“The good you put into the world comes back to you.” -Richard, Springfield Gardens Children’s Community Residence

“Sometimes, you just have to let the little things slide,” said seventeen year old Richard, who sounded much wiser than some­one his age. “Ms. Tia and Ms. Crystal helped me through difficult moments. There’s a lot to handle in high school and it’s not worth it to be mad,” explained Richard. “Besides, the good that you put into the world comes back to you.” The HSVS Children’s Community Residences offer a brief stay for children who need support to manage certain behavioral and emotional challenges that cannot be addressed at home. Learning how to handle feelings of anger, Richard found a balance at school and at work. Richard has a passion for writing and Greek mythology, which shine through in his English and history classes at Grover Cleveland High School in Queens. Over the summer, Richard worked at I.S. 238 through New York City’s Summer Youth Employment Program. Even Richard’s hobbies are a part of his mature approach to continuous self-improvement. “I like playing soccer and chess,” noted Richard. “It helps you to focus and to be forward thinking in real life.”

Learn more about HeartShare and its Family of Services in our 2016 Annual Report.