Be the reason someone finds their way forward.
This holiday season, join Astor Services in making a difference for children, adults, and families in our community. Every year, thousands turn to Astor for support, healing, and hope. Through your generosity, we are able to provide critical mental health services, educational programs, and resources that transform lives.
Meet Alana.
Alana’s story begins with heartbreak and courage. A single mother of four, she made the brave decision to escape an abusive relationship, determined to create a safer, brighter future for her children. But even after leaving, life continued to test her. One of her sons began to show signs of deep emotional distress. Doctor after doctor dismissed her concerns — “He’s fine,” they said. “He’ll grow out of it.”
But Alana knew better. Her relentless pursuit of help lead her to a school guidance counselor who mentioned Astor Services. At Astor’s Lawrence F. Hickey Center for Child Development everything changed. For the first time, Alana’s son was met with understanding. He learned that his feelings mattered. That he mattered. And for Alana, it was more than just finding help — it was finding a community that saw her, embraced her and walked beside her.
With time, love, and care, her son flourished. Today, he is 21 — thriving in college, living independently, and filled with the confidence that comes from being truly seen and supported.
But Alana’s story didn’t end there. Inspired by the transformation she witnessed, she joined Astor in 2016. Now, as the Family Peer Advocate Supervisor in our SYNC program, she uses her own journey to guide others through the darkness she once faced.
Alana’s story is not just one of survival — it’s one of renewal, of what becomes possible when a community refuses to let anyone fall through the cracks.
Every day, families like Alana’s turn to Astor in moments of desperation, searching for hope. And every day, because of the generosity of people like you, we can open our doors and say:
You’re not alone.
We see you.
We’re here to help.
This holiday season, your gift has the power to change the next family’s story — to turn heartbreak into healing, and fear into a future filled with possibility.