CHELSEA, Manhattan — For over 30 years, Hearts of Gold, a grassroots nonprofit, has been reshaping what’s possible for single mothers and their children living in New York City shelters. The approach? Break the cycle of poverty not just with services, but with belief.
Before the job training, the paid internships, and the workshops, it all starts with one thing: reminding a mother that she matters.
“We all need love, we all need support, we all need community,” said the organization’s founder and CEO, Deborah Koenigsberger, who has served as a mentor, advocate, and sometimes a second mother since 1994.
“At the end of the day, we cannot solve all of the problems, but people need to be cared about. When they’re cared about, it makes all the difference,” said Koenigsberger.
For one mother, Keiran Francis, the impact has been deeply personal.
“She’s like a mother. Not just for me, but also for my kids. She has really made a difference in my life.”
Through mentorship, resources, and a deep rooted sense of community, Hearts of Gold helps women feel stable, supported, and sustained, providing a future that once felt out of reach.