Empower New Haven, Inc., along with its partners, seeks to reduce the prevalence of high incarceration and recidivism rates that plague New Haven's neediest communities. Like many communities nationally, New Haven is experiencing a troubling trend of increased violent crime among youth, specifically homicides among African-American teenagers. While the city is undertaking several promising initiatives in attempts to curb this trend, it truly "takes a village" and we recognize the essential role that all must play in this effort.

It is our mission to craft a message of empowerment that connects with young people and charge the entire community to be a part of a "covenant" with New Haven’s youth, resolving to take specific action to combat the issue of youth violence in their neighborhoods. Through our Youth Empowerment Initiatives, we provide Empowerment Zone youth, both male and female, with quality services ranging from mental health and substance abuse services, educational and literacy services, transitional and/or permanent housing, work-based learning and employment, and extended supportive services and opportunities beyond education and training.

Empower New Haven, Inc. seeks to build a movement towards a more just society in which respect, love, responsibility and cooperation are the dominant unifying values. Sufficient opportunities are available for eligible young adults within the community to fulfill their own potential and contribute to the well-being of others.