Severe health outbreaks in New York City.
A home for children that was tragically destroyed by fire.
A serious fire at agency headquarters on Park Place in Manhattan, followed two years later by shuttered offices in the wake of September 11th.
The care of orphaned and children in need of home placement has encountered drastic challenges over our 130+ years of service.
Since 1995, we have been known as Lutheran Social Services of New York (LSSNY). Our Enhanced Family Foster Care program currently serves 75 children. We have a diverse pool of foster parents who partner with us to provide a nurturing environment for our children.
Our Sister’s Place is a loving and nurturing residence for eight expectant and young mothers up to 21 years of age and their babies who are in foster care.
Safe Haven for Children is a program that provides shelter and foster care services to 125 children who arrive in the United States without a parent or guardian.
Our Preventive Services Family Support program provides intensive case management for 96 families at risk of losing their parental rights due to substance abuse and/or mental health issues.
On today, National Foster Care Day, we recognize the extraordinary efforts of foster parents to provide love and care for children in need of nurturing and supportive homes.
Read more about our fascinating history
Photo credits (from L to R):
The Bethlehem Orphan Asylum, Second Avenue, College Point, Summer 1907 (via Queens Chronicle)
Children of Bethlehem Orphan Asylum (via Queens Library’s digital archives)
Bethlehem Orphan and Half Orphan Asylum, Staten Island (via NYPL’s digital collections)