Greater Phoenix Youth at Risk was founded in 1987 and granted non-profit 501(c)(3) status in 1989.   Founders envisioned a hands-on educational experience that would open the hearts and minds of troubled youth to a whole new realm of life possibilities.  The original program began with a retreat designed to open youth to personal transformation.  The founders understood that a continuing relationship with an adult mentor would help make the transformation “stick.”   This philosophy still remains today, celebrating 20 years of the New Pathways Program.

In 2003, at the request of the youth and their mentors, the Life Roads Program was added to help New Pathways graduates continue developing leadership skills. 

In October 2008, the Coronado New Pathways program was launched in partnership with the Scottsdale School District and Project CORE (Coronado Offers Reading and Math for Everyone.)  Coronado New Pathways combines New Pathways and Life Roads.  It follows at-risk students throughout their high school careers, and is designed to improve graduation rates and encourage post-secondary education. 

In 2005, Youth at Risk absorbed the only mentoring program for homeless children in the Phoenix area from another social service agency.  The PALS (Positive Adult Leaders in Society) program serves children ages 5 to 15, residing with their families in long-term homeless shelters. 

In 2006, Youth at Risk launched the Garfield Neighborhood After School Program, becoming the only licensed after school and school holiday care program within a five mile radius of our Center.  This program provides homework help, literacy training, anti-obesity education, access to the educational computer lab, while sheltering children from the harsh realities of our Neighborhood streets. 

Youth at Risk has occupied our own building on 10th Street and Pierce in the Garfield Neighborhood in Central Phoenix since 1995, through a grant from United Parcel Service.

Since 1987, Phoenix Youth at Risk has positively impacted the lives of approximately 2,500 at-risk youth.