The Penelope Group bridges the gap between NYC communities in need and the licensed agencies ready to serve them — at no cost to families.
New York State provides free Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) and Children and Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS) to eligible children. We help you find out if your family qualifies — and connect you to the right agency.
Check Eligibility →The Penelope Group has deep institutional relationships across NYC schools, courts, housing, and public assistance offices. We identify and refer eligible families to licensed HCBS and CFTSS providers through a straightforward consultation contract.
Partner With Us →We help families navigate free state-funded services — and we help agencies and institutions build community presence and outreach capacity.
Home and Community Based Services including respite care, community habilitation, skill building, caregiver support, and personal caregivers — up to 30 hours per week, free for eligible children through age 21.
Children and Family Treatment and Support Services including community psychiatric support, family peer support, youth peer support, psychosocial rehabilitation, and crisis intervention.
We go where families are — schools, courts, NYCHA, public assistance offices, and community organizations — to ensure every eligible family knows what they're entitled to.
We handle the process. Families just show up.
A school, community org, or family submits a referral through our form.
We assess eligibility and identify the right services for each child.
We connect the family to a designated licensed agency in their borough.
The agency activates services. Families receive support at no cost.
Children who meet 2 or more of the following criteria may be eligible for free state-funded services:
Fill out our quick referral form and we'll contact you within 24 hours to walk you through the next steps — completely free.
Submit a Referral →📱 Or scan to open the form on your phone:
English Referral Form
As a vetted NYC PASSPort vendor and DOE-approved organization, TPG provides outreach strategy, marketing, and community relations consulting.
As an approved NYC Department of Education vendor, The Penelope Group has direct institutional access to schools across all five boroughs.
Social media strategy, educational video, community campaigns, multilingual materials, and online presence buildout — built by a team that knows these communities.
Ongoing relationship-building with schools, faith leaders, CBOs, and community organizations — so your agency stays top of mind.
Still not sure? Here are the most common questions we hear. If yours isn't listed — just reach out.
Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) are free, state-funded support services for eligible children under 21 enrolled in NYS Medicaid. Services include respite care, community habilitation, caregiver support, and more — provided in your home and community, not in a facility.
Children and Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS) are mental health and behavioral support services for children with emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges. This includes community psychiatric support, family peer support, youth peer support, and crisis intervention — all free for eligible children through Medicaid.
Not necessarily. Children with an IEP, a 504 Plan, or involvement with the child welfare system may qualify even without a formal diagnosis. Medicaid enrollment is required. We'll assess eligibility with you at no cost — just fill out the referral form and we'll reach out.
Nothing. Our services are completely free to families. HCBS and CFTSS are state-funded programs. TPG is a consulting firm that agencies and institutions hire for outreach and marketing services. Families are never charged.
Fill out our referral form below. We'll contact you within 24 hours — by phone or email — to walk through eligibility and next steps. You can also call us directly at (929) 483-6870.
A member of our team will contact you within 24 hours by phone or email. We'll review your child's situation, confirm eligibility, and connect you with a licensed agency in your borough. The whole process is handled for you — no paperwork maze.
Fill out the referral form and we'll get back to you within 24 hours — by phone or email, whichever you prefer.
Whether you're a family, a school, or an agency — we're here.
