As part of our celebration of Eleanor Roosevelt’s legacy in human rights, we are shining the spotlight on some incredible organizations working on issues that were close to her heart. This week, we bring you Phoebe Boyer, President and CEO of Children’s Aid NYC, in conversation with Eleanor’s great-granddaughter, Sara Boettiger.

Founded in 1853, Children’s Aid is one of the oldest child welfare organizations in the United States. In fact, Eleanor Roosevelt worked with Children’s Aid actively in the early 1930s, recognizing its role in addressing the deep poverty and neglect facing children in urban communities. From its earliest days, Children’s Aid has stood as a defender of children’s right to safety, education, and opportunity—principles that are now enshrined in international human rights frameworks.

By prioritizing the needs of children and families who face systemic barriers, Children’s Aid exemplifies how community-based solutions can embody and advance global human rights principles. Its mission highlights that human rights are not abstract ideals but living commitments realized through compassion, advocacy, and equity-driven action. By nurturing the well-being and potential of every child, the organization affirms a core belief shared by Eleanor Roosevelt: that the measure of any society lies in how it protects and uplifts its youngest members.