Fresh Youth Initiatives, Inc.

FYI is an awesome community organization. They give young people tools for success, and the staff do whatever it takes to help each participant reach their goals.

My son has been part of the FYI program since 2019 and he loved the staff and program, while we were out of school in 2020 he participated through the virtual after school session which was ok because is not the same as in person. In 2021 he joined the summer program and i am so grateful for this program, the staff and its coordinators! My son who i thought was going to have the worst time adapting has strive as a small human, he is more confident, he loves his program, loves the staff and we love that any concern is treated immediately and with respect. I will always be grateful for this program because it has provided tranquility to me and my family. I love how my the program has assisted with the development and confidence of my child, he loves it and i am eternally grateful for it!

I have been in FYI since the second grade, I am now about to go to 8th grade. I love FYI because the staff help me with all of my school work and they also plan fun things for us to do. If I didn’t come to FYI this school year during remote learning I probably would have failed 7th grade. I am very grateful for FYI and the staff. They are the best staff ever!

I have been in FYI for 6 years and they are always nice to me and other students. And if you have something bad happening at home, you can come to FYI and be happy. FYI took us to places we've never been before in NYC.

I have been going to FYI for two and a half years and I really feel like this is a home for me. This past year I’ve felt really connected with my fellow peers and staff because we have all stuck together during this pandemic. I feel like I have grown closer to my FYI staff and peers because we have all helped each other with our school work. FYI is a place where I know I feel welcomed and a part of something.

I like FYI a lot because I am able to finish my homework and play with staff and classmates when I am done. This is my first year going to school in America and the FYI staff has helped me a lot with speaking and writing in English. They have supported me all year and made my first year easier and better.

FYI is a great place to be at i see it as a second home , the staff are great thanks to them I completed all of my work and I love FYI.

I come to FYI because it’s good and people help me with school work. The staff here are very nice and are friendly

I come to FYI to complete my school work. The staff help me with homework and also make learning fun.

FYI has been incredible for me and my son. It is so comforting to know my son has a safe place to be after school, where he will get his homework done (in English and Spanish), and have fun. He loves the staff. FYI is also very helpful acting as liaison between parents and the school during the school day. During these uncertain times, FYI is able to reassure me us that our little ones are ok.
Colleen

FYI is an amazing after-school program. Not only do they help my child with her homework, but also teaching her soft skills such as sharing, empathy and understanding. The after-school teachers find creative ways to keep students engaged even after they complete their homework. The coordinator is so attentive, and always communicates with us. She looks after our children as though they are her own.

Im in awww and grateful for FYI. This will be my son second year with them. They are truthsworthy, responsible and fun. They show they truly care about the children's well being

They really care about providing the resources underserved communities need to thrive.

I am so glad my son attends this program. The staff are all very nice, very helpful. They interact so well with kids my son is happy and that’s all ur matters.

FYI has been a wonderful program that not only helps me as a parent, but my kids have benefited greatly. I’m a non-Spanish speaking parent with two kids in the dual language program and FYI can help them in ways I cannot when it comes to their Spanish work. They also engage the kids in fun activities and they care about the kids. I’m so happy to have the opportunity to have my kids in this program.

What I experienced at FYI was not an ordinary afterschool program what I saw was family, it impressed me very much how the kids there have grown together as a family building long-lasting relationships, supporting each other. You can feel the love starting from the CEO to the receptionist, they are committed to their work and to the kids, that was very touching for me to see. I am very happy I get to meet them and create a beautiful mural in collaboration with the kids.

Gracias, fue una reunion muy amena e interesante por los temas que trataron con respecto a las diferencias en generos, la votacion de las personas que nos representaran.

FYI has been a second home to me since I was in the sixth grade (I am now a Junior in High School). FYI has helped me with homework, personal problems, discovering who I am and what I love to do which is to help others. FYI has helped me be more social and be more aware of my surroundings. Without FYI, I would not be the person I am today.

