The following is an excerpt from the November 6th issue of The New York Times:
The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund begins its 2009-2010 campaign today. The tradition of helping those who are struggling to provide for themselves and their families began 98 years ago, after Adolph S. Ochs, then the publisher of The New York Times, encountered a shabbily dressed man who was out of work and down on his luck. Their exchange inspired Mr. Ochs to begin printing profiles about the city’s worst-off citizens in The New York Times. Since then, readers have responded to the articles printed every holiday season by sending in contributions by mail and, more recently, online at nycharties.org. All told, the Fund has raised over $244 million.
Below, the seven agencies supported by the Neediest Cases Fund describe how readers’ donations bring stability to people’s lives in times of crisis.
Children’s Aid Society
A child walks to school without a coat in winter and does not want to worry his jobless mother about it. A widowed father chooses to use his reduced wages to put food on the family table, but doesn’t know where to turn when he receives a utility shut-off notice. These are family situations that come to The Children’s Aid Society on a daily basis.
To learn how you can make a difference, please link over to The New York Times Needist Cases Fund or contact:
The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund
230 West 41st Street
Suite 1300
New York, NY 10036
(800) 381-0075

Tags: Children, children's aid new york, NY Times Neediest Cases Stories

Hi,I have a question and a comment. 1- when do childrens aid help?? I’m a single mother of two and my kids have attend schools where childrens aid society have office in the building. I started as a volunteer for the school and childrens aid when my daughter was In kinder and my son in first grade they are now in 6 and 7 grade, during this couple of years I have gone thru some really hard time and I have asked for help, right now my kids doesn’t have winter clothes and I’m almost out of the place I have lived for the past 6 years wich is not under my name because I dont have bank account and without it I can’t get a place under my name. and the last time I went to ask for help it was On September 2009 not money, a job – help to get a bed for my kids because they grew out of theyr bed I had to trow it out – uniforms – coats anything they could do for us . I gave them proof of everything I owed all my kids and my documents everything they ask for the answer was how they are going to help me if I don’t have a job if they helped me paying any of my bills I was going to ask for more later they told me to go apply for public assistance and after that ignore me like I don’t even exist. I’m the p.t.a. President of the school my son attend and the childrens aid office is in front to the one I’m assigned to during my duties so theyr workers see me everyday. When , how or who they help because I can assure you it is not my family who has been in need for years in theyr face.
Nakia, thank you for your inquiry. If your children are still attending schools with Children’s Aid programs, then an on-site representative with Children’s Aid should be able to help you. If not, then you can call or visit one of the following agencies for assistance:
Brooklyn Bureau of Community Service
285 Schermerhorn St.
Brooklyn, NY 11217
(718) 310-5649
Community Service Society
105 E. 22nd St
New York, NY 10010
(212) 614-5571
Catholic Charities, New York
1011 First Avenue
New York, NY 10022
(212) 371-1000
Federation of Protestant
281 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10010
(212) 777-4800
Catholic Charities, Brooklyn
191 Joralemon St.
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 522-1034
UJA Jewish Federation
130 E. 59th St
New York, NY 10022
(800) 852-3337
Thank you for your comment.
I am a mother of 3 , only 1 is still at home. he is 15 yo. I have been struggling with bi polar 2 and major anxiety for 11 years. i have been a compliant outpatient on multiple meds for the whole time. i worked steadily til 9/11 and then severely injured ny knee (full acl tear) in a slip. since then I have had 2 major knee surgery’s and two hospitalizations for depression. i was denied SSD in 2004 because my work history was so solid and relied on welfare which was terrible. i was ready to work again when due to a buildings negligence the steel cover for oil was not locked but not visible and when i stepped on it it opened and i fell again. i know require spine treatments and double knee surgery. i am very depressed. i have very little family, i have spent all my savings on rent -a 10×12 studio and am about to apply again for SSD and public assistance. i just got Medicaid. I am looking at eviction, surgery, and my son knows how sad I am . the one thing i wanted to do was have a few gifts for him. i am ready to drop any pride i had. I dont know where to turn and am alone on this. any help would be a gift.
thank you
Zoe
Hi Zoe,
Thanks for reaching out to us. We have a few resources that you can turn to for assistance.
If you would like to seek legal assistance pertaining to your most recent injury, a few not-for-profit legal offices may be able to help including City Bar Justice Center and they can be reached at 212.626.7383. Also, Legal Aid Society and New York Legal Services may be of assistance but contact info depends on the borough in which you live.
If we knew your borough, we could also then refer you and your son to one of our local community centers for activities, recreation, education, health services and more. You are right to reapply for SSD and public assistance which will hopefully come through.
Lastly, since you are not currently a Children’s Aid program participant you may also want to reach out to one of the following agencies for assistance; choose the one that is in your borough.
Brooklyn Bureau of Community Service
285 Schermerhorn St.
Brooklyn, NY 11217
(718) 310-5600
Community Service Society
105 E. 22nd St.
New York, NY 10010
(212) 614-5426
Catholic Charities, New York
1011 First Avenue
New York, NY 10022
(212) 371-1000
Protestant Federation
281 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10010
(212) 777-4800
Catholic Charities, Brooklyn
191 Joralemon St.
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 722 6000
UJA Jewish Federation
130 E. 59th St.
New York, NY 10022
(212) 836-1228
If none of these options work for your or you need further assistance, please feel free to email us at blogs@childrensaidsociety.org
Valorie
thanks for the response. I live in Washington heights manhattan and I am fighting severe depression and anxiety. I am treated and when things get this bad, no medication can lesson my fears. Why is letting down a child on Christmas so painful? If you have anymore clear cut paths please pass them on
so gratefully
Zoe
Zoe – There are several places where you can go for assistance:
Inwood Community Services: 212-942-0043
Metropolitan Center for Mental Health: 212-543-0777
Upper Manhattan Mental Health: 212-694-9200
Jewish Board – Family & Children: 212-795-9888
Mental Health hotline: 1-800-LIFENET (543-3638)
If you are in crisis/in need of immediate assistance you should go to the nearest emergency room. New York Presbyterian has emergency psychiatric services.
We hope this helps you and good luck!!