarty, CEO and Executive Director