The Hunters Point Family specifically targets youth who are at “high-risk” for participating in violence, illegal acts, unsafe sex, drug abuse, school truancy, and other destructive activities.  Through exposure to the HPF’s healthy and productive programs, these young people are transformed from “high-risk” to “high-potential.”

• All (100%) of the program participants come from low and very low-income households
• Over 75% of participants are residents of public housing
• 35% have witnessed a homicide
• 100% have lost a close friend or relative to violence in the community in the last year
• Over 70% of participants enter the program reading at least two grade levels below their own
• Over 65% of participants have had prior contact with the juvenile justice system
• Approximately 50% of program participants’ parents have criminal histories
• Over 70% of participants live with a family member who has substance abuse issues
• At least 35% of participants were born addicted to controlled substances

Many of the young people who join HPF programs have a deeply ingrained distrust and lack of respect for adults, due to abuse, neglect, and overexposure to dysfunctional lifestyles.  However, their presence in the program demonstrates a greater need to reach out for something positive.  These youth have the most potential and the best chance to transform themselves and their neighborhood because they have transcended the pain and hopelessness of their environment and made the choice to hold on to hope and reach out for help.  They, too, see the possibilities for a better future and that is what brings them back day after day.  No other program in the area exclusively targets “high-risk” youth.