Second Round Foundation to be recognized on November 19 for its work expanding opportunity through education, sports, and community engagement

NEW YORK, Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Healing New York, the nation’s first child protection agency with over 150 years of work protecting children and supporting families through trauma recovery, announced today that it will present the Second Round Foundation with the Game Changers for Children Award at Healing New York’s 2026 Fall Gala on November 19, celebrating the Foundation’s dedication to young people and the communities that surround them.

Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks captain, All-Star, and now NBA champion, co-founded the Second Round Foundation with his mother Sandra Brunson. They have built the Foundation’s reputation around widening access and opportunity for young people who are too often counted out, using education, sports, and hands-on community involvement as its primary tools. That work spans scholarships, mentorship support, and wellness-focused partnerships supporting youth across the city. That focus, on giving people the chance to grow and be seen, resonates closely with what drives Healing New York’s own mission of helping families rebuild and thrive.

“We are so proud to honor Second Round Foundation and its steadfast commitment to creating opportunities for young people to overcome life’s most difficult challenges and achieve success,” said Aysha E. Schomburg, President and CEO of Healing New York. “Healing New York and Second Round Foundation share a core value that young people should always be seen. When they have the support that they need, they can truly fulfill their dreams.”

“This recognition means a lot to my family and to everyone who has helped build the Second Round Foundation,” said Jalen Brunson, co-founder of the Second Round Foundation. “I’ve always believed that where you start doesn’t have to determine where you finish. Sometimes young people just need someone to believe in them, give them an opportunity, and remind them that the work they put in matters. That’s what we want Second Round to represent, and we’re grateful to Healing New York for recognizing that work.”

“Second Round Foundation shows what’s possible when a family builds an organization and decides to invest in young people without hesitation,” said Lincoln Frank, Chair of the Board of Directors of Healing New York. “On behalf of our board, I am proud that Healing New York gets to stand beside an organization that shares our belief that every child deserves a stable and hopeful future.”

“We are deeply honored to receive the Game Changers for Children Award from Healing New York,” said Nija Williams, CEO of the Second Round Foundation. “At Second Round, we believe every young person deserves to be seen, supported, and given the opportunity to determine what success looks like for themselves. Our work is about planting seeds of equity that can grow into lasting change, and we are proud to share that commitment with an organization that has spent more than 150 years advocating for children and families.”

Each year, Healing New York’s Fall Gala gathers supporters and partners to recognize individuals and organizations whose work advances the wellbeing of children and families. This year’s gala will be held on November 19.

Event details include:

• Event Name: Healing New York 2026 Fall Gala 
• Date: Thursday, November 19, 2026
• Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Location: New York Historical, 170 Central Park West, New York

About Healing New York 
Incorporated in 1875, Healing New York—formerly the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children—is the nation’s first child protection agency. For over 150 years, Healing New York has supported children and families healing from abuse and neglect through trauma-informed therapeutic programs and has strengthened child safety through prevention, training, and advocacy. All services are provided free of charge to families navigating systemic barriers across New York City. To learn more about Healing New York’s 150-year legacy and current initiatives, visit www.healing-ny.org.

About the Second Round Foundation
Founded by Jalen and Sandra Brunson, the Second Round Foundation plants seeds of equity to create opportunities for young people through education, sports, health and wellness, and community engagement. The Foundation’s vision is to empower young people to determine their own success, irrespective of their background or circumstance, by providing access to resources, experiences, mentorship, and support that contribute to their long-term development.

Through strategic partnerships and community-based initiatives, the Second Round Foundation invests in programs that address the whole child, from educational achievement and leadership development to physical and mental wellness, nutrition, and access to sports. Its work includes scholarships and educational support, youth mentorship, wellness initiatives, community programming, and partnerships designed to meet young people where they are while equipping them with the tools and opportunities to reach where they want to go. For more information, visit secondroundfoundation.org.

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SOURCE Healing New York