Granting Wishes with the Ostberg Foundation

May 12, 2017

CUCS has a number of programs that provide children with stable homes and the support to build brighter futures. With the help of the Ostberg Foundation Children’s Gift Program, now our young residents also have the opportunity to mark off wish lists, develop interests, and just be kids!

Located in the East Tremont neighborhood of the Bronx, our Lenniger and Sydelle residences provide housing and support to low-income and formerly homeless families with children. The two buildings are home to 46 families and more than 70 children.

Both the Sydelle and the Lenniger have dedicated staff that organizes special activities and programs for the kids such as arts and crafts, birthday celebrations and movie nights. Thanks to the Ostberg Foundation, the Children’s Gift Program is another exciting program that we are proud of!

Henry and Sydelle Ostberg, founders of the Ostberg Foundation, are longtime supporters of CUCS’ work. Beginning in 2015, the Ostberg Foundation requested that a portion of their donations be earmarked to provide for children moving out of shelters and into a CUCS housing site. In addition to the Lenniger and the Sydelle, that also includes families in our Home to Stay program living in their own apartments across the city.

With the generous support from the Ostberg Foundation, nearly 200 children were able to purchase a gift for themselves in 2016. Items checked off of wish lists included action figures, Lego sets, costumes, art supplies, and many, many toy cars.

At the Sydelle, a six-year-old aspiring fashion designer (pictured above) was able to purchase a sewing machine to get her started on her dream. Home to Stay client Christine was also able to buy her daughter Caylee a birthday present (pictured right). Caylee received a Play Doh set, a Monster High Doll, and a coloring book with coloring supplies, all making her birthday very special.

We’re grateful for the Ostberg Foundation’s ongoing support and look forward to fulfilling more wishes together!