At Catholic Charities we celebrate the resilience, creativity and potential of young people, and we recognize the importance of having safe and supportive spaces where they can thrive.
In the heart of Harlem, the Hoop Haven program is doing just that. Since 2015, it has been much more than a basketball initiative: it has been a lifeline for more than 100 middle and high school students each year. Operated through the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Community Center, Hoop Haven combines sports with academic support, mentoring and career development to holistically nurture each youth.
Youth come together for after-school sessions and weekend clinics, where they receive academic tutoring, explore potential careers, and work on their personal growth, all while playing the sport they love in a safe, welcoming space. A notable feature of Hoop Haven is its peer-to-peer mentoring model, where older students mentor younger ones. Many of these mentors participate in city-funded programs, such as the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) and Learning to Work (LTW), closing the circle of leadership.
The impact extends far beyond the basketball court. Students receive SAT and GED test preparation, one-on-one case management, access to healthy meals, emotional support, and enriching experiences such as visits to the Basketball Hall of Fame and the African American Museum. For many participants, these trips mark the first time they leave New York City, expanding their horizons in life-changing ways.
As one of the directors of the Hoop Haven program expresses: “This program is much more than basketball. It is a lifeline. Without Hoop Haven, many of these young people may not have the academic, nutritional and employment support they need.”
Every day, we honor the spirit of youth empowerment and the importance of programs like Hoop Haven, which give youth the tools to lead, grow and thrive.