We reflect with deep gratitude on the progress made in 2025—made possible through the generosity and partnership of our donors, board members, staff, and community partners—and on the momentum it continues to build for the children and families we support. Your generosity makes this work possible every day. Give now
Over the past year, Catholic Guardian Services helped 190 children placed in foster care find safe, permanent homes through family reunification, kinship guardianship, and adoption—creating stability where children can grow, heal, and thrive. At the same time, we expanded access to mental health care, with families seen in an average of 60 days—3.5 times faster than the NYC system and a 29% improvement over the prior year. Our prevention and parenting programs continue to strengthen families before crisis occurs, with 92% of families reaching their goals, 99% avoiding entry or re-entry into foster care, and participating mothers experiencing a 15% reduction in depression. As the first generation of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to age outside institutional settings, Catholic Guardian Services supports 72 individuals in residential care—many of whom have spent their adult lives with us—ensuring older adults with disabilities are able to age with dignity, stability, and community.
We welcomed Anne M. Falvey and Annabelle Perez Gray into new leadership roles as Board Chair and Vice Chair, strengthening governance and vision at a pivotal moment for Catholic Guardian Services. For the first time in our history, these two leadership positions were held simultaneously by women—marking an important milestone for the organization.
Catholic Guardian Services earned CARF Re-Accreditation across multiple programs, including Enhanced Family Foster Care, Special Medical Family Foster Care, Residential Foster Care, and the Unaccompanied Children Program—affirming the quality, rigor, and accountability of our work
On November 3, we celebrated the 40th Annual Child of Peace Awards Celebration, our most successful in agency history, raising more than $1 million and welcoming 400 guests. We were honored to recognize Lauren and Rich Harding, Kathleen Cudahy, and Rev. Msgr. Kevin Sullivan, and grateful for the presence of emcee Giselle Delgado, Father James Martin, and Miss America, Cassie Donegan.
40th Annual Child of Peace Awards Celebration
We proudly marked the Harmony Hub Ribbon Cutting, expanding community-based family enrichment and support in the Bronx.
Through initiatives such as the Giving Table Food Distribution, we continued to respond directly to food insecurity and basic needs for families across our communities.
We held our first Strategic Visioning initiative, bringing together organizational and board leadership to shape a clear, mission-aligned path forward—grounded in the needs, dignity, and potential of the individuals and communities we support.
Our Family Counseling & Wellness Center opened a new satellite location at 1780 Grand Concourse, increasing access to care for children and families in the Bronx.
Catholic Guardian Services joined the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, deepening our connection to local partners and community leaders.
Staff’s performance excellence was recognized throughout the year, including four CGS leaders named NYC Administration for Children’s Services Excellence in Practice Award recipients, reflecting the strength and dedication of our team.
To sustain and grow our impact, we strengthened our people systems—investing in how we attract, support, and retain the talented staff who care for children and families every day. Throughout the year, we enhanced recruitment and onboarding, invested in leadership development and employee wellness, and continued to build a strong employer culture that supports consistent, high-quality care.
During the holiday season, our annual holiday toy drive and children’s Christmas parties delivered thousands of toys to children in our programs, ensuring moments of joy and normalcy during a critical time of year. These efforts—along with coat, diaper, and essential-item distributions—were made possible through the generosity of our individual donors and corporate partners, whose support brought warmth, dignity, and hope to children and families across our communities.
Through 2026, with your support, we remain focused on deepening our impact, expanding access to care, and strengthening the systems that help children and families thrive—building on the momentum of the year behind us.
We will expand our capacity to identify and support children with autism and other developmental needs earlier and more effectively — reducing delays in diagnosis, strengthening caregiver support, and improving long-term outcomes for children involved in foster care.
We will expand mental health services and open a new school-based clinic to reduce barriers to care, deliver earlier intervention, and meet children and families where they are.
We will explore a supportive housing service model that helps individuals and families achieve stability, access coordinated supports and build pathways toward long-term independence.
We will invest in fair, livable wages for frontline professionals who walk alongside children and families every day—reducing turnover and protecting the continuity of care children and families deserve.
We will grow our Parenting Resource Center by expanding family supports, increasing father engagement, integrating doula services, strengthening community partnerships, and investing in early learning to support children and caregivers from the very beginning.
We will strengthen and diversify board leadership while launching a new Associate Board to engage emerging leaders, broaden community representation, and build long-term stewardship of our mission.
We will deepen community partnerships and elevate our collective voice, strengthening collaboration across neighborhoods, systems, and sectors to better advocate for children, families, and individuals with complex needs.
Through the Jane and Edward C. Kuhner Memorial Scholarship Fund, we will continue to expand employment services and entrepreneurship opportunities for youth in foster care, equipping young people with job readiness, career pathways, and the skills needed to achieve economic stability and independence.
We look forward to welcoming Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks and deepening collaboration in support of our shared commitment to dignity, compassion, and care for the most vulnerable New Yorkers.
Together, we are building a future where children are protected, families are strengthened, and every person we accompany has the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive. Thank you for being an essential part of this work and for standing with Catholic Guardian Services year-round. Give now
