Youth Action Programs and Homes, Inc.

Last updated on September 18, 2008

The basic premise of Youth Action Programs and Homes is that young people can be a strong force for the good in their communities. Our mission is "to create a community of youth and young adults committed to taking responsibility for their own lives and for improving the larger community."

Description:
Youth Action YouthBuild is defined by its unique and comprehensive approach to youth empowerment and the creation of affordable housing. As you can see below, YAPH's programs include after school and summer prevention programs for our community's youngest citizens; a comprehensive YouthBuild program for young adults; and the development of affordable rental housing for low-income families.

YouthBuild- YAPH YouthBuild is a unique and comprehensive approach to workforce development,youth empowerment and the creation of affordable housing. Our full time, 10 month program emphasizes academic and vocational training, leadership development, counseling and graduate services. YouthBuild participants spend 50% of their time at the school site (on-site at our facility) in an array of educational activities incl. academic classes, classroom construction skills training, and job readiness, 900 hours of community service, and computer training; and 50% of their time at the work site, learning construction skills as they assist in the renovation of affordable rental housing for homeless/low income families and individuals.

Leadership Development-Though our central youth program centers on education and workforce development, vital to provide opportunities for them to better their lives and participate in community life, YAPH provides ongoing development of their leadership skills through facilitated weekly workshops focusing on public speaking, human relations, networking, budgeting/ financial management, verbal communication, and overcoming obstacles.

Summer and After School Prevention Program- This program is designed to promote social skills and increase resiliency and protective factors among at-risk youth, ages 6-13, through the dissemination of accurate, age appropriate information about alcohol, tobacco and marijuana and other drugs while promoting positive alternative such as arts, recreation and academics.

Housing Development and Management- Since 1984, YAPH has developed low-income housing and provided other housing-related services. YAPH YouthBuild trainees have directly participated in the rehabilitation of 125 units of affordable rental housing in East Harlem for low-income and previously homeless individuals and families, and a total of 15 commercial spaces. In addition through tenant engagement and development, a voice is given to those individuals and families who occupy our units, ensuring that their needs and concerns are being met.

History:
Youth Action Programs and Homes traces its roots back to 1978 when a group of local young people and their teacher, Dorothy Stoneman, acted on their belief that young people could be a powerful force for good in their East Harlem neighborhood. Their mission was to create a community of young people and adults committed to taking responsibility for their own lives and for improving the larger community. Over the last 25 years, Youth Action's young people have pioneered innovative youth and community development programs that have been replicated on both the local and national level, including the educational enrichment and scholarship program, the "I Have a Dream" Project with Eugene Lang, replicated in over 150 cities; and the nationally known youth and community development program, YouthBuild, which has served as a vehicle for the transformation of thousands of young lives. As home to the original YouthBuild model, Youth Action and it's young people continue to lead the national YouthBuild movement, that today represents 200 programs serving over 6500 young people a year across the US, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

Contact people:

Oshea Patrick, Program Director, (212) 860-8170, (email)
Leudvigg Bishop, Intake Coordinator, (212) 860-8170, (email)
Michelle Raymie, Executive Director, (212) 860-8170, (email)

Office fax number: (212) 860-8894

Address:

1325 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10029
(See a map)

Web Site: http://www.yaphonline.org

Directions:

Take the 2, 3 train to 110th/Central Park North, walk one block down to 5th Avenue. Office is located at 1325 5th Avenue between 111th and 112th. Please enter at main door on 111th.
  Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: 2,3,
  Walk distance (in minutes): 3
  Nearest Bus Stop: m1, m2, m3, m4, M18, 1 minute walk

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