ABC's mission is to offer every child a life filled with joy and love by creating compassionate programs in urgent response to the needs of New York City's most vulnerable families.
We envision a world in which all children have a healthy, safe life full of joy, learning, and love in a nurturing family.
OUR MODEL
ABC employs a "whole family" approach, recognizing that a nurturing family and secure parent-child attachment are critical components of early childhood development and positive life trajectories for children, families, and communities.
All of ABC's programs respond to the unique, urgent, and often changing needs of each child and family. With programs in early childhood education for at-risk infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, supportive housing, mental health services and crisis intervention, family preservation, year-round youth development, and an open door to the community, ABC is a refuge for impoverished families. Since its founding in 1986, ABC has served children struggling with the complex and compounded issues of poverty, hunger, emotional and physical abuse, lack of educational support, and homelessness, and who have disabilities or developmental delays. In keeping with the ever-changing complications of poverty, the organization custom-tailors our programs to meet the unique needs of each child, adapting early and staying ahead of challenges as they arise.
RESEARCH-BASED
Our innovative programs are grounded in research-based models designed to break the cycles of poverty while serving the whole family and community. ABC collaborates with researchers, community-based organizations, and local service consortia to promote best practices.
HIGH-IMPACT
Results from ABC's annual program evaluation show that our work significantly improves the lives of the children and families served. ABC employs a rigorous set of quantitative and qualitative evaluation tools to measure progress and determine the impact of its services. This past year, ABC has seen nearly 90% of its preschool children become school-ready, has celebrated the graduation of 100% of its high school seniors, and has served thousands of nutritious meals to hungry children.
INVESTMENt
ABC has earned the highest 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for eleven consecutive years – an achievement reached by only 1% of charities across the nation.
Studies show that every initial $1 invested in high-performing early childhood programs can yield a $4 - $17 dollar return to society. By providing crucial services to at-risk children during the most critical growth stage and throughout childhood, ABC aims to secure a brighter future for children while decreasing tax spending. The best investments are easy to spot.
ABC’s Impact by the Numbers
100% of ABC’s high school seniors graduated last year – 30 points higher than the graduation rates for Latinx and Black students citywide.
96% OF children THAT RECEIVED OUR PREVENTIVE SERVICES REMAINED with their families.
QualitySTARSnY RATED ABC IN THE TOP 5% OF ALL EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS IN NEW YORK CITY.