At Catholic Charities of New York, we are proud to work alongside our agencies to ensure that every child has the opportunity to build social skills, gain confidence, and develop lasting values that will serve them well as adults.
This belief inspired two of our affiliate agencies — Kennedy Children’s Center and LSA Family Health Service — to partner on an exciting new initiative: the launch of three special education classrooms in East Harlem. This collaboration expands access to essential services for children with developmental delays, ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive.
Since 1958, Kennedy’s Children Center has provided high-quality education services to young children with developmental delays, working in partnership with families and communities to foster growth and independence. LSA Family Health Services has long strengthened and empowered vulnerable families by addressing their basic needs for food, healthcare, education and a safe home. Together, these two agencies bring a holistic, community-based approach to supporting young learners.
This new program serves children ages 3 to 5 with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) — a group that remains underserved due to a citywide shortage of available classroom placements.
Located within LSA’s East Harlem facility, the new classrooms can accommodate up to 30 students. Each class, limited to eight or twelve children, is led by one teacher and supported by two teaching assistants to ensure individualized support. In addition to their education programing, students receive speech, occupational, and physical therapy, as well as behavioral services tailored to both students and their families.
This partnership was born out of a shared commitment to community-based solutions. “Our job is not only to educate the child, but to support and educate the parent as well,” said Jeanne Alter, CEO of Kennedy Children’s Center. “Being part of the LSA community allows us to provide wraparound support we couldn’t offer alone.”
The effort also addresses a critical citywide issue: more than 1,200 children in New York City with IEPs currently remain without services due to lack of classroom space. This joint initiative not only opens doors for those children but also strengthens the broader network of care for families in need.
“This story is our story. I’m so proud that we are forging this new relationship. It’s a trusting relationship,” said John Gensler, CEO of LSA Family Health Service. “We couldn’t do it alone. It really does take a village, and we’re building that village together.”
At Catholic Charities of New York, we are honored to support and champion programs that deliver compassionate, effective, and accountable services to our neighbors in need.
We are also deeply grateful for community partners like Councilwoman Diane Ayala and Assemblyman Eddie Gibbs, who continue to ensure that families in East Harlem have the resources they need to thrive. This shared commitment to reducing the gap in early childhood special education represents the very best of what it means to work together — with faith, purpose, and hope.