I can’t put into words how much I love Fresh Youth Initiatives. This is a safe place for me and I would honestly call the people here my family. I’ve done so much for my community and have made the friends of a lifetime here. This place is home and you can tell everyone is genuine and they care about your progress in life and academically too. They are honestly the best program I’ve ever been to and I can’t wait to keep going back!

My story with FYI is they are my home. They make me so happy, they support so many people in the building, they are always trying to make us happy and make sure that we are enjoying ourselves, and there’s never a dull moment with us. They’ve impacted and improved me more as a person. They are my family and when I’m with them it’s like they are my 2nd home, they helped me with my problems and always took care of me. I love them so much.

Fresh Youth Initiatives (FYI) does incredible work supporting their students, fostering an incredible community.

If i could give it 6 stars i definitely would, FYI is a second home to me , whenever i'm feeling down they always have my back and my front . This is a program where you should never hesitate to be who you are , whether it's help with homework or help to talk about your feelings they'll always be open arms . And that's what makes us a big strong family .

I myself like this nonprofit organization, as the staff here are amazing. They manage to keep up with the trends without seeming "cringy,' and are really great help on homework, especially difficult subjects most students have trouble with, like math, or science for example. They manage to help students in a way that seems fun, without seeming like a mindbogglingly boring lecture. I really do hope that this organization reaches its goals, and gets recognized for what it does.

I joined fresh youth initiatives in 2016 as a participant and i can honestly say that this program changed my life. As soon as you enter this program you are greeted with such a warm welcoming from everyone and that really drew me in. Ever since i joined this program I've learned so much about my self and i am excited everyday to come here. Everyone from the staff that work here to the kids that go here are so kind and nice, we all get along and we are big family.

Everytime Kids come to FYI, they are welcomed with people That they are comfortable with, who are smiling, laughing, sharing jokes and acting like a family. FYI is like a second family to everybody. It is a place where people can be themselves without being judged

This program gives the participates an opportunity to feel at home and also teaches the students to be able to take responsibility when it is needed. All kids are treated equally no one is segregated no matter what.

My experience with fyi has been wonderful they have helped me progress every year as a participant and as a person. I thank fyi for the person I am becoming.

FYI is an absolutely fantastic organization. I was an intern for them over the summer and it was the best job experience I've ever had. The staff was friendly, motivating, and hard-working. The children who I worked with were well taken care of, and they looked up to the staff, who were all excellent role models. FYI is a stellar example of an impactful nonprofit.

Fresh Youth Initiatives has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Therefore, getting an opportunity to be an intern at FYI was a dream come true. I was honored to use skills that I am learning in college to help their development & communications department. Not only was I putting my brain to work everyday, but I was surrounded by kind, thoughtful, and intelligent people who care so much about the children they serve in Washington Heights. The work that FYI does is invaluable, it's necessary, and must only continue to expand.

The staff and campers were all unique individuals making me feel at home and valued with every day activities. The campers were very excited with to have me there which made me happy to show up and give it my all
They FYI is a cheerful and wonderful camp and I would be happy to work there again.

FYI is an incredible organization that truly cares about every individual that walks through their doors. Sincerity and authenticity run through FYI and it doesn't take more than one visit to see it. In my experience, it is rare to find a nonprofit that runs as fluidly as FYI!

FYI is a great organization that has been a pleasure to work for. You can see their commitment to the youth they serve as well as the commitment to the staff. FYI makes all members ( whether staff, interns or students) feel part of a family.

FYI is awesome! They have provided me an opportunity of a lifetime of learning and working with an amazing community.

I've been a mentor to my "mentee" for almost 20 years. FYI matched me with an 11yo girl when I was in my early 20's and we've been part of each other's lives ever since. She's now a 30 yo successful attorney, happily married and such a "success story." FYI was a wonderful organization to work with. They do do honest, salt-of-the-earth development with the kids, and I love that the kids have to "earn" a mentor through their community service. Highly recommend.

