What they call their work
What they do
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Local High School Scholarship Programs 1 activity
- Awarding scholarships to student leadersFunds the NC Scholars Program, which awards scholarships to student leaders, having operated the program for ten years to support youth leadership development through financial awards.
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Food Distribution and Hunger Relief 1 activity
- Distribution of food and hygiene essentials to familiesProvides food and hygiene items to low-income families, including distribution to over 150 families during the Thanksgiving season.
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Trauma-Informed Yoga and Mindfulness Programs 1 activity
- Mindfulness and mental well-being programs for youthOffers evidence-based mindfulness programs for students from vulnerable communities, including guided meditation, breathing exercises, gratitude journaling, yoga, stretching, and mindful communication techniques. Programs are facilitated by experienced coaches, tailored to age groups, and integrated into schools, after-school programs, and family settings to reduce stress and improve focus and emotional regulation.
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Youth and Family Cooking Education 1 activity
- Nutrition education and hands-on cooking programsDelivers nutrition education and culinary skill-building programs to youth and families in New York City through hands-on cooking classes led by experienced chefs and nutrition instructors. Includes the Family Flavors Program and customized classes for schools and after-school programs to improve access to healthy food knowledge and promote healthy dietary choices.
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Teacher Professional Development 1 activity
- Professional development and staff training for educatorsOffers professional development sessions for schools on practical exercise and wellness strategies for classroom use and requires all youth coaches and instructors to complete the Active Plus Academy Training program prior to working with students, ensuring qualified instruction by certified former educators and background-checked personnel.
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Educational Field Trips and Experiential Outings 1 activity
- Youth enrichment and cultural exposure activitiesOrganizes enrichment experiences for youth, such as chartering a bus to bring students from the Bronx to attend a professional soccer match, expanding access to cultural and recreational opportunities.
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Community Wellness Movement Classes 1 activity
- Youth fitness and physical activity programsProvides daily fitness education and physical activity programs for youth aged 5 to 18, including dance, yoga, aerobics, meditation, boxing, basketball, running, and calisthenics, delivered in schools, parks, housing developments, community centers, and online across all five New York City boroughs. Operated at 60+ school and community sites over the past decade.
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Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Programs 1 activity
- Youth leadership and social-emotional learning programsRuns a leadership program that develops critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness through workshops and interactive activities. Implements a CASEL-aligned social-emotional learning curriculum and restorative justice practices, including de-escalation training and restorative conferences, to support responsible decision-making and relationship skills among youth.
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Who runs it
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| TARIK KITSON | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 60 | $16K |
- APRIL JOY DAMIAN — BