Fresh Youth Initiatives

Our Story

For over 30 years, Fresh Youth Initiatives (FYI) has made a profound impact on immigrant and first-generation youth in Washington Heights and Inwood, Northern Manhattan. FYI’s programs open doors to academic growth, personal development, and community engagement for young people who face significant challenges.

Our mission is clear: to create pathways for young people to achieve bright futures, adopt healthy lifestyles, and reach their academic goals. Through mentorship and innovative programs, FYI offers a space where youth can overcome obstacles, explore opportunities, and build confidence. Together, we’re not just shaping individual lives—we’re strengthening our entire community, fueled by the vision and commitment of future leaders.

What We Do

• After-School and School-Day Programs
• Mental Health and Wellness Services
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Workshops
• Academic Enrichment and Intervention
• Family Support Services
• Sports & Recreation
• Leadership Development and Future Planning

Your Impact

Every contribution to Fresh Youth Initiatives (FYI) fuels critical resources and services that shape the futures of young people in Washington Heights and Inwood. With your support, we are able to do more than just run programs—we’re creating life-changing experiences and essential support systems for youth and families.

Your donations directly enable us to:

• Provide Targeted Academic Support: Over 600 hours of tutoring in core subjects like Math, Science, and History ensure high school students build strong academic foundations. With 78% of students improving by two or more reading levels, your support helps young people develop skills that lead to lasting academic success.

• Expand Literacy and Enrichment Programs: Programs like Reading Zone and our Saturday Sports Program engage 140 children and 80 teens each year, inspiring a love of learning, literacy, and healthy lifestyles. These experiences equip youth with tools and motivation that extend far beyond the classroom.

• Support Emotional Wellbeing and Personal Growth: Through structured group discussions and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) workshops, 318 middle and high school students gain tools for self-awareness, stress management, and resilience. Your contributions enable us to create a safe environment where youth can share experiences and build emotional strength to face personal challenges.

• Strengthen Our Team with Specialized Training: More than 400 hours of trauma-informed training equip our staff to respond compassionately and effectively to the needs of every child. With your help, we’re building a dedicated team capable of meeting the complex emotional and developmental needs of the young people we serve.

• Deliver Essential Family Services and Support: Each year, over 500 families benefit from public benefits navigation and other family support services. With your generosity, we can continue helping families access resources that stabilize their lives and foster a more supportive home environment for our youth.

• Meet Nutritional Needs in Partnership with Community Resources: Through our partnership with New York Common Pantry, we provide 90,000 meals annually to ensure no child goes hungry. Your support makes it possible to expand our reach and meet critical nutritional needs, which are foundational to learning and growth.

By donating, you’re investing in a network of resources and opportunities for our youth. At an estimated cost of $10,000 per student annually, your contribution ensures that these young people receive year-round support, including crucial summer programming. Every dollar raised means more academic support, emotional guidance, family resources, and community connections to help each youth reach their full potential.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Your partnership with FYI builds stronger communities and creates lasting change. Let’s work together to support the next generation in achieving their goals and building a vibrant future. Join us in making an impact that truly matters.