The Charles Hayden Foundation, established in 1937, has been a steadfast advocate for a wide range of organizations dedicated to supporting children. Over the years its grantees have varied in size, from large institutions that were supported by Charles Hayden himself during his lifetime, to small non-profits formed since the turn of this century.

The Foundation's true focus is on the children it serves. The Foundation is deeply committed to assisting young learners, including those who struggle with reading, pre-teens who participate in specialized programs at museums and universities, and teenagers navigating the complexities of the college application process. The programs it supports aim to provide young people with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed  in school and in life—laying the foundation for fulfilling and productive futures.

Charles Hayden’s vision for the Foundation was grounded in a profound desire to help children, and it is through his generosity and foresight that the Foundation continues to pursue this mission today. The leaders of the Foundation share Mr. Hayden’s belief that "the future of this nation, and of this world ... is dependent on our children," and hope that the Foundation’s grants will nurture better, more enlightened citizens, who will in turn benefit the world they live in.

Rafael Salamanca Jr. serves as the Council Member for the 17th District of the New York City Council, representing the South Bronx. He is currently the Chair of the Land Use Committee, where he plays a key role in shaping the city's development and land policies.

Born to first-generation Puerto Rican immigrants, Councilmember Salamanca was raised in the Bronx, where he developed a strong understanding of the value of hard work and the importance of giving back to the community. His early career was rooted in healthcare, where he focused on expanding access to services for low-income and working families. This experience laid the foundation for his later work in public service.

Before entering the City Council, Councilmember Salamanca served as the District Manager for Bronx Community Board 2 for nearly six years, and as President of the 41st Precinct Council, where he collaborated closely with the NYPD and local leaders to improve public safety in the community.

Since his special election in 2016, he has been a passionate advocate for affordable housing. He has overseen the approval of more than 10,000  affordable housing units, ensuring that residents of all income levels have access to safe and affordable housing. Additionally, he has secured over $400 million in capital investments for his district, driving economic development and job creation. As a proponent of local hiring, he has worked to ensure that businesses investing in the South Bronx prioritize hiring local residents. Councilmember Salamanca is committed to providing quality education to children in the Bronx so as to create lasting opportunities for future generations.

Camerin Gonzalez and Brian Muñoz Reyes have been important members of the HPAC community since they were each 9 years old. We are so proud that their long-term relationship with HPAC has helped to shape their personal growth and their academic and other successes.

Camerin and Brian began their journeys with HPAC as part of the Shakespeare Ensemble. They were in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2016), Romeo & Juliet (2017), and As You Like It (2018), in which they played Duke Senior and Orlando, respectively. Later, Brian and Camerin were active members of our Storefront Ensemble, which is a writing and performance program that helps scholars find their own voices as they tell stories about themselves, their community, and their world. Brian continued to hone his writing skills by participating in Mighty Quills. Mighty Quills is an intensive program in which students write plays, poems, and prose pieces under the guidance of an experienced writer. Both Storefront and Mighty Quills produce performances for the community that showcase our scholars’ work.

Before heading off to college, Brian and Camerin participated in our Postsecondary Success Program. This program provides coaching and guidance to students, with access to a college advisor and peer mentors who focus on helping our scholars through the college admissions and financial aid processes. The program also links students to peer mentors who help them navigate their college experience.

Camerin is a graduate of the High School of Finance and Economics and is a rising sophomore at Babson College’s business school, which he is attending on a full Posse Scholarship. Brian graduated from the M408 Professional Performing Arts High School and is a rising sophomore at Fordham University where he is studying acting. We are so very proud that each of them remains involved in our community through various activities, including acting as mentors to the next generation of HPAC schola