Earlier this year, HeartShare St. Vincent’s Services (HSVS) established its Junior Board. By serving as ambassadors, fundraisers and volunteers, the founding 20 Junior Board Members are committed to fully investing in HSVS and its mission. Grace Barnard, a Marketing Associate for American Stock Transfer & Trust Company (AST), is one of the up-and-coming young professionals who now serves on the Board’s Volunteer Engagement, as well as Fundraising and Events Committees. Barnard primarily feels connected to HSVS because of her younger sister, Joanna. “My mother is a nurse in Huntington, Long Island. A baby in the neonatal intensive care unit needed a foster parent because her biological mother struggled with substance abuse. Over the next two years, my parents became certified foster parents and took the steps to adopt Joanna, who is now 7 years old.” Barnard hopes to carry on the legacy of her family through her work on the Junior Board. In particular, Grace will rally the other members of the Junior Board to help the kids prepare for college. “As young professionals, our skills are suited to the older kids in care. Not too long ago, we were planning for college,” said Barnard. “We’re also the appropriate group to connect them to the internship and mentoring opportunities they need.”

To join the Junior Board, contact Lauren.Pettiette@heartshare.org.