Keeping the Promise: How Children of Promise, NYC Is Transforming Lives in 2025—and Beyond
In communities across New York City, nearly 2 million residents rely on SNAP benefits, reflecting the growing economic pressures facing families. Nationally, 41.7 million people—including more than 16 million children and 1.2 million veterans—depend on SNAP each month. These realities underscore an urgent truth: families need more than temporary relief. They need sustained support, opportunity, and care.
For 16 years, Children of Promise, NYC (CPNYC) has been answering that call.
A Mission Rooted in Healing and Opportunity
Children of Promise, NYC is a community-centered organization dedicated to supporting children and families. Its work focuses on dismantling stigma, addressing trauma, and creating pathways for long-term success in communities disproportionately affected by systemic inequities.
At its core is a simple but powerful belief:
Every child deserves a full plate of opportunity, support, and possibility.
Expanding Reach and Deepening Impact in 2025
This year marked significant growth for CPNYC, both in the number of families served and the depth of services provided.
300+ scholars served daily across Brooklyn and the Bronx
1,100 children and caregivers engaged through afterschool programs, summer camp, mental health services, and family support
150 new families welcomed, reinforcing CPNYC’s role as a trusted community anchor
Strengthening Mental Health Support
CPNYC continues to expand its integrated mental health model:
3,500+ individual and group therapy sessions delivered
Introduced trauma-responsive group programs tailored for elementary and teen scholars
Advanced a new mental health licensure model to improve continuity of care and access to services
These efforts ensure children receive consistent, culturally responsive support to build resilience and emotional well-being.
Academic Growth and Enrichment
CPNYC’s holistic approach blends emotional care with strong academic support:
82% of scholars improved reading or math scores
91% showed stronger engagement and school attendance
Daily homework help, 1:1 tutoring, and academic coaching
Expanded STEM, robotics, digital media, and visual arts programming
New life-skills and career-readiness workshops for middle and high school students
The result: students are not just catching up—they’re thriving.
Fighting Food Insecurity: The “Promise of a Full Plate”
With food insecurity rising nationwide, CPNYC prioritized ensuring no child learns on an empty stomach.
30,000+ meals and snacks distributed
500+ families supported through pantry access, emergency assistance, and case management
Launched the Promise of a Full Plate Campaign, addressing both immediate hunger and long-term wellness
Empowering Families Through Dignity and Choice
During the holiday season, the Choose and Cheer Campaign provided scholars with a $100 budget to select gifts and essentials themselves—paired with financial literacy lessons on budgeting and decision-making.
This initiative combined relief with empowerment, helping children build confidence alongside practical life skills.
Building Community and Workforce Opportunities
CPNYC’s impact extends beyond youth programming into economic empowerment:
120+ community residents employed in programmatic, clinical, and operational roles
Hosted 45 volunteer groups, strengthening intergenerational engagement
Expanded partnerships across corporate, philanthropic, and government sectors
Strengthening the Organization for Long-Term Growth
Behind the scenes, CPNYC made strategic investments to sustain and scale its work:
Progress toward acquiring a permanent Bronx facility
Enhanced infrastructure across finance, HR, development, and data systems
Increased funding through foundations, individual donors, and special campaigns like Promise in Action
Looking Ahead to 2026: A Bold Vision
CPNYC is entering one of the most significant growth periods in its history, with clear goals:
Program Expansion
Increase scholars served annually from 1,100 to 1,350
Add 50 new Bronx afterschool seats
Expand workforce development to engage 150 teens (ages 14–19)
Mental Health Advancement
Grow therapy services from 3,500 to 5,000 sessions annually
Hire additional clinicians and launch a Clinical Training Institute
Implement tools to track each scholar’s academic and emotional progress
Food Security & Wellness
Provide 10,000 additional meals and pantry supports
Offer parent workshops on budgeting, nutrition, and food access
Partner with local grocers and urban farms to expand fresh food options
Turning Promises Into Action
CPNYC exists to ensure children are seen, supported, and given every chance to succeed.
As the organization looks toward 2026, its mission remains steadfast:
Increase reach. Deepen impact. Strengthen families. Deliver the full plate every child deserves.
With continued community partnership and investment, Children of Promise, NYC is not just responding to need—it is breaking cycles of trauma and building pathways to opportunity, one scholar at a time.
