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. Current participants receive a guaranteed supplementary monthly income of $1,000 from Forestdale for 12 months. We conduct interim assessments during and after they exit the program in case they need additional help. A second cohort of families began March 2024, and a third cohort started in February 2025.  

Forestdale’s GIP was evaluated in May 2024 by two distinguished faculty from Hunter’s Silberman School of Social Work, Dr. Martha Bragin and Dr. Michael Lewis. Their published report can be found below.