Stories, insights, and updates from our community
Our biggest event of the year brought together hundreds of I Am Edge families at Sheep Meadow for a full day of games, free lunch, live music, face painting, and a community resource fair. Read how this year's theme — Building Bridges, Strengthening Bonds — came to life through every family we welcomed.
Read Full Story
Maria arrived at the shelter with her three children after losing their apartment due to unexpected medical bills. Through our outdoor adventure program, her family discovered Central Park's hidden gems, participated in art workshops, and joined cooking classes that helped them rebuild joy and connection. Today, Maria and her family have secured permanent housing — and now volunteer with us to help others on the same path.
Our flagship Family Bonding Activities program has reached a milestone — we're now welcoming more than 450 families every month to weekly outings across NYC, from zoo adventures at the Bronx Zoo to picnics in Central Park. Program Director Michael Johnson shares what's driving this growth and what families are saying.
From shelter operators and corporate sponsors to community nonprofits and educational institutions, our network of 75+ partners makes it possible to reach families in all five boroughs. Community Outreach Coordinator Lisa Chen explains how these relationships translate directly into more opportunities for the families we serve.
Central Park, the Bronx Zoo, the American Museum of Natural History, free library programs, and more — our team shares the go-to spots we use for I Am Edge outings so families can revisit them on their own, building new traditions without the pressure of a big budget.
Our annual Mother's Day special event brought together families from across our shelter partner network for a morning of appreciation, family portraits, and celebration. We honored the extraordinary resilience of mothers navigating homelessness while keeping their families together.
From activity facilitators guiding families on Bronx Zoo field trips to mentors meeting weekly with parents, our 750+ volunteers are the backbone of I Am Edge. We spoke with several long-term volunteers about what keeps them coming back — and the moments that stay with them.
Our Creative Workshops program pairs parents and children on shared art projects and craft activities. Beyond the finished pieces, participants report deeper conversations, improved communication, and a renewed sense of collaboration. Here's what our facilitators and families have noticed.
After experiencing trauma, many of the families we serve find that being in green spaces — whether Central Park, Prospect Park, or a quiet neighborhood garden — provides a sense of calm and safety that no classroom can replicate. Our outdoor outings leaders share the research and the real stories behind this simple, powerful practice.
What started in 2018 as a pilot program serving 10 families has grown into a citywide effort reaching 500+ families annually across Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island. Executive Director Sarah Martinez reflects on the journey — and the families whose stories will never let us slow down.
Community Comments