I remember when I first joined FYI in 1998 I was eager to help my community any way possible and to be able to do that with awesome people by my side made it all the better. The friendships I made and the lessons I learned on life and humility have stuck with me all these years I can't wait for my daughter to join FYI and follow in my footsteps as well.

fyi is such an amazing its like why is their no 6 star
what keeps me coming is that all my friends are here and we enjoy every single second at fyi

I started volunteering with FYI as a homework helper last fall. Sadly, my work schedule no longer allows for the afternoon commitment, or else I'd still be going each week! The team there is truly dedicated to their many students; each student is truly supported and encouraged. The many programming offerings at FYI also allow it so that all the kids find something they love to focus on, no matter what their interests are. I was blown away by the growth and talent I saw from the students each week. I look forward to getting involved again in the future!

This is my second home. FYI helped me learn English and this is really helped me do well in school to. We all treat our self like brother and sister FYI IS THE BEST PROGRAM EVER.

I LLLOVE TIS TIS PROGRAM THIS IS THE BEST PROGRAM IN HISTORY OF PROGRAMS. I LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLOVE IT HERE WE TREAT EACH OTHER LIKE BROTHER AND SISTER SOMETIMES WE ARGUE BUT ITS ALL RIGHT FYI FRESH YOUTH INITIATIVES

Its the best program eeeeeee-vvvvvvv-rrrrrrr . you should come. FYI ROCKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS. I LOVE ITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT. ITs the BESTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT

i love this program its awesome its so fun i heart the activities i heart the staffs the food is aaaa-mm-azing but mostly i love love love this camp its called camp scatico its so fun we eat smores and their is a lounge where you just hang out its funnn, sometimes everynight at midnight we gather around the camp fire and tell scary stories and eat smores. I had never been outside of the city this was my first time and i am grateful fyi is like my family and everyone is so silly.i been here for 4 years and 5 months its been really good you do your homework here and you earn hours their like points you earn to go to camp scatico well i said too much how about you come and check it out i hope you have the same experience that i did yay!!!!! my name is yinel by the way

I found my favorite sport,soccer at FYI. It helps me because in school I need the skills to play kickball. I started to play the drums . I also restarted to play the guitar. There is also girls group which allows us to tell the staff members how we feel. This the best program ever because they had a sleep over and I went to central park for the first time ever. I always return because they support our decisions. I also found a woman that has the same last name as me. They are really fun. They also give us food. They are the best foundation in the world.

lo que me gusta de fyl es que nos yudan sienpre
y me gusta como nos tratan me gusta los programas que eyos asen tanbien me gusta cuando nos yeban al parque y me gusta las comidas que asen me gusta como yerry nos trata todos me gustaria que ubiera algo de musica pero esta bien el programa es bueno y me gusta mucho a los que no estan se lo recomiendo mucho.


-yulenny blanco gracias

fyi is the best because we have a lot of fun. The staff do a lot of fun things like go to the park and if you what to come to this program to see all things that the lovely staff do you can talk to Jerry. thanks

-jorgely tejada

this program is the best you always have lots of fun they help us with the math and much much more other stuff we do tons of projects and met new people

I come to this program because I get to meet other people. To me it is a second home to me an i have been here for 3 years.

I always have a lot of fun at FYI. I see my friends in the afternoon here. It is an awesome organization and place. I have met tons of great people here.

FYI played a major role in my life. I started at 10 Years old and now that I'm 27 I am still using the skills they taught me. I learned about responsibility and professionalism. I also learned how to be a good citizen in my community and the importance to serve.

