The Heckscher Foundation for Children

Highbridge

One of the biggest and most frustrating problems in private philanthropy is the lack of coordination among stakeholders to solve problems. Working against the norm, a group of prominent funders, government officials and service providers have initiated the Bridge Builders project to work in the Highbridge section of the Bronx, which has the worst foster care record in New York City. The project’s goals include reducing the placement of children into foster care, shortening the length of stay for children in care, and preventing re-entry into foster care. The project is in its third year, with two more to follow, and is being exhaustively monitored by the University of Chicago’s Chapin Hall and an executive committee. The Foundation funded a chapter of Club Success, a program begun in University Heights that has been very effective in connecting youth to jobs, education and housing resources.