Started in 2003 at the suggestion of a 5-year-old boy, New York Says Thank You Foundation is a growing national and global “Pay It Forward” service movement that is creating transformative solutions based on survivor empowerment in disaster relief, education, and the arts.

While helping to rebuild a tornado-ravaged Home for the Vincent family that has cared for disabled veterans for three generations and who serve as the leader ship other towns volunteer fire department a neighboring state was impacted by a EF-5 Tornado. Volunteers created Stars of HOPE with children and families of the impacted community to replace the destruction with hopeful art.

The 9/12 Generation Project was originally launched by New York Says Thank You Foundation with the help of numerous supporters and partners, it grew into a nationwide initiative that helped educators discuss the tragic events of September 11, 2001 by focusing on the positive lessons of citizenship from “9/12”.

On February 1, 2015, New York Says Thank You Foundation proudly transferred full control of the program to our partners at American Public Education Foundation for its continued growth and nationwide impact.

Through more than a decade of responsiveness, bootstrapping, and grass-roots efforts, New York Says Thank You has
assisted thousands of disaster survivors, empowered tens of thousands of volunteers, and inspired hundreds of thousands of students with programs encouraging service, hope, and community. As we enter our second decade, we seek to extend these successes and formalize the administration of our distinctive programs in order to reach our constituents more effectively while enhancing the sustainability of our organization.