On September 17, 2009, the Harlem Community Justice Center, in collaboration with the New York Police Department, held a youth resource fair at the historic Harlem Armory. The fair was the brainchild of Lt. Kevin O’Connor of Patrol Borough Manhattan North, who asked the Justice Center in to help him with the fair.
Increasing youth gang violence and the need for parents to know more about the resources available to them in their community were prime motivators for the fair. The name of the fair, “For The Kids (F.T.K),” mirrors the three-letter name trend of many juvenile gangs in upper Manhattan. The fair sent a strong anti-violence message and helped Harlem youth and local police officers interact in a positive way.
Over 1,000 youth and parents attended. They had access to over 80 service providers, recruiters and local businesses with information and give-a-ways. Additionally, youth groups performed for the crowd. Also in attendance were all the commanding officers for each of the police precincts in Harlem and Borough Commander Chief Banks III.
The Justice Center, working with NYPD youth officers, conducted extensive outreach throughout Harlem to publicize the fair. More than 15,000 flyers were distributed and an email was sent to over 400 partners.