Paterson Comm. Ctr.
340 Morris Ave.
Bronx, NY

Anchor Parent:

• Carol Boddie
• Leatrice Hampton

Carol Boddie has been a foster parent for ten years. She is currently caring for two children that have been placed in her home; In addition she has six biological children and seven grandchildren. Ms. Boddie became a certified foster parent due to her love and desire to care for children. She firmly believes that all children are entitled to love, affection, understanding and support. In addition, Ms. Boddie believes that educating children about family values, culture and morals is as equally important in the development of a child as is providing for them.

During her years as a foster parent, Ms. Boddie’s desire to help people has driven her to become very involved with both her agency and community in a variety of capacities. Ms. Boddie is currently the President of Tenants Association. In this capacity she serves as an advocate for fellow residents regarding both building and neighborhood issues. Ms. Boddie is also the founder and President of the Parents Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents in the Bronx , for the New York Foundling Foster Care Agency. As President, Ms. Boddie has had the opportunity to coordinate a family picnic for her agency, as well as a luncheon geared to honor the Social Workers of New York Foundling Foster Care Agency.

Ms. Boddie is also active in the school system, serving as both a School Aid and Shop Steward for the School Aid Union Local DC-37 in P.S. 157. This role has allowed Ms. Boddie to advocate for justice regarding a variety of issues on behalf of both the children and employees, as well ensuring that the constituents of her union are well informed of all vital information.

Ms. Boddie continues her service to the community by attending Friendly Baptist Church in the Bronx , where she is an active member on the Choir, Usher Board and serves as Assistant Matron to the Youth Choir. However, the extent of Ms. Boddie’s dedication and commitment to helping others does not end there. In 2003, Ms. Boddie took on an additional responsibility as Anchor Parent for Circle of Support in Mott Haven. In this role Ms. Boddie is able to actively use her advocating, communication and leadership skills, by guiding and assisting the group of foster and adoptive parents in navigating through the child welfare system, the school system and community resources.

Ms Boddie states, “With all my many everyday activities and interactions with parents, grandparents and children, everyday is a new and wonderful experience that I would not trade for anything”.

Carol Boddie can be reached at (718) 993-4225

People who care make a difference in Foster Care and Leatrice Hampton has made that difference, one day at a time, one child at a time and one heart at a time.  Leatrice has been a Foster/Resource Parent for over eleven years.  After caring for her precious son Hakeem for over five years, Leatrice adopted him on April 15, 2002.  In addition to Hakeem, Leatrice and her husband also have three lovely biological children, and five grandchildren, Marquise, Shaina, Tiana, Jajuan, and Isaiah. 

In addition to being a caring and loving mother and grandmother, Leatrice is also an Anchor Parent for the Mott Haven Circle of Support.  Leatrice organizes these monthly meetings for other foster and adoptive parents in the community.  During these meetings the group discusses issues that are relevant to parenting and foster care.  The group has a strong sense of cohesiveness and serves as a strong resource for Foster and Adoptive Parents. 

Leatrice’s work with children has become a ministry to her.  She was very active in her church with the children’s choir and children’s church ministry.  Her love for God and children is what makes Leatrice Hampton who she is.  Leatrice once stated, “One’s child’s love is worth more than all of the money in the world.  the destinies of these little ones are in our hands”.