Forestdale, a foster care nonprofit in Forest Hills, raised thousands of dollars for its youth fitness and health programs by participating in a 5K charity run/walk. The funds will go towards fitness and health programs at Forestdale, pictured here during its back to school festival. File Photo
A team from the largest and oldest foster care nonprofit in Queens, Forestdale, participated in the Generosity NYC 5K charity run/walk Nov. 17 and raised thousands of dollars for youth fitness and health programs for the families the nonprofit supports in the borough.
Twenty-three people joined Forestdale’s team for the evening, including staff, youth and other supporters. Five youth from Forestdale – which is located in Forest Hills – had never participated in a 5K race before and immediately jumped at the chance to do so.
“This was a new and exciting experience for me,” said Jose, who did not want his last name used and who was overjoyed after crossing the finish line and receiving his medal. “This was a new and exciting experience for me. I’m already looking forward to the 5K next year and thinking about how I can improve my time.”
Generosity NYC is part of the nationwide Generosity Series that is taking place in 10 cities in 2013 to 2014. The series is designed to showcase, and raise funds for, charities of all sizes and causes. Every participant in each Generosity event will be running or walking to raise funds and awareness for their favorite charity.
Those running and walking for Forestdale said they were thrilled to do so. Forestdale provides assistance to about 1,000 families in the borough each year. The organization offers a number of services, including its foster care program that aims to reunite families, its Fathering Initiative that includes a 12-week course covering such topics as positive discipline and communication skills, and preventative services that help families address such chronic problems as long-term unemployment and homelessness – which are risk factors for foster care removal.