My story with FYI began back in 1999. It was the height of my career with no time to spare but I knew I needed to balance my life and do something to give back to others. I found FYI and was attracted to them due to their model of implementing community service into their program. I was first matched with a girl who was struggling and surrounded by walls she had built to protect her heart. It took months to get her to trust me, but she finally did. It was a special friendship and sadly changed when she moved to MA. I continued to stay in touch and went up to visit her periodically. FYI asked me if I was ready to be matched again to which I was certainly was. This time, the match was flawless. Here I was thinking I was giving back and doing something for someone else when I met my new mentee. She was going thru so very much in her life but she was hungry. Hungry for love and adventure, to learn and to be exposed. She was 11 and trying to find her way in a tough world. We spent every Saturday together, walking Central Park with my dog (she LOVED dogs) and talking. She came to the magazine I worked for and saw a life she could never have imagined. We mostly did simple life things but I also took her to Radio City at Christmas and always celebrated her birthdays in a big way. Our most special adventure was a trip cross country. Wow, the talking and learning and sharing we did. She had big dreams and a bigger heart. I had a wonderful relationship with her Mom as we went along in co-raising this special girl. There were many hurdles and some big issues that came up in her life but her Mom knew I was there to help and always reached out for my input and assistance. Some tough conversations, some tough love and a whole lot of happiness and love given to her, she came through. She came through brighter than she should have, she came through with confidence and inspiration, she came through with a love of people and giving back and doing the right thing. I now have an 11 year old daughter and she has a baby. My friends all told me when I first talked about becoming a mentor that this was not a good time, I was so busy and stressed with my work - to look back at that time, my goal was attain balance in a busy world, the result was beyond any hope. I know I made a mark on my sweet girl as we are still just as close but, wow...did she sure make a mark on my life. By far, the greatest experience in humanity and love. Thank you FYI for being a part of my life. May you continue your great work with the support you need. I am always here to help in any way.

I saw a group of FYI youth around the neighborhood painting a mural. I was impressed with the ways that the older kids and young kids worked together, you don't often see young people of different ages communicate like that. Clearly FYI is helping to make my neighborhood look better with their community service activities, and developing leadership qualities in their participants. Impressive

Excellent organization that directly touches kids in the community with services and support. Helping kids who are some of New York's most vulnerable is an invaluable service that makes a real difference in their daily life.

Volunteering with Fresh Youth Initiatives was a great experience for me and something not to be forgotten. The friendly environment and caring staff made the organization seem more like a second home instead of just an after school program. Without Fresh Youth Initiatives I would not be as respectful and learn to take responsibilities for the things that are important. This organization has been a major impact on who I am today and would recommend it to the youth.

My name is Lourdes Encarnacion and my daughter Angeluna has been going to FYI for 2 years. During her time there she has learned so much! The staff that is supprtive, responsible and teaches the youth how to be a positive role model and leadership skills. FYI as given my daughter opportunities to help people within in the community such as making sleeping bagsbfor the homeless, and volunteering in distributing cans to people in need. This has given my daughter valuable insight on how she can make a difference helping others and learning very early that she has the ability to make a positive change. I truly am very grateful to have an organization that of FYI and will recommend it to anyone!

FYI was my formal introduction into the world of after schools. It is a welcoming, family environment that makes everyone feel as if they belong. There was always room for creativity and growth for both staff and participants. Youth all over the world need organizations such as these that will provide personal attention and foster growth and community awareness.

Hi my name is Sarai Mercado, and I have been in FYI for 2 years. My experience in FYI has been amazing. FYI as been my second home. FYI helps with what i need and when i need it. If I need help in s subject in school and I come to FYI and tell them they right away help me with what ever I need! I when i enter the FYI building I am filled with joy and happiness. Even on a sad day when I enter the FYI building my mood changes and I am happy when I leave the building. Thank You FYI for being the way you are!!!!!!!!

I have been in Fresh Youth Initiatives for over 3 years now. I have many reason why I still come to FYI. One of the main reasons is because they treat the paricipant likes a family. Another, reason is because I have alot of fun in FYI. A reason I still come to FYI is because I see my friend that don't go to my school. Another reason, is because I enjoy being here.

my experience started when i was 10 years old and i love it, i never thought that i will love fyi so much. Fyi is a part of my heart and i will never leave fyi because i will feel like i am betraying my family. This is the best program i ever had been. i wish i could spend more years here.!

