ABC's youth programs fill a critical gap in New York City for school-aged children. Engaging services have been specifically designed to meet the needs of homeless, emotionally disturbed, severely disabled and medically fragile boys and girls, reaching children and adolescents who are often overlooked by traditional youth programs.

The primary goal of ABC's youth programs is to assure that each and every one of our children knows the kinds of joyful experiences that most American youngsters take for granted.

ABC frees children from stifling and degrading conditions and, by filling them to the brim with dignity and respect, leads them to discover their inner strengths, innate talents and their own bright futures.

Harry's Playground, named for HOH Frelinghuysen, is a safe playing field that immeasurably enhances all of ABC's programs giving children the opportunity for exuberant outdoor play. At Harry's, bleachers where children cheer one another on are shaded by lush trees that have grown from seedlings. Children jump rope, play basketball and soccer, ride trikes and bikes, skate, play potsy and stickball, run relays, learn t-ball and thoroughly enjoy themselves and the outdoors.

ABC's Therapeutic After School Program provides the structure, encouragement and consistency that vulnerable children need to become adept in social settings, to be able to concentrate on the task at hand, and above all, to play creatively and fairly and learn with delight, pride and a sense of accomplishment. While the focus of the after school program is therapeutic, the program is also designed to help children reach an academic level equivalent to that of their classmates by offering individualized attention and support to each child. By advocating for children, ABC also helps to guarantee that those with special educational needs receive the school-based academic and therapeutic services to which they are entitled. Experienced youth professionals act as liaisons between the school and the home and work closely with the children's parents to assess needs and evaluate progress. Los

Los Compalles ("The Buddies"), ABC's mentoring program for homeless and formerly homeless children, pairs school-aged boys and girls with devoted mentors who become linchpins in the lives of vulnerable children.

ABC's Therapeutic Summer Day Camp  provides two months of funfilled activities and affords children the opportunity to have a safe outlet for their youthful energies. Teen Groups and Youth Service Clubs are offered for adolescents and teens ages 13-21 and introduce various activities and themes throughout the year based on the interests of the participating children. Activities have included drama, dance, soccer and other sports, as well as computer and math clubs which meet in Echo Park's Technology Center.

ABC's newest program for youth, the Youth Council, is made up primarily of teenagers from ABC's after school program. Teens meet on a regular basis to facilitate and monitor community service projects. The Youth Council also serves as the teen counterpart to ABC's Policy Council. Working with a dedicated ABC staff member, participants learn the value of personal responsibility while gaining valuable decision-making, organizational, leadership and teamwork skills.