Directions For Our Youth, Inc. (DFOY) is a non-profit organization specializing in youth development and drop-out prevention for urban youth. Our organization has a 15-year history of sharing life awareness in the toughest neighborhoods and schools, serving the students most in need.
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Directions For Our Youth, Inc. (DFOY) is a non-profit organization specializing in youth development and drop-out prevention for urban youth. Our organization has a 15-year history of sharing life awareness in the toughest neighborhoods and schools, serving the students most in need.

MISSION STATEMENT


Directions for Our Youth works in the most troubled schools, in the most distressed neighborhoods to help those students most in need. Our goal is to provide leadership and inspiration through workshops, mentors, college visits, the arts and recreation.
Directions focuses on community development and youth empowerment. We adhere to the principles of equality, fair play and cooperation. Our work is a part of a tradition begun by the settlement house movement, informed by the civil rights movement and expanded by a commitment to global citizenship.
Directions strives to ensure that young people receive the necessary resources for attaining health, education and information which will enable sound decision-making.
Finally, Directions for Our Youth partners with other nonprofit organizations, government agencies, foundations and corporations to extend the reach and impact of our mission.

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We conduct direct-services and engage in youth advocacy in New York City. Our programs include college prep, leadership development, community organizing, performing arts, athletics and academic enrichment.

The Helping Empower Youth (HEY) program is designed to inform, educate and mobilize New York City’s most disadvantaged youth. Youth who have been victims of educational neglect and who have been disenfranchised politically. Youth whose understanding of the democratic process is limited, whose...
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The Helping Empower Youth (HEY) program is designed to inform, educate and mobilize New York City’s most disadvantaged youth. Youth who have been victims of educational neglect and who have been disenfranchised politically. Youth whose understanding of the democratic process is limited, whose knowledge of social change is minimal . HEY sessions involve the art of communications, networking and building teamwork. HEY teaches youth groups how to identify an issue, organize a meeting and construct a social change action plan to address it. Youth learn how to draft a press release, conduct a petition drive and lobby elected officials.

HEY conducted a citywide petition campaign for summer jobs and expanded youth programs. More than 4,000 students from across NYC signed the petition, which was presented to the City Council.

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