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About Us »
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Mission
2,900+
The number of children who have achieved permanency in loving, stable and nurturing homes thanks to NAC's help.
"When I've needed the most support, NAC has always been there for me and my family."Juliana, Mother of Francisco and Evelyn
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Who We Serve
3,454The number of children NAC served last year.
Definition
Medically Fragile: a designation for a child with a profound disability and/or chronic medical condition, which may become unstable and change abruptly, resulting in a life-threatening situation.
Get Involved
A little help goes a long way. School supplies, house warming baskets, a new book to read...all make a world of difference to NAC children and families.
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History
“NAC's magnificent staff and supportive board have given rise to a program that reflects caring, professionalism and an extraordinary regard for our children and families.”Elizabeth Pforzheimer
Founding Board MemberRecognition
"NAC has maintained its status as the preeminent health care and social services agency for children with special medical needs," according to one recent award announcement.
$15 millionThe amount NAC's budget has grown, from its start-up budget of $100,000 in 1982.
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Executive Director
Award-Winning Leadership
Arlene Goldsmith was named a Robert Wood Johnson Community Health Leader, earning NAC a $100,000 grant, "in recognition of her pioneering efforts to give hospital-bound, chronically ill children a chance to live in a loving family."
NAC Facts
- NAC serves 1,400 children and their families annually
- NAC has virtually eliminated foster care recidivism and aging-out of foster care
- NAC prevents the placement of children in foster care for 98-99% of families served in Preventive Services
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Key Staff
“I feel so lucky to be practicing at NAC because I believe we do the best work in the field of child welfare in the City of New York. Many of our Social Workers could be doing almost anything professionally and they are at NAC 'on purpose' and that is reflected in the work.”Carla Riccobono, LMSW Director of Foster Care and Adoption
Top Rated
Among ratings for safety, permanency and well-being, NAC is the second highest ranking foster care agency in New York City and the highest among agencies serving medically fragile children.
Volunteers are Key
Volunteers are a valued part of NAC's team. They provide meaningful support to staff and NAC children, such as providing one-on-one mentoring, or guiding kids through pet-assisted therapy.
Adoption Excellence
NAC's post adoption program, PLAN, received national accolades for its outstanding adoption outcomes, including no adoption dissolutions.
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Annual Report
$365,000The minimum amount NAC saves tax payers each year by bringing one child home from the hospital.
Get Involved
A little help goes a long way. School supplies, house warming baskets, a new book to read...all make a world of difference to NAC children and families.
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NAC Video
Get Involved
A little help goes a long way. School supplies, house warming baskets, a new book to read...all make a world of difference to NAC children and families.
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Board of Directors
“Every member of NAC's staff is clearly passionate about our mission of improving children's lives. Their dedication and their professional excellence are what make NAC so very special.”Virginia Aaron
Board President, 2009-2011One HundredNumber of medically fragile children living in hospitals beyond medical need that NAC's Founding Board Members discovered over a two-day period in 1982 after authorities said there were none.
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What We Do »
NAC Facts

- NAC serves 1,400 children and their families annually
- NAC has virtually eliminated foster care recidivism and aging-out of foster care
- NAC prevents the placement of children in foster care for 98-99% of families served in Preventive Services
NAC Kids Can

NAC has helped over 100 children with disabilities and chronic illnesses make their college dreams come true.
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Programs & Services
2,900+
The number of children who have achieved permanency in loving, stable and nurturing homes thanks to NAC's help.
Helping the Neediest
Through funds provided by the New York Times Neediest Cases Fund, getting extermination services for bed bugs made all the difference for one Bronx family.
Get Involved
A little help goes a long way. School supplies, house warming baskets, a new book to read...all make a world of difference to NAC children and families.
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Prevention Programs
"You cannot imagine what it means to take care of a child with very special medical needs every day. The challenges are overwhelming."
- Arlene Goldsmith, NAC Executive Director
100%The percentage of NAC "boarder children" who never returned to live in a hospital after NAC helped them go home.
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Special Medical Preventive Services
98%
The percentage of NAC children who have avoided entering foster care, thanks to the Preventive Services program.
Safety First
NAC received 100% - the highest rating possible - on the "safety" and "well-being" of our children according to NYC Children's Services' Preventive Services Scorecard.
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Partners in Parenting (PIP)
Partnering Together
“Some people are concerned that they won't have the support, and I try to explain to them that at NAC the support is in place.”Felicia, NAC parent
75%The percentage of families in the PIP program that maintained or improved their employability with at least one parent working or in school.
NAC Kids Can
NAC has helped over 100 children with disabilities and chronic illnesses make their college dreams come true.
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Foster Care & Adoption
Adoption Excellence
NAC's post adoption program, PLAN, received national accolades for its outstanding adoption outcomes, including no adoption dissolutions.