I been in Fresh Youth Initiatives for 3 years. Its been a pleasure being here. I love coming in everyday because your always welcomed here and its like a family. Ive learned so many things here. We get to experience new things and travel to so many places.

My name is Enmanuel Portes and I have been with for about 7 years now, I originally found out about FYI through my older brother, he introduced me to the program and had always told me about how he had so much fun and had some very amazing experiences. So as soon as I met the age requirement I decided to join the Summer Camp and after school programs, and ever since I have fallen in love with FYI. I continue coming to FYI because whenever I come here I always have a fun time and I really enjoy myself now matter what we do, everything from playing UNO with other participants or just having conversations with the Boys Group. Also I have a fun time doing community service, whenever we do service and people notice our good acts it gives me a very satisfying feeling and lets me feel as though I truly am making a difference to my community.

I have been with FYI for 3 years now and I have been enjoying everyday of FYI. FYI has taught me not be shy and to be outspoken. The reason I keep coming to FYI is because if I don't come I feel like I'm leaving my other family. FYI is a big part of my life now. My FYI experience cannot be told in a summary.

This is my 4th year in Fresh Youth Initiatives i come to FYI because i like when they treat us like family. They help us with our homework,with school and more stuff. They do something that others program don't do like treat us like we were there own son and daughter they tell us the right thing to do not the bad. FYI taught me so many things that helped me get to where i am right now.They like my second family.

FYI taught me so many lessons that helped me get to where I am today. I learned about humility and being thankful for what I have. I learned that doing good things for others is something that you do for yourself, not because you think it's what is expected of you, or because you expect something in return. I learned that I am important, that what I do really can affect other people's lives. I learned that the world was huge, and that no place is perfect but change is possible and it starts with ME. I also learned what it means to be a leader. Leading isn't about forcing people to follow you, it's about knowing who you are, what you are capable of, and doing it with conviction in order to get others to walk side by side WITH you. FYI made me feel like the sky was the limit. That no one could stop me from doing whatever I wanted but myself. I remember wanting to be a music producer, and having a so much support from FYI. They told me that anything is possible and hard work is what gets you to where you want to be. As I got older I had a new goal of wanting to wear a suit and be like the guys on Wall Street. Using the lessons and skills that I learned from FYI, I started to take my college studies seriously and set a goal of getting into the honors program at Lehman College, and I did it. I strove to maintain a high GPA, and I did it. I strove to be different and do what others thought was too hard by learning another language – Japanese – and I did that too. Then toward the end of college, I was accepted into a competitive internship at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for the summer. It was a great opportunity, and I knew that if I worked hard enough, and applied everything that I had learned in life thus far, that I could turn my internship into a career. Today I work full time for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and I know that without everything I gained from FYI, I would probably find myself in a different situation today.

When I first moved to Washington Heights, I knew no one and played alone. I began volunteering with Fresh Youth Initiatives in 1994 while heading to the park to play alone. They were there with youth members from the neighborhood repainting the short surrounding walls of the park and I immediately grabbed a paint brush to join. At the age of 12 I began an incredible frontier of integration into an unknown Dominican dominated community, amazing after school activities through fervent volunteerism and exceptional introduction to inadvertent professional training.

I received my first official employment opportunity when FYI offered members the job of designing one of the brochures. As a lefty, creative adventurer, lover of art and drawing I jumped on the opening and received a seventy dollar stipend for my assistance. After this I realized I could volunteer in addition to bringing in some type of income. My mother gave birth to me at the age of 13 and was fully versed in caring for my sister and myself as well as climbing the corporate ladder which she DID! For this reason being positively active after school, as well as bringing in any type of money were both imperative (even at the age of 12).

Later in my time with FYI I became a Neighborhood Service Leader. At this time I was of working age and it upgraded me to monthly payments. The job required myself the NSL Leader to create a weekly volunteer program outside of what FYI was already doing. My volunteer project was at the library inside the UFBCO Day Care Center on 158th street. Our tasks were to organization the library via categories, labeling, pickup and return processing as well. This was to encourage the young youth to begin and keep a love for books and reading. This was something I did from 1998 until I graduate high school and left to attend college in 2002.

