Greenwich Village Youth Council is a not-for-profit youth-serving agency that provides a range of free programming at various locations in lower Manhattan. We reach and empower young people of all ages, from all ethnic, racial, and social classes, and with a rich variety of sexual and personal identities. Whenever possible, we strive to engage and educate the adult supports in the lives of the young people we reach. Our programs are as diverse as our youth membership -- from activism to HIV education & prevention to art programs to athletics to employment counseling to afterschool and evening drop-in programs. Through mentorship, education, and empowerment, we encourage our youth to become dynamic and open-minded participants in our democratic process.



Mission



We provide free art, athletics, employment, and educational programming that engages and empowers young people ages 7-22. By designing free programs that young people enjoy, we are able to reach a diverse youth population. We are then able to encourage individuality, build self-esteem, enhance understanding and tolerance, and help prevent drug and alcohol use and abuse. The results are often dynamic, open-minded, critical thinking, and creative young adults who are confident they can meet life's challenges.



Services



We are a free youth program that empowers young people to grow and change at their own pace. Our mission is to help youth become dynamic and healthy individuals who can contribute to society in their own unique positive manner. We run safe and drug-free sites where individuality is encouraged and constructive behavior is nurtured. There are no dues or fees and membership is voluntary. That is -- young people choose to be with us and participate fully in what we offer.



Subtances Abuse & HIV/AIDS Prevension Counciling



Our skilled counselors engage young people in positive relationships of trust so that issues can be identified and addressed in a warm and caring environment. Through positive role modeling or quiet conversations with adult staffers, we take a creative approach to this aspect of our program but keep the focus where it should be -- on trust, confidentiality, serenity, and empowerment.



Recreational Programs



The cornerstone of our entire approach, our positive alternatives programming engages youth in various drug-free activities and teaches young people about positive uses of idle leisure time. Funded primarily through the NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, we have established excellent art programs and basketball leagues, an exciting outings program, and a range of other programs. From West 4th Street Summer Basketball League to Saint Patrick's Afterschool Program, we continue to offer a diverse array of free recreational programs at various sites.



Family Support



Under a NYC Department of Mental Health initiative, we engage adults who are responsible for the care of our young people in a variety of supportive programs. These programs educate about resources or provide respite so that parents and guardians can be better caregivers.