DonateThe Village
At The Village, we’re building brighter futures—one family, one youth, and one dream at a time.
At The Village, a drop-in youth center in North Shore, Staten Island, we focus on youth development and community resources, fostering collaboration with local organizations. We provide food supplies, empower immigrants with English skills, and develop future leaders. Our programs prepare young adults for the workforce, turn artistic talent into business success, and partner with nonprofits to support underserved youth.
What We Offer
Youth Development
The Youth Leadership Workshop
An after-school program for middle and high school students to develop leadership skills, cultivate ethical values, and make a positive impact in their community.
English For Life
ESL For Life is a program that offers three levels of tailored English language education to immigrant youth and young adults to enhance their job prospects and integration.
Community Resources
PYD Forums
Why the North Shore of Staten Island?
New York City is one of the financial epicenters of the world. It’s a city of tremendous opportunity, but there are still issues to be addressed. And deep in what residents sometimes call the “forgotten borough,” those issues are more urgent than ever.
With fewer programs available to help vulnerable kids in the borough and growing education inequities, there’s a need for a new model of youth development on Staten Island that emphasizes education and crucial life skills.
Staten Island’s North Shore has a poverty rate greater than New York City as a whole and is home to the most marginalized and underserved youth in New York City.
Approximately
21%
of residents live
in poverty
Among Black and Latinx residents, the poverty rate is around
21%
The rate is even higher among children
33%
Among young people
28%
of individuals aged 16-24 are disconnected from both school and employment.
The Village is a drop-in youth center that incorporates Positive Youth Development (PYD) into day-to-day activities. We address the problem that almost 20% of young people are disconnected from school and employment, offering them a chance in life for a more promising, successful and self-sufficient future.
You can support our work in New York City with a gift of $100 or more.
Our programs include:
Tutoring, ESL courses, college readiness training, recreational activities, meal packages, legal counseling, psychological support, financial literacy training, GED test prep and leadership development training.
Become a Partner
In collaboration with local organizations, our grants target issues related to education, nutrition, healthcare, gender equality and climate action.
Our Impact
This year, A Chance In Life will provide children and youth with education, nutrition, healthcare and leadership training in 14 countries.
Our Approach
Our Positive Youth Development (PYD) approach empowers children and young people to contribute to self, community and society.