09/22/2026
Last week, AFJ had the privilege of presenting at two incredible community events! These opportunities allowed us to broaden our reach to NYC’s young people and strengthen vital networks with our peers.
Photos 1-2: AFJ’s Executive Director Liz Fredrick was joined by Court Advocate Elsie Flores and Workshop Facilitator Dr. Dennis Ibude to present at the Robin Hood Teen Council, where high schoolers gather one Friday a month to talk with nonprofit, business, and government leaders about the issues shaping NYC. Our team was unbelievably inspired by the curiosity, engagement, and thoughtfulness exhibited by the group. They were willing to challenge ideas about what youth justice can look like, interrogative of our work, and eager to get involved.
Photos 3-4: Court Advocate Ricky Forde, Job Developer Shantel Brooks, and Chief Program Officer Gamal Willis tabled and networked at the Boys Club of New York (BCNY) Conference: The Right to Childhood! This one-day, in-person event celebrated 150 years of brotherhood, youth work, and community. Bridging theory, policy, and practice, this convening explored “The Right to Childhood.” Through tabling efforts and moderated panels, the conference brought together partners in the community who had been working in youth spaces for decades to share success stories, learning experiences, and more!
Huge thanks to Robin Hood and BCNY for allowing Avenues for Justice to share our youth justice expertise with the next generation of leaders! Our work across NYC continues to grow, proving that AFJ’s impact reaches far beyond the walls of our courthouse officers or community centers. We are out in the city every day, changing lives and expanding what’s possible for our Participants.
Robin Hood
The Boys' Club of New York
