Nassau Resources
Education
NY State Dept of Education – Foster Youth College Success initiative (FYCSI)
Program established specifically for students who have experienced foster care or are orphaned. FYCSI funding can be used towards supporting the cost of attending college, including housing and meals.
Eligible for foster and orphaned youth
NY State Dept of Education – High School Equivalency (HSE)
Information about 4 pathways to earn a High School equivalency diploma.
Eligible for NYS residents
NYS Higher Education Services Corporation
Step-by-step planning tips to prepare for higher education. Tools, resources, and financial support for people in special circumstances such as youth in care, military, adult/returning, and transferring.
Eligible for NYS residents
NYU Community College Transfer Opportunity Program (CCTOP)
An assistance and scholarship program for students interested in transferring from partnership community colleges into NYU.
Eligible if enrolled at Community College in partnership with NYU, must be nominated by community college faculty member or administrator, 3.0 GPA.
Rezvan Foundation
Supports the academic pursuits of exceptionally talented young students who grew up orphaned or in foster care.
Eligible for foster or orphaned youth, US resident, enrolled in an accredited HS, GPA of 3.5 or higher, submitted applications to 1 or more four year accredited university, no academic or criminal disciplinary record.
Employment Assistance
Job Corps, US Department of Labor
Free career training and education in 120 campuses across the country free of charge to low income 16 to 24 year old young adults.
Complete application to get started.
Grow Your Own at Kennedy Children’s Center
6 week training program to become a NY State certified Teacher Assistant and help with job placement services to find a suitable position at early childhood providers throughout the city.
Eligible for HS graduate, at least 18 years old, legally eligible to work in US, pass NYC DOH background check, English proficient or able to pass ELA exam, apply on-line.
The Lantern Network
Offers mentorships, internships, and professional development throughout the United States designed to inspire, guide, and propel the next generation of Black leaders into their careers.
Employment and Training Administration, US Dept of Labor
Information about programs such as CareerOneStop, Apprenticeship Finder, Grants, and Resources for Veterans.
Eligible for US Residents
Health and Wellness
FosterClub – Healthcare for Former Foster Youth
Health insurance and care information for youth who age out of the foster care system from ages 18 through 26. The are no income requirements for former foster youth. If age out of care in NY you do not need to apply. If did not age out of care in NY, need to apply for Medicaid online or by phone.
Eligible for former foster care young adults age 18 through 26.
Medicaid: (800) 541-2831
Medicaid
Medicaid assistance for low income New Yorkers. Informs about eligibility and available health care options.
NYC: (718) 557-1399
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Services to help with health related issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, or drug and alcohol use.
Eligible for US residents
NYS Department of Health, Insurance Marketplace
Health insurance options available through the individual marketplace.
Eligible for NYS Residents
NYS Office of Addiction Services and Support
Resources to help with alcohol, drug, and gambling issues.
NYS Office of Mental Health
Find a mental health service provider with focus on hope and recovery for adults with serious mental illnesses and children with emotional disturbances. Provides a directory of mental health facilities within the state.
Eligible for NYS Residents
Suicide Prevention: 988
NYS Domestic Violence: (800) 942-6906
Crisis Text Got5 to 741-741
Survivors of Sexual Abuse & Assault
Information and support for survivors of sexual assault, abuse, and harassment.
Housing
Apartment Search Checklist
Ten items every renter should look for to help in their apartment search.
NYC – Affordable Housing
Learn about NYC programs for renting or buying affordable apartments or homes.
NYC: 311
Outside NYC: 212-NEW-YORK
Text 311-692
NYC Housing Authority – NYCHA public and Section 8 housing application
Apply for NYCHA Public Housing and NYCHA Section 8, the Housing Choice Voucher Program based on income, family size and other criteria.
US Department of Urban Development – Local Public Housing Agencies (PHA)
View contact information for Public Housing Agencies in your state and city to assist with public housing programs eligibility and application process including Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers.
US Department of Urban Development – Section 8 Fact Sheet
Learn about eligibility, rules, and how to apply for Section 8, known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, which is the Federal Government’s program for assisting low income families, elderly, and disabled individuals in finding decent and safe housing in the private marketplace.
Legal Services
Legal Services of Long Island
Provides free legal help to Long Island residents focusing on needs of people with low incomes involving shelter, food, healthcare, and family issues. Has a resource section to help people understand their rights.
Hempstead: (516) 292-8100, Islandia: (631) 232-2400, Riverhead: (631) 369-1112
Survivors of Sexual Abuse & Assault
Information and support for survivors of sexual assault, abuse, and harassment.
Mentoring
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America
Enroll a child ages 5 and up to be matched with a mentor to nurture future potential and interests.
Money and Finance
Bank of America
FAQs (frequently asked questions) about how to apply for a bank account (checking, savings, etc.)
The Lantern Network – Budgeting Basics
Tools to create a budget to manage your money and make informed financial decisions.
Parenting/Family Support
Allied Foundation – Diaper Bank
Collects, purchases, and distributes diapers to families in need.
Social Services
Barrier Free Living
Offers shelter to domestic violence survivors based in NYC and counseling to individuals across the nation and internationally.
Child Welfare Information Gateway – Resources for Youth Transitioning to Adulthood
Resources that can be used to learn about life skills, education, employment, finance, and other information to assist with transition out of foster care to independence. Outlines 21 steps to prepare for transition out of care that includes building a transition plan, securing a place to live, opening a bank account, health care coverage and more.
Nassau County Department of Social Services
Services available to Nassau county residents in need of help in areas of food, housing, medical, employment, day care, and home energy costs.
Eligible for Nassau county residents, apply in county DSS office.
National Domestic Hotline
Confidential assistance in 200+ languages. Directory of assistance providers by state and legal assistance.
NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence
Confidential 24/7 support in most languages. An advocate will help to empower and discuss options for help, financial assistance, and safety. A map that contains domestic violence programs by county.
https://opdv.ny.gov/survivors-victims
Text: 844-997-2121
Sherlock Holmes Foundation
Provides housing, employment opportunities, and a loving support system for LGBTQ+ young adults to learn about responsibility, life’s skills, independence, and self love.
Eligible for LGBTQ+ young homeless adults
SupplEmental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Federally funded program that issues electronic benefits to help low income families and individuals purchase food. Apply online or in person at local department of social services or NYC SNAP Center.
Income based, apply online