New Directions for Youth

Our Mission

To provide comprehensive and individualized programs that assist at-risk youth to become productive, self-sufficient, healthy young adults and that create supportive, safe family environments.

Our Philosophy

All youth deserve opportunities to grow and learn in positive environments. Intervention in the lives of at-risk youth reduces the incidence of serious and enduring problems that can perpetuate a cycle of poverty, underachievement and anti-social behavior. Long-term positive results in a youth's life are most effectively achieved by tending to the basic needs for guidance, support and involvement

Who We Are

New Directions for Youth (NDY) is a tax exempt 501 (c) (3) non-profit youth development organization that provides direct services and programs to at-risk youth and families throughout the San Fernando Valley an in the greater Los Angeles area. Since its founding in 1976, NDY has provided services – free of charge – to more than 90,000 individuals.

Those We Help

  • Many of the high-risk young people served by NDY cannot be mainstreamed into traditional youth development programs because of gang affiliation, early pregnancy, and/or prior contact with the juvenile justice system. We offer the only safe haven for these troubled youth.
  • 70 % of NDY's clients are Latino; 10% are African American; 10% are White; and 10% are from other ethnic backgrounds.
  • Over 20% of the families who live in NDY's service areas have incomes below the poverty level.
  • There are at least 22 active gangs in NDY's service area an three (3) Los Angeles Police Department designated Gang injunction neighborhoods: Pacoima, Blythe Street and North Hills.
  • Youth referred to NDY are identified as being at-risk of substance abuse, gang affiliation, physical and/or sexual abuse, school failure, early pregnancy or juvenile delinquency.
  • Programs That Work

  • Therapeutic Counseling (Individual, Group)
  • Literacy & Tutoring
  • Gang Prevention
  • Career Education & Exploration
  • Summer Employment
  • Graffiti Removal & Neighborhood Beautification
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Substance Abuse Prevention
  • Parenting Classes
  • Equestrian Training Program
  • Leadership Camping