BOYS' AND GIRLS' TOWNS OF NEW YORK CITY
PROVIDING HOMETOWN HELP
After more than 75 years of successfully creating and running innovative international programming, A Chance In Life launched its first US-based programs in winter 2020. In partnership with other community-based organizations, including the New York Center for Interpersonal Development and United Activities Unlimited, and the city of New York, A Chance In Life is committed to providing high-quality programming to youth ages 12-24 of every race, ethnicity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ability, economic status and religion throughout New York City.
WORK, LEARN & GROW
MENTORSHIP AND CAREER READINESS TRAINING
Through a partnership with the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, A Chance In Life participates in New York City's Work, Learn & Grow Employment Program. This innovative program provides NYC public high school students with paid internships and career readiness training. Students cultivate hard and soft skills necessary for future employment through weekly collaborative exercises. Interns also benefit from exposure to a host of guest speakers and presenters from A Chance In Life’s network of supporters and advocates. |
THE VILLAGE
OF THE NORTH SHORE OF STATEN ISLAND
Using the success of our Towns abroad as a foundation, The Village on Staten Island will offer A Chance In Life’s twist on the traditional Drop-in Youth Center. Elements of self-government will be incorporated into day-to-day activities, including youth-led teams. By specifically addressing the almost 20% of young people who are disconnected from school and employment, A Chance In Life can help prepare those individuals for a more promising, successful, and self-sufficient future. Programs include, but are not limited to: tutoring, ESL courses, college readiness training, recreational activities, meal packages, legal counseling, psychological support, financial literacy training, GED test prep and leadership development training. You can read our full Executive Summary here. |
THE MODEL
ASSETS TO BE NURTURED, NOT PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED
A Chance In Life believes youth are assets to be nurtured and developed, not problems to be solved. In adherence with this philosophy, our New York City program incorporates the Positive Youth Development (PYD) model. PYD refers to a broad approach that aims to build the competencies, skills, and abilities of youth so that they can grow and flourish throughout life.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
STATEN ISLAND HUMAN TRAFFICKING TASK FORCE
A Chance In Life is proud to have joined the The Staten Island Human Trafficking Task Force (SIHTTF) in February 2021. SIHTTF is a local multidisciplinary coalition responding to human trafficking using a survivor-centered holistic approach. The task force membership aims to
As we begin serving youth in Staten Island, we are grateful to have partners like SIHTTF in our mission to ensure every child is given a chance in life.
- (1) provide community awareness through coordinated trainings and outreach,
- (2) build collaborative strategies between social service providers, health care systems and criminal justice stakeholders to provide comprehensive victim services and
- (3) support the criminal justice capacity to identify, investigate, and prosecute human trafficking crimes using trauma-informed and client centered practices.
As we begin serving youth in Staten Island, we are grateful to have partners like SIHTTF in our mission to ensure every child is given a chance in life.