In 1974, New York University student Robert Siegal and NYPD officer Andrew Glover teamed up to create the Andrew Glover Youth Program, providing safe spaces for the youth of New York’s Lower East Side to meet and socialize.
Sadly, both founding figures died prematurely. Yet the value of their vision can be seen in its continuing success today.
50 years on from its foundation and in the 10th year of its re-naming (via Appella) as Avenues For Justice, the charity now covers all 5 NYC boroughs with a 94% non-recidivism record for more than 500 young offenders in its HIRE UP program. Its Youth Part model, launched in 1992 and now deployed throughout the US, was innovative in promoting ATI (alternatives to incarceration) services and the prosecution of young people separately from adults.
The name Avenues for Justice was conceived to reference New York street nomenclature whilst signalling opportunities for young offenders - but the word ‘Justice’ resonates also for victims of crime, law enforcement officers and underprivileged youth generally.
We are delighted to celebrate its longevity as a force for good.
