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The Village – NYC

Providing hometown help in the North Shore of Staten Island

After more than 75 years of successful collaboration with local organizations in several countries, A Chance In Life launched its first US-based program in New York City to offer children and youth a chance in life.

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 Youth Leadership Workshop

The Youth Leadership Workshop supported by The Estée Lauder Companies Charitable Foundation empowers participants to unlock their leadership capacity.


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 5,273 children and youth with education, nutrition, healthcare and leadership training in 12 countries.

Our Approach

Our Positive Youth Development (PYD) approach empowers children and young people to contribute to self, community and society.