The Center for Arts for Activism engages young people in dance, music, muraling, film, poetry and other artistic activities that focus specifically on the ways in which art may be a medium for social and political transformation.
The Center for Education for Liberation serves as a source of academic support and political education that is grounded in Paulo Freire’s philosophy of popular education. Young people have access to one-on-one tutoring and daily meetings with an academic support point person. They are assisted in developing educational goals, completing homework and special assignments and utilizing our college and reading library.
The Center for Wellness encourages a holistic approach to health by exposing young people to methods of healing that address their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. Alternative forms of healing such as reiki, acupuncture, polarity therapy, meditation and yoga are explored in consultation with health practitioners. Young people are also provided with workshops in nutrition and healthy living with practical instruction on eating well and exercise.
The Center for Youth and Community Organizing trains young people to become community organizers. Over the past 13 years, they have led community campaigns for environmental justice, police reform, tenant rights, education, youth employment and immigration reform.
The Center for Community Justice offers direct support to youth members, their families and the broader community in immigration, health care access, housing, and gaining access to public benefits programs.
The Center for Community Development and Planning implements our community rebuilding initiatives particularly along our Bronx River waterfront. They are leading the process of building YMPJ’s permanent facility and are exploring strategies to prevent local resident displacement including affordable housing and small business development.
