The latest from Go Project ... Comptroller Scott Stringer ... New York Foundling

New York Foundling had a little bit of partying to do as National Foster Care Month came to a close. The New York City nonprofit celebrated foster care students on May 24 who beat the odds by graduating college through The Dorm Project. The program, a collaboration among the organization, the Administration for Children's Services and CUNY, had its pilot year in 2016-2017. This school year marks the first of what has become a three-year program, according to a spokeswoman.

Close to 100 students live in college dorms at the College of Staten Island, Queens College and City College. Resident advisors and "college success coaches" keep an eye on the students as they navigate classes and pursue internships and jobs.

This Twitter Moment shows how other nonprofits have recognized National Foster Care Month.

New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer released a report on May 29 detailing widespread delays in city payments to human services nonprofits. The report revealed that 81 percent of all new and renewal contracts arrived at his office after their start date, a full 90 percent when it comes to human service nonprofits. Ten percent of new and renewal contracts arrived at his office more than a year after their start dates.

 

As Chair of the @NYCCouncil Contracts Committee, I hear this often and it is very concerning. Outside groups we rely on to provide critical services to NYC should be paid in full and on time. I will dig and get to the bottom of this. https://t.co/x40MoDWqkZ

— Justin Brannan (@JustinBrannan) May 29, 2018

This is an issue that people in the sector are familiar with. They've discussed the issue at length and have pushed the City Council to leverage its oversight to improve the contracts process. To alleviate some of that pressure, Stringer recommends in his report that the city assign agenices "a specific timeframe for their contract review work" as well "create a public facing tracking system" so contracters can monitor the process.

"Whether it’s after-school programs for youth, home delivered meals for seniors, or temporary shelter for homeless families, City government delivers services to its residents through community-based partner organizations in all corners of the city," reads the report.

Here is Stringer speaking to WCBS on May 29.

Astor Services for Children and Families has received The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval. This recognition, awarded in March, recognizes a 'high reliability" of services provided by the organization, according to a May 29 press release. The community-based behavioral health organization – which works in the Bronx and mid-Hudson Valley has been accredited by The Joint Commission since 1974.

The GO Project celebrated its 50th anniversary with a May 3 event in Manhattan. More than 600 guests attended the event, which honored longstanding supporters of the nonprofit including co-founders Cree Harland and the late Elinor Ratner. Grace Church School and Select Equity Group Foundation also received recognition. Proceeds from the event will go towards educational programs for struggling New York City public school children and their families. Photos of the event are available on the organization's Facebook page, but they also shared a few snapshots with NYN Media from the last few decades: