• Helps over 1,300 children a year. In 2011, we supported 533 critically-ill children and 775 of their siblings.
  • Covers up to $110,000 a month in direct family expenses.
  • Offers our programs and services to families in 22 counties in the New York tri-state region.
  • Receives approximately 60 inquiries per month from families seeking our services.
  • Assists children in 25 hospitals in the New York tri-state region.
  • Friends of Karen serves children and their families regardless of race, religion, gender, national origin or cultural heritage.

Quote - Joshua's mom

"Had it not been for Friends of Karen we would have lost everything. They paid other bills including our medical co-pays. I could not believe how much a simple shot costs. It was scary."

—Joshua's mom in a letter to the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation
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Mission and Core Values

Mission and Core Values
Mission and Core Values
Mission

Friends of Karen’s mission is to provide emotional, financial and advocacy support for children with a life-threatening illness and their families, in order to help keep them stable, functioning and able to cope.

Since our founding in 1978, we have served approximately 5,000 children and their families. When siblings are counted we have touched the lives of over 12,400 children.

Friends of Karen offers its services regardless of race, religion, gender, handicap or national origin in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

 

Our Core Values

Friends of Karen operates in accordance with its core values:

COMPASSION:  We were founded out of the kindness of one friend toward another.  We are inspired by that same spirit of compassion, striving to bring hope into the lives of our children and their families who are struggling with life-threatening illnesses.

DEDICATION:  Our dedication to the well-being of our children and families is unwavering and enduring.

RESPECT:  We respect each other's roles, expertise and experience, and support each other professionally.

We treat all people and especially each other with dignity and consideration.

We acknowledge with gratitude the critical role of our Board of Directors, our volunteers, our donors and our communities as they embrace our mission and enable our work.

INTEGRITY:  We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards and recognize the importance of confidentiality and discretion in everything we do.

We strive to provide our services and allocate our resources in a fair and impartial manner.

IMPACT:  We are motivated by the immediate and tangible nature of our work.  We operate with energy, determination and passion, never compromising our responsibility to have a meaningful impact on the lives of our children and families.

 

 

 
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