I loved my entire time with Fresh Youth Initiatives. I even became an expert with both the Apple Mac and Microsoft who dominated at that time. The after school activities kept me volunteering, executing creatively and SAFE during that deep time of gang violence in NYC. I was also extremely prepared and ready to enter my new, unknown first generation college experience. Since my time with them I've graduated with a B.A. in Mass Communications - Public Relations from Virginia State University. I have been in public relations and event planning for Brooklyn Terrace, Aloft Hotel, Sheridan Hotel, Millesime at the Carlton Hotel, Universal Motown, Sarah Hall Productions, Laurent- Perrier Champagne, Bombay Sapphire, Reebok, and will resume working with FYI.

I have been involved with FYI as a volunteer for three years now and I will continue to work with them for as long as I can. In working with them I have been able to witness the positive impact the program has had on youth. This is a place where they can feel comfortable to be themselves and learn new things. This program is a family and everyone of it's members is important and special. All the children and teens have the ability to speak to any of the staff members about their issues and just have a good time playing games and being together. FYI not only helps youth interact with other youth but exposes them to new experiences and new places. Which gives them the opportunity to see the world that is outside of their neighborhoods. I would recommend this program to any parent/family member that wants to expose their children to new experiences and activities. And what is best of all is that FYI is a free program for neighborhood youth!

I participated in FYI for five years, I am proud to say that i am an absolute product of this program. I have participated in different services activities such as mural paintings, park clean ups, mural paintings and many more influential activities . We visited different places from our community including museums, parks, over night camps and concerts . Later i became a youth leader after school, in which helped me to improve my leadership skills. FYI 's staffs are incredible. I will recommend this program to any youth ,This is amazing, we are one big family!!

I have known Fresh Youth Initiatives for 14 years. I was not only a member of this great organization and served on its Board, I am proud to say that i am a genuine product of Fresh Youth Initiatives. I am currently a Director of a community center in Midtown Manhattan and as a Human Services Professional I can tell you that Fresh Youth Initiatives is the top Youth Development Organization in New York City. The leadership skills you learn, the confidence you gain, the experiences you go through and the ability to make it all your own is what ALL New York City kids need to really explore their potential. FYI helped me learn that I am much greater than what I think I am and sparked my passion to help others through service.

I Been Involved with Fresh Youth Initiatives since I've been 9 years old, I'm 19 years old now and i can honestly say i wouldn't be the person i am today if it wasn't for this program. Fresh Youth initiatives has open my mind to so many things, and have given me experiences the are life changing. They made me into the man the i am today, and have help me carve my own path to success.

I became an FYIer back in 2000, I started with their summer day camp which back then was free. It was by far the best summer; I participated in park clean ups, mural paintings, sleeping bags for the homeless, and many other educational activities. We visited museums and other landmarks. I later became a regular participant at FYI after school. At FYI the staff was amazing, I was able to built my leadership skills and improve in other areas. From pen pals 4 life, to the sleeping bag-a-thon to the service-thon, Trip USA, FYI should be the place for every youth to attend. I experience my first summer job at FYI planning the serve a-thon. My nephews are also FYIer's and they love FYI and everything it offers.

FYI is a non profit organization which focuses on helping the community. In FYI we feed the homeless by distributing can goods, distributing soup and hot chocolate. As well as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and other go to meals. We also make and distribute sleeping bags donate clothes and help kids stay off the street by exposing them to things that really matter. FYI also helps kids academically by tutoring them in the field they need help in. FYI also removes graffiti cleans parks and paint murals. These are just a few examples of the wonderful programs this organization offers.

Fresh Youth Initiative is much more than I expected. I am a volunteer tutor and I am very glad that I was able to help the students at FYI. They are all very great students and deserve all the help they can get. The staff is wonderful! All are so sweet and helpful. It's a great environment. I can't wait to be involve in much more than just tutoring. Go FYI! Keep up the good work!

