Hunger Action Network of New York State

Sr. Teresa Fitzgerald is Executive Director of Hour Children, a beacon of light for mothers and their children in Long Island City in Queens.

Hunger Action and Hour Children were first connected when Sr. Tesa participated in a hunger survey of Emergency Food Programs. Running a food program and acting as a site for Food Stamp outreach are just a few of their many programs dedicated to serving the community.

Hour Children is committed to the loving care of incarcerated mothers, exoffenders, and their children, providing short- and long-term support services. Hour Children was established in 1995 by Sr. Tesa to support incarcerated mothers when in prison and when released, while providing a stable and nurturing environment for their children.

Originally a residential program for children made homeless by their mother’s incarceration,
Hour Children has grown into a multifaceted family service provider. Today, Hour Children is a community of five residences, housing 45 families, with children from infancy to 21 years. More than 200 housing alumnae who have successfully transitioned to independent living return for special events and attend monthly support groups. Hour Children is also a work release site, and opened a Community Outreach Center and a thrift shop with three locations.

Br. Michael Harlan, Siena College-Franciscan Center for Service & Advocacy (Albany)

These are the stories of real people from across New York State who have struggled to move out of poverty with the help of welfare. Many of these individuals are Hunger Action Network members, including Board members. Their experiences, told in their own words, provide evidence of what really helps families and individuals. The Welfare Made A Difference National Campaign seeks to educate the public on the virtues of a fair, supportive social welfare system and the harmful impacts of punitive welfare policies.