Youth Justice Network

For more than three decades, Youth Justice Network has been on the front lines of justice reform in New York City – showing up in real time for young people aged 16-24 at Rikers Island, and continuing to support them once they return home to the neighborhood. Our core mission and belief in young people’s potential has neither changed nor wavered since our founding in 1990.

Each day our team steps onto Rikers, we feel the impact of in-person connection with young people. We act as first responders for every young person newly admitted to jail, and stay connected long after they return home. Donate to help us continue this vital work in the new year. 

Your support allows us to promote our Youth Members’ positive pathways toward a healthy, safe future, and will help us purchase critical items for youth and families, like:

• Programming incentives for YJN Youth Participants
• Food vouchers and groceries
• Diapers, formula, and medication
• Pre-paid phones so families can stay connected
• Hygiene kits
• Educational resources (books, pens, notepads, GED practice tests, etc.)
• Emergency funds for those in need of stabilization support including housing (rent, temporary shelter, etc.)