I just finished volunteer with FYI, and really enjoyed my experience. During the Fall semester I volunteered to take a group of students to the farmers markets and teach a small nutrition lesson. In the Spring I volunteered as a tutor, and got to know one of the students very well. The FYI community is caring and delightful, and I would recommend this organization to others.

i have been in fresh youth initiatives for almost 6 years now. i really enjoy coming to FYI everyday because everyday its a new experience for me; FYI keeps me motivated and on track in my school work, even though sometimes is hard for me to come to the program i still find a way to make it. i can say that FYI really change my life because it kept me away from the streets; FYI thought me qualities of being a leader and i really thank them for that.

I have been in FYI since my freshman year in high school. I love coming to FYI after school because it allows me to do something more special with my live and time. Since coming to FYI I have change a lot as a person because I'm more open to suggestion and critiques, have develop my leader skills more. Something that i'm going to us a lot when I join the work force.

I have been in FYI since the 8th grade. i really enjoy going everyday after school and seeing all the new friends i have made. FYI means the world to me and every day is a new adventure, starting from the good energy that you get from walking in and the way the staff treats the kids like a real family. If it wasn't for FYI i don't know were i would be by now. FYI also teached me on improving leadership skills for the future. its a really good place if you want to get somewhere in life

i have been in fresh youth initiatives since i was 8 im 17 now Fresh youth initiatives has been a very life changing place FYI has taught me the values of being a role model and leader i am grateful to be a part of an organization that helps out my community

I have been a part of Fresh Youth Initiatives for five years now and even though I have recently started to come less because of all the work I need to do in high school, always have time to come to FYI. FYI is really a life changing organization that I am very thankful for, that is why I always try to introduce my close friends to FYI and most of my friends have came and stayed for a while. FYI is one the best things in my life right now.

I've been going to FYI since the 8th grade and trust me when I say this FYI literarily saved my life , it is a family , I recently stopped going for personal issues but ill go back as soon as possible , I would recommend any one to freely visit he center and see how real family treat each other

I was introduced to Fresh Youth Initiatives by a friend and am very glad I was. While the work FYI does helps young people access a future that would otherwise be extremely difficult to reach, the impact of FYI is felt much farther and wider.

What makes FYI, and all organizations like them, so amazing is the talent and passion that they bring to their constituency. FYI provides a family environment for young people searching for role models. The executive director, Steve Ramos, and his staff never skip a beat when it comes to serving their kids and it's a delight, as a board member, to help facilitate those relationships.

All the stakeholders (parents, youth, staff, funders, the community, board members) are of one mind when it comes to the outcomes we seek at FYI: using community projects to teach leadership skills to young people. It's something we're all passionate about and we're thrilled to bring that to FYI.

well i love this program but i wish that the program would give more oppurtunities to those who are age 15 to 17, these teens need help in getting involved in the community and its unfortunate that they arent able to join this program.

FYI is a great organization. It empowers kids and helps them connect with their community through service. It even taps into their entrepeneurial spirit by encouraging them to organize and lead their own community-service projects.

For me, Fresh Youth Initiatives is not just an afterschool program or summer day camp program, but it has become like a home for me. Here, community service is a priority, from painting a mural to creating over a hundred sleeping bags to give out to the homeless. I’ve enjoyed working in New York City’s only youth run food pantry, the Helping Hands Food Bank where we provide bags of canned and dry goods to clients around the Washington Heights/Inwood area. To know I have changed a person’s life or the life of a community makes me realize that a little change makes a big difference. Community service is important in this organization, but the meaning of family, friends, fun and respect is just as vital. Children, young adults, and adults alike learn the impact of working as a team, becoming friends and discover that to get respect, you must give it. As well as learning values, participants learn how to act and grow in the work place. I myself have gotten a chance to grow from just a participant to a significant part of the organization. FYI integrates the entire community as a part of the business and in the process creates a safe environment for its children. I am glad to have found FYI because it has helped me grow in many ways