With the national rate of homelessness growing by about 12% annually, the number of unhoused youth is expected to triple within the next decade. “I wanted to get away from my mom,” recounted Sam*, a youth homelessness advocate who fled their home when they were 18. “We were suffocating each...

On Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, communities across the nation paused to honor a leader whose moral vision continues to shape how we think about justice, dignity, and service. Dr. King’s timeless words — “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” — challenged Americans...

The new year began on a cheerful note for students and community members at the Alianza Dominicana Cultural Center on January 6. More than 200 participants poured into the lively Washington Heights space to celebrate Three Kings Day, the holiday that commemorates the three wise men who brought gifts to the...

For Families in Need, School Supplies Are Just Another Expense  The end of summer means the beginning of a new school year, and across New York, families in need struggle with the costs of new bags, pencils, and binders on top of their housing and grocery bills.  But on August...

Opening Doors for Bronx Youth  Every summer, hundreds of young people across New York City take their first steps into the working world through the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). For students at the Archimedes Academy for Math, Science & Technology Applications in the Bronx, that journey is made possible...

Child Support Awareness Month is celebrated each August in the United States to recognize the essential work of child support professionals and highlight the critical role child support plays in ensuring children have the behavioral and mental health resources they need. At Catholic Charities New York, our youth is the future, and...

Serving youth in our community is a key priority at Catholic Charities New York. We are deeply committed to the belief that every young person deserves the support, structure, and opportunity to thrive. Our commitment comes to life each summer through programs like Summer Rising, a citywide initiative that blends academics with...

With fall just around the corner, the rush to gather back-to-school supplies is well underway. From binders, pens and pencils to notebooks with fresh paper, families are preparing their children with the tools they need to succeed. And, of course, a new backpack to carry those essentials into...

A Sweet Start to Summer with SYEP “I love chocolate. I love dark chocolate. I tasted Sweet Vegan’s chocolate, and I was like, ‘This could be fun.’” For Wisdenia, a nursing student and returning participant in the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), a summer placement at Sweet Vegan...

Summer in New York City is more than sunshine and time off from school; it’s a season of growth, purpose, and leadership for the youth in our communities. At Catholic Charities New York, we believe that when young people are given real opportunities, they rise. And this summer, through programs...