Forestdale started the GIP pilot program in early 2022 based on insights we had from the distribution of COVID-19 cash and material assistance microgrants to over 650 families. During the height of the pandemic, these microgrants were vital but did not lead to long-term improvements in families' financial stability. The GIP provides consistent, supplementary income to families experiencing financial distress and destabilization with the objectives of:

1) Increasing stability and security for families who have experienced child welfare involvement.

2) Addressing the basic material needs of children in under-resourced families.

3) Reducing children's stress by reducing parenting stress for lower-income New Yorkers.

4) Helping families stay together.

The GIP is privately sponsored and open to select families in Forestdale programs. Currently, 18 families receive a guaranteed supplementary monthly income of $1,000 from Forestdale for 18 months. We will remain in touch with them after 18 months in case they need additional help. A second cohort of families will likely begin the program later this year.

Forestdale’s GIP is being evaluated by two distinguished faculty from Hunter’s Silberman School of Social Work, Dr. Martha Bragin and Dr. Michael Lewis.