The FPA Foundation is what most people would describe as godsend. This organization was created to help families and most of all our children. In New York City and across our country many families are being ripped apart. There is a high rate of minority cities and neighborhoods where the rate of children being separated from the home and their families. And believe it or not this is the case for some parents that are actually real parents. But because they don’t have much resources or income, they find themselves in situations or make decisions to the best of their capabilities and time to time find themselves still coming up short. Well here is where the FPA Foundation comes in. This organization provides resources, activities, events and much more to help. If you ever find yourself in a situation with ACS, find yourself defending your rights for you child(ren), or just need some support. This organization will be your voice, you hope, and your strength. If you or someone you know is dealing with or find yourself in a situation whether with the law, ACS or bad times please feel free to contact this organization for much willing help.
FPA is an organization that assisted me and my daughter since 2009. I have Rally with them to get Laws change in Albany. The CEO and her Staff has been very instrumental in helping individuals with their hardships dealing with children services. The training classes and materials given have been very helpful. The service they have rendered is priceless. So many family members and friends have weep the rewards of FPA.
Ms. Dorin C. Matthews LMSW is the Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer of the FPA-Foundation and is a warm and generous leader who has worked with our NYPL library branch at Mott Haven for the past 3 years serving our community.
Each year, our Mott Haven kids have written a letter to Santa Claus (from up in the melting ice caps of the North Pole) requesting a gift to be given for Christmas. Dorin has been responsible for making this annual special event possible from beginning to end and has put countless smiles on the children's faces and joy in their hearts!
We so appreciate her passion and hard work and look forward to another year working with her!
Love the work this organization does. The members are really for their communities and are dedicated to helping each and everyone they come in touch with. They strive for the best and many communities need this type of resource and support.
Great customer service! The staff is very empathic to the needs of the community and provides compassion towards clients needs. FPA is need in the community and stationed in a location which assessable to the clients. FPA is in the business of reconnecting families plagued by the foster care system!
Great organization!
from Sharon Garrett
FPA is the only community advocate for keeping families together.
FPA empowers parents to voice their experience with the child welfare system and fight for their rights as parents to parent their children.
not only does FPA walk the streets in our community but the organization provides facts, laws and policy to make parents more knowledgeable of their rights to fight against injustices.
as a board member, i am proud to be a part of FPA.
WORKING FOR NON-PROFIT IS SOMETHING I KNOW ABOUT FIRST HAND BECAUSE I PRESENTLY WORK WITH ONE NOW, THEY ARE JUST ABOUT MONEY NOT HELPING THE PEOPLE THEY SERVICE. FPA IS AN ORGANIZATION THAT IS CONCERNED IN RESOLVE AND KEEPING FAMILIES TOGETHER. FPA HITS THE STREETS HANDS ON TO WORK WITH YOUTH , ADULTS AND FAMILIES TO MAKE A VISIBLE DIFFERENCE IN THE QUALITY OF LIFE .
FPA foundation is a good organization. They help families that don't know their right fight against ACS. I recommend this organization becsuse they are helping black and brown families that are being torn a part by ACS who acts like they are helping our communities- join the movement to support this organization
I came into contact with FPA almost 2 years ago. I have seen the work being done to educate the public on child services and the adverse impact they have on Families. I applaud the work they do in helping Families and bringing awareness. I support FPA and their mission. -Kay Mac
This organization is the only organization telling the truth about the impact of black and brown communities impacted by ACS without sugarcoatingbthe issues. Damage has been caused by ACS and no one wants to held accountable for their action. Black and brown families torn apart for fininicial incentives is a shame. The ASFA law needs repeal and it discriminates against parents. Community get involved and fight back because people are silent about this genocide by the government. FPA continue to fight and expose CPS for its injustices.
This is a great organization that helps families. This organization not only has the backs of its members but also they are educating the public to understand their rights and be able to make changes in their cases and communities.
The job they do in educating the public of the pitfalls of dealing with family court & its third-party organizations is pioneering and a bold advocacy act of defending families from institutional & government abuses.