$365,000The minimum amount NAC saves tax payers each year by bringing one child home from the hospital.
NAC Kids Olympics
It's not every day that a child with a severe disability or chronic illness has the opportunity to go for the Gold. Cheer on NAC kids as they give their all at the Annual NAC Kids Olympics.
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Special Medical Foster Care & Adoption
Too Much Love?
Why become a foster parent? In the words of one NAC foster mother, Julia "I had too much of something to give, and that was love."
Top Rated
Among ratings for safety, permanency and well-being, NAC is the second highest ranking foster care agency in New York City and the highest among agencies serving medically fragile children.
Get Involved
A little help goes a long way. School supplies, house warming baskets, a new book to read...all make a world of difference to NAC children and families.
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Treatment Family Foster Care Program
“The support I receive from NAC is beyond compare. No matter what the need or problem, the agency can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”
- Margaret, NAC Therapeutic Foster Parent
100%The percentage of NAC children and families who have access to medical and mental health care on-site regardless of their ability to pay.
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Homefinding
Special needs... Special rewards
As a foster parent, you will experience the deep fulfillment of knowing that you...
- Provide a needed home for a special child
- Provide the care crucial for a child to grow and develop
- Give a child a chance for a better life
- Share your family's love
- Gain new skills related to child development and medical issues
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Post Legal Adoption Network (PLAN)
“I was under the impression that you get these kids and you are on your own. Not at NAC because they know these kids need long-term care. And they do it as a family, so some of the weight is released off of you. I was just blown away with the love and caring that NAC provided.”
Deborah
NAC foster motherAdoption Success
NAC has zero adoption dissolutions since the inception of its Post Legal Adoption Network in 1994.
Recognition
"NAC has maintained its status as the preeminent health care and social services agency for children with special medical needs," according to one recent award announcement.
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Bridges to Health (B2H)
Award-Winning Leadership
Arlene Goldsmith was named a Robert Wood Johnson Community Health Leader, earning NAC a $100,000 grant, "in recognition of her pioneering efforts to give hospital-bound, chronically ill children a chance to live in a loving family."
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Comprehensive Healthcare Center
One Hundred
Number of medically fragile children living in hospitals beyond medical need that NAC's Founding Board Members discovered over a two-day period in 1982 after authorities said there were none.
NAC Facts
- NAC serves 1,400 children and their families annually
- NAC has virtually eliminated foster care recidivism and aging-out of foster care
- NAC prevents the placement of children in foster care for 98-99% of families served in Preventive Services
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Medical Clinic
Definition
Medically Fragile: a designation for a child with a profound disability and/or chronic medical condition, which may become unstable and change abruptly, resulting in a life-threatening situation.
$365,000The minimum amount NAC saves tax payers each year by bringing one child home from the hospital.
NAC Kids Olympics
It's not every day that a child with a severe disability or chronic illness has the opportunity to go for the Gold. Cheer on NAC kids as they give their all at the Annual NAC Kids Olympics.
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Mental Health Clinic
Who Has Helped?
NAC's successes have attracted the support of a diverse mix of individuals, foundations, and corporations.
“Every member of NAC's staff is clearly passionate about our mission of improving children's lives. Their dedication and their professional excellence are what make NAC so very special.”Virginia Aaron
Board President, 2009-2011 -
Educational Support and Advocacy
90%
The percent of school-age children at NAC who were promoted to the next grade level or graduated from high school in 2009.
“I am the first person in my family to graduate from college. A large part of my accomplishments have been made possible by the many helpful hands at NAC.”- Tamara, NAC client with brittle bone disease
NAC Kids Can
NAC has helped over 100 children with disabilities and chronic illnesses make their college dreams come true.
Get Involved
A little help goes a long way. School supplies, house warming baskets, a new book to read...all make a world of difference to NAC children and families.
Volunteers are Key
Volunteers are a valued part of NAC's team. They provide meaningful support to staff and NAC children, such as providing one-on-one mentoring, or guiding kids through pet-assisted therapy.
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Family Support
NAC Kids Olympics
It's not every day that a child with a severe disability or chronic illness has the opportunity to go for the Gold. Cheer on NAC kids as they give their all at the Annual NAC Kids Olympics.
Safety First
NAC received 100% - the highest rating possible - on the "safety" and "well-being" of our children according to NYC Children's Services' Preventive Services Scorecard.
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How Services are Linked
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Success Stories
One HundredNumber of medically fragile children living in hospitals beyond medical need that NAC's Founding Board Members discovered over a two-day period in 1982 after authorities said there were none.
2,900+
The number of children who have achieved permanency in loving, stable and nurturing homes thanks to NAC's help.
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Tayo
"When I was thirteen I noticed NAC spelled backwards is CAN. NAC kids can do anything."
Tayo - credited with NAC's new website name
box_quote_tayoTayo with NAC Executive Director Arlene Goldsmith, PhD
Virginia and Adetayo Benyon, 2003
100%The percentage of NAC "boarder children" who never returned to live in a hospital after NAC helped them go home.
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Evelyn and Fransisco
"When I've needed the most support, NAC has always been there for me and my family."
Juliana, Mother of Francisco and Evelyn
box_quote_evelynEvelyn at age 12
Francisco at age 14
NAC Kids Olympics
It's not every day that a child with a severe disability or chronic illness has the opportunity to go for the Gold. Cheer on NAC kids as they give their all at the Annual NAC Kids Olympics.
Ways You Can HelpSupport NAC Families by purchasing much needed items from NAC's Amazon.com wish list or visit NAC's Wish List Page for other ideas.
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Otis
“I know a lot of people say a mentor is most like a parent, but for me Danny's more like a brother. He's there when I need him and he's easy to talk to.”
Otis on his mentor Danny
box_quote_otis2Otis with his mentor
NAC Kids Can
NAC has helped over 100 children with disabilities and chronic illnesses make their college dreams come true.
Adoption Excellence
NAC's post adoption program, PLAN, received national accolades for its outstanding adoption outcomes, including no adoption dissolutions.
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Tamara
"I am the first person in my family to graduate from college. A large part of my accomplishments have been made possible by the many helpful hands at NAC."
Tamara, age 23
box_quote_tamaraTamara in 1997
90%The percent of school-age children at NAC who were promoted to the next grade level or graduated from high school in 2009.
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Success Metrics
Adoption Success
NAC has zero adoption dissolutions since the inception of its Post Legal Adoption Network in 1994.
box_audio_adopting_brianaGet Involved
A little help goes a long way. School supplies, house warming baskets, a new book to read...all make a world of difference to NAC children and families.
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Recognition
NAC Kids Can
NAC has helped over 100 children with disabilities and chronic illnesses make their college dreams come true.
98%The percentage of NAC children who have avoided entering foster care, thanks to the Preventive Services program.
“NAC is a remarkable organization whose work demonstrates that a loving family provides children with the essential base for success. We know that NAC is truly committed to lifting up the hearts and minds of children through all their wonderful programs.”Jeffrey P. DaPuzzo
President of Trustees
MJH & PJ DaPuzzo Family Foundation -
How We Work
NAC Facts
- NAC serves 1,400 children and their families annually
- NAC has virtually eliminated foster care recidivism and aging-out of foster care
- NAC prevents the placement of children in foster care for 98-99% of families served in Preventive Services
Who Has Helped?
NAC's successes have attracted the support of a diverse mix of individuals, foundations, and corporations.
Get Involved »
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Donate
"When I was thirteen I noticed NAC spelled backwards is CAN. NAC kids can do anything."Tayo - credited with NAC's new website name
$15 millionThe amount NAC's budget has grown, from its start-up budget of $100,000 in 1982.
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Make a Donation
none
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Wish List
Ways You Can Help
Sending a needed item or gift to a NAC child or family just became easier. Visit NAC's Wish List on Amazon.com.
"When I've needed the most support, NAC has always been there for me and my family."Juliana, Mother of Francisco and Evelyn
NAC Kids Olympics
It's not every day that a child with a severe disability or chronic illness has the opportunity to go for the Gold. Cheer on NAC kids as they give their all at the Annual NAC Kids Olympics.
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Donors & Grantors
“NAC is a remarkable organization whose work demonstrates that a loving family provides children with the essential base for success. We know that NAC is truly committed to lifting up the hearts and minds of children through all their wonderful programs.”
Jeffrey P. DaPuzzo
President of Trustees
MJH & PJ DaPuzzo Family Foundationbox_audio_adopting_brianaVolunteers are Key
Volunteers are a valued part of NAC's team. They provide meaningful support to staff and NAC children, such as providing one-on-one mentoring, or guiding kids through pet-assisted therapy.
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Volunteer
90%The percent of school-age children at NAC who were promoted to the next grade level or graduated from high school in 2009.
Get Involved
A little help goes a long way. School supplies, house warming baskets, a new book to read...all make a world of difference to NAC children and families.
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Volunteer Opportunities
“I know a lot of people say a mentor is most like a parent, but for me Danny's more like a brother. He's there when I need him and he's easy to talk to.”
Otis on his mentor Danny
NAC Kids Olympics
It's not every day that a child with a severe disability or chronic illness has the opportunity to go for the Gold. Cheer on NAC kids as they give their all at the Annual NAC Kids Olympics.
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Volunteer Tips
Definition
Medically Fragile: a designation for a child with a profound disability and/or chronic medical condition, which may become unstable and change abruptly, resulting in a life-threatening situation.
NAC Kids Can
NAC has helped over 100 children with disabilities and chronic illnesses make their college dreams come true.
NAC Facts
- NAC serves 1,400 children and their families annually
- NAC has virtually eliminated foster care recidivism and aging-out of foster care
- NAC prevents the placement of children in foster care for 98-99% of families served in Preventive Services
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Become a Foster Parent
none -
What is Foster Parenting?
100%
The percentage of NAC "boarder children" who never returned to live in a hospital after NAC helped them go home.
Partnering Together
“Some people are concerned that they won't have the support, and I try to explain to them that at NAC the support is in place.”Felicia, NAC parent
Special needs...special rewards
As a foster parent, you will experience the deep fulfillment of knowing that you...
- Provide a needed home for a special child
- Provide the care crucial for a child to grow and develop
- Give a child a chance for a better life
- Share your family's love
- Gain new skills related to child development and medical issues
-
How to Become a Foster Parent
Top Rated
Among ratings for safety, permanency and well-being, NAC is the second highest ranking foster care agency in New York City and the highest among agencies serving medically fragile children.
“The support I receive from NAC is beyond compare. No matter what the need or problem, the agency can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”- Margaret, NAC Therapeutic Foster Parent
Definition
Medically Fragile: a designation for a child with a profound disability and/or chronic medical condition, which may become unstable and change abruptly, resulting in a life-threatening situation.
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Meet NAC Foster Families
NAC Kids Olympics
It's not every day that a child with a severe disability or chronic illness has the opportunity to go for the Gold. Cheer on NAC kids as they give their all at the Annual NAC Kids Olympics.
Helping the Neediest
Through funds provided by the New York Times Neediest Cases Fund, getting extermination services for bed bugs made all the difference for one Bronx family.
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Meghan
NAC Facts
- NAC serves 1,400 children and their families annually
- NAC has virtually eliminated foster care recidivism and aging-out of foster care
- NAC prevents the placement of children in foster care for 98-99% of families served in Preventive Services
Adoption Success
NAC has zero adoption dissolutions since the inception of its Post Legal Adoption Network in 1994.
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Margaret
90%
The percent of school-age children at NAC who were promoted to the next grade level or graduated from high school in 2009.
Get Involved
A little help goes a long way. School supplies, house warming baskets, a new book to read...all make a world of difference to NAC children and families.
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Angela and Rashid
100%
The percentage of NAC "boarder children" who never returned to live in a hospital after NAC helped them go home.
Definition
Medically Fragile: a designation for a child with a profound disability and/or chronic medical condition, which may become unstable and change abruptly, resulting in a life-threatening situation.
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Yvonne
Special needs...special rewards
As a foster parent, you will experience the deep fulfillment of knowing that you...
- Provide a needed home for a special child
- Provide the care crucial for a child to grow and develop
- Give a child a chance for a better life
- Share your family's love
- Gain new skills related to child development and medical issues
- Request More Information
News & Events »
Ways You Can HelpSending a needed item or gift to a NAC child or family just became easier. Visit NAC's Wish List on Amazon.com.
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Events
100%The percentage of NAC "boarder children" who never returned to live in a hospital after NAC helped them go home.
Volunteers are Key
Volunteers are a valued part of NAC's team. They provide meaningful support to staff and NAC children, such as providing one-on-one mentoring, or guiding kids through pet-assisted therapy.
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NAC Parent Luncheons
none
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NAC Olympics
NAC Facts
- NAC serves 1,400 children and their families annually
- NAC has virtually eliminated foster care recidivism and aging-out of foster care
- NAC prevents the placement of children in foster care for 98-99% of families served in Preventive Services
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2011 NAC Olympics
“I know a lot of people say a mentor is most like a parent, but for me Danny's more like a brother. He's there when I need him and he's easy to talk to.”
Otis on his mentor Danny
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Annual Benefit
none
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Holiday Party
Custom Defined on page
- Other Events
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Supple Drive 2011
Same as above...exact same link
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Summer Fun 2011
Meet Tamara
“NAC enabled me to return to my family; they taught me ways of becoming an independent person. I will forever be grateful to NAC for helping me become the person I am today.”Tamara, a NAC client with brittle bone disease.
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NAC in the Press
Get Involved
A little help goes a long way. School supplies, house warming baskets, a new book to read...all make a world of difference to NAC children and families.
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NAC News
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NAC Kids Art Gallery
100%The percentage of NAC children and families who have access to medical and mental health care on-site regardless of their ability to pay.
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Opening Doors Newsletter
Careers »
- NAC serves 1,400 children and their families annually
- NAC has virtually eliminated foster care recidivism and aging-out of foster care
- NAC prevents the placement of children in foster care for 98-99% of families served in Preventive Services
Job Listings
“Every member of NAC's staff is clearly passionate about our mission of improving children's lives. Their dedication and their professional excellence are what make NAC so very special.”Virginia Aaron
Board President, 2009-2011NAC Facts
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Prevention Programs
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