Red Hook Initiative

At the Red Hook Initiative (RHI) we believe in young people. Our staff approach youth work with a positive perspective and undying hope. We believe that if young people feel a sense of belonging, have access to services, learn new skills, are given a chance to develop as leaders, and are provided unconditional support that they will demonstrate self efficacy, have the courage to take healthy risks, and have a positive sense of self and future. These characteristics are what will make young people resilient in the face of life's challenges so that they may continue on a path to leading a self-determined and fulfilling life.

At RHI one of our key guiding beliefs is that it is the people from a community who have the power to create their own social change. We provide training and employment to residents of Red Hook so in turn, they can create their own programs and provide support services to their neighbors, family, and friends. RHI currently has 65 staff members and 62 of them live in or are from Red Hook. Through this practice, the majority of RHI's financial resources are paid back into the community; in 2012 we project over $500,000 will be paid to Red Hook residents through staff salaries.