I am Chaplain Akil Rose and a community activist in the Village of Harlem. Harlem Transformation Project and the NAACP-NYCHA branch is who I represent.
FPA and Sista Dorine Matthew's has been a Heaven sent to those women and men who have imediate problems with foster care and ACS issues. She has marched, gives clothes and toys every year to the community including some of our own organization's youth. And she had extended collaboration with other grass roots organizations in Harlem such as mine. She shows no fear when speaking truth ro power. She's the real deal.
We need more agencies like the FPA Foundation that are assisting and empowering people in the community. Keep up the good work FPA Foundation.
Hi there my name is Nicole Delia and I just started about 6 weeks ago with fpa foundation and MS Dorin Matthews she has helped me so much in a short period of time more so then anyone else on my case has done in close to five years. I'm fighting for my four children and fpa foundation has giving me the strength that acs and catholic guardians service had taken away from me she understood everything most of all she listen and belived me and my story I wish I would of found fpa foundation years ago but I'm so happy I found them when I did I'm on a roll with MS Matthews and we're not going to stop this is my passion now to help other family's in need like myself cause there is so many family's that are suffering alone in silence just like I once was yes I speak up for my children but they just didn't care to listen to me or to my children that's still going on but MS Matthews helped me write my letter to everyone from the CEO of Catholic Guardian services to the governor of NY and the mayor of NYC and other congressional people in my district. This is a fight for my children for my rights not to be taken due to there issues and mistakes. Yes I'm not perfect no body is but I'm a loving mom who wants to be with her children I've giving so much to my children and there treated me like this cause I'm not rich I live in nycha so does a lot of other people in staid of helping me with housing and other things they just decided let's take them again put them back into foster care and let's pay the foster parents 1000 of dollars a month that's much better then to help me or other family's in need. It's unfortunate that it's a business it all comes down to money and un like the rest of this broken down system from Acs to there contracts that they have with the foster care angecys something has to be done and I'm so glad that I'm a member for life of fpa foundation this is my life and this is what I want to do and I would advise anyone who is dealing with acs and the foster care system to reach out to fpa look online at there website and pick up that phone and make that call to Ms Matthews yes she's a very busy woman doing it all but she will always make time for you. I can't wait to actually go out there with her to protest and to visit other family's in need I can go on and on about fpa foundation and MS Dorin Matthews she's doing this from the heart not for a profit so yes if anyone could donate anything from even 5.00 dollars would go a long way every dollar is used for fpa foundation and every penny is worth giving thank you for everything.
I found myself in the middle of a nightmare with my foster son taken, unnecessarily. Then my name was put in an abuse registry. I had no clue what to do until I met with FPA Foundation. They advised me to write a letter to rebut the false claim. IT WORKED!!!! My name has been cleared. Now I'll fight to get my foster son back.
FPA FOUNDATION is an outstanding organization. They educate, inform, and teach about your rights in regards to Family Court, ACS, Foster Care Agency, and The Legal Aid Society. The organization will go with you to court, meet with your attorney, and contact the civil rights advocate on your behalf. I am grateful to know about the organization and appreciative for all the amazing work they have done. They truly want to help parents and make sure families are together to form a union. FPA FOUNDATION is one of a kind! I wish I knew about them 7 years ago. However, with their help and support I will continue to fight to get my autistic son back.
My son was taken from school by an uneducated ACS worker who took him directly to foster care without contacting any family ...I was devastated,lost,confused and scared but mostly angry because how dare you take my child who is mine and you have no rights to.. Well I quickly learned the hard way and I knew I had to fight But they took my rights and lied to me I wanted so bad to just go get him the only problem was 1. I had 5 other children at home who needed me 2. They hid his whereabouts for weeks,so I went home got on Google and researched ACS i came across FPA foundation i watched videos,read everything from stories to why and how it started ..I talked to dorin over the phone and she gave me hope, so I fought harder,terrified that I might never see my son again ... I had a lawyer who meant nothing and I had to tell her what to say but I got my son back and it took me 7 months ..This is just a little of the story... Without FPA foundation families will be lost or easily defeated!! We need these ladies! We need more people who can educate families on these corrupt ACS services all over the US. I hope the voices at FPA are heard all over because they might be the only ones fighting for our rights!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart ladies ... Love always Marci Castellano
As a foster parent trying to navigate the Child Welfare System, their knowledge and experience has been invaluable. This is very important work that will benefit families for many years. I will continue to work with this organization to help fight the injustices taking place with or children.
As a previous intern and volunteer, I was blessed with the opportunity to witness first hand what FPA stands for and how much they impact our society. FPA continues to be a strong advocate amoungst the social injustices that are occuring in our system. As a clinician, providing therapy to specifically youth in the foster care system, I have seen first hand how detrimental a child's removal can be. Foster parents, foster youth, and birth parents continue to need support and a place [like FPA] to assist our families to be heard. Thanks for all that you do on a daily basis!
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Fpa is an amazing non profit organization that helps foster, adoptive, and biological parents. These families have been broken by a system that says they work for the families but instead tears them apart. Fpa has helped 100s of families with advocacy, services, and on going support that families need to be successful. As a prior intern and volunteer for the organization, I was able to witness so many families being informed of their rights and feeling grateful to get the help that they deserve. Fpa continues to be an important organization in the community and I hope it continues to grow in several states that need child welfare reform.
Dorin Matthew's & Sylvia Hooper of the FPA-Foundation are absolutely the best advocate you would want on your team. These Ladies work hard to educate and bring awareness to families who are fighting the government system. They also teach classes on how to prepare you for your court case. Their work have a great impact on our society at large, which gives us compelling truth in how our system is being governing. We as a people must stand for something with equal and solid ground or we will be sacrifice to fall for anything. These ladies give us a sense of purpose and direction. I support the FPA-FOUNDATION 100%
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I have had the pleasure to have known Dorin Matthews for over 10 years, and had the honor to have worked with her as she advocates for foster parents and children. Both ladies work tireless everyday, from physically to emotionally supporting the many individuals who have called on them. I Hope they continue to do such great work.
As a former foster child of NYC I am gratrful to have agencies like FPA. FPA has wonderful programs that not only promotes community awareness and responsibility, but advocacy for the voiceless.
Agencies like FPA are rare. If we had more agencies in the community that fostered unity and uplifting each other, the world would be in better shape. They keep the community engaged and informed on the current events and government policies that affect us most.
It's been great to be in learning communities with Dorin Matthews and team. Their commitment to education, empowerment, family and community is inspiring. Vital work being done here.
I am reaching out to help FPA-Foundation get nominated.The work the foundation is doing in the community is valued, necessary and should continue with assistance and recognition. I have seen my own family members effected by a small but life changing duration in the foster care system. I am touched by dedication to human rights and activism this grass root organization for people in communities of color has exhibited . The FPA Foundation organizes within communities to take action on social justice issue. I have personally seen The team on the front line in court at The state building fighting for parents who havw children in the foster care system in an attempt to keep many families together. I have watched excitedly as they were featured on channel 7 here and now show. When asked to write a review to assist in a nomination is a pleasure. I hope they are able to push their agenda. Why would we not continue the fight to stop child welfare human rights violations to help children & families? I ask you to aid in assistance while providing the foundation a platform to be seen and heard.
T.Eagleton
Bridgeport CT
Thank you for giving parents dealing with ACS, foster care agencies, and family courts, our voice! We have rights and ACS is forever trying to abuse their authority. I want to join your organization and I would love to help make this movement national.
This foundation like many are needed to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves!...I support this group as they stand for the difference needed to these children lives...Continue to rise as in today's society needs this!
The founder gave me information I've never heard of. Never knew it existed. She cared from her hearty v and soul and even followed up to see how it was going and I don't even live in her state. She genuinely cares and you can feel it immediately once you meet her!!
My Name is Lorraine It has been a few years now, I wasin the finial stage of adopting my six grandchildren. They took them from me justifying no allegations found against me.n The ONE charge they separated my six grandchildren for was not founded. Now they are all separated in no-english speaking really being abuse. I know this to be fact because the children reach to me on a regular basis. As a result of the battle with the system me a healthy women went into cardiac arrest the resulted in three heart attacks two strokes and me coding on the table for thirty minutes please fill free to contact me at anytime for moe information. Sincerely destroyed family, broken hearted grangmother
As a former foster child, I admire their commitment to children and families and how they bridge that gap within the community.
I had the pleasure of getting to know the executive director of FPA on a Human Rights Retreat. The FPA organization is at the forefront of the battle for protecting the most vulnerable members of every community; the children. Children of color are especially at risk of being abused and taken advantage of by the system. This organization is working day in and day out to help the children that are in the foster care system, keeping families together and helping those in need. FPA is a progressive and passionate organization working to make a difference!
HI, I AM HAPPY TO SAY THAT I HAVE BEEN A MEMBER WITH FPA FOR ABOUT 4 MONTHS & COUNTING. MS. KOOPER & MS. MATTHEWS ARE TWO VERY INTELLIGENT & INVITING WOMEN. THEY KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING, WHAT HAS TO BE DONE, WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE & WHAT TASK IT TAKES TO GET IT DONE! I DID NOT HAVE A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE WITH THE AGENCY I WAS AFFILIATED WITH & SOMETHINGS DO NOT WORK OUT THE WAY WE ALL PLAN FOR IT TO BE, BUT THIS IS NOT A PERFECT WORLD NOW IS IT? THESE 2 LADIES ARE WORKING VERY CLOSELY WITH MYSELF & OTHER MEMBERS, AS WELL AS THE YOUTH OF THE NEW YORK CITY FOSTER CARE SYSTEM, TO ACHIEVE JUSTICE FOR WHATS RIGHT FROM WRONG! I WILL NOT CHANGE THE FACT THAT I HAVE WALKED THRU THEIR DOORS & IF I WOULDVE KNOWN, THEN, WHAT I KNOW NOW, I WOULDVE BEEN A MEMBER A LONG TIME AGO!
I applaud Ms Hooper and Ms Matthews at the Foster Advocacy Foundation. These 2 woman are knowledgable and diligent in their craft. I admire their drive and determination to help raise awareness about the Foster Care System and the unfortunate events that both foster children as well as foster parents have had to experience. I pray for their continued success!
My name is Mirna. I have been a Kinship Foster Grandparent for the past 7 years. In ONLY 2 months that FPA Foundation have been working with me towards helping me with my Rights as a Kinship Foster Parent, I was served and granted with what I had been struggling to receive for my Grandson and me as his Kinship for the past 5 years. FPA has empowered me, has made me know my Rights, has giving me the necessary tools to stand up for my Grandson, to let my voice be heard. I am so blessed to be a part of this organization. BEST thing that has happened to me, after becoming a Grandmother.
My name is Aretha and I am 22 years old. I am a youth at Foster Parent Adocacy Foundation Inc. This orgainzation is very amazing, the staff there support me in every thing I do ,they assist me in everything I need. I am a former foster youth and I am currently living in a womens homeless shelter and FPA is doing everything they can to find me suitable and affordable housing and they are helping me fight for my rights. FPA is a great orgainzation they really care about people, they really strive to make a change in peoples lives and in the community, they are all about outreach work, because of this orgainzation I dont have to deal wtih being homeless alone i can actually call if its an emergency and know someone will come help me out. FPA has been the only orgainzation that has tryed to help me out with my situation
This is a great organization for foster parents and foster youths and they are always by our side and I am happy to be a part of a positive advocacy organization that really helps. I believe that they will continue there mission to help foster youths and foster parents and I am truly blessed to be a part of this movement and encourage more people to join and take action to improve the foster care system. I enjoyed working in this organization and encouraging foster parents to take action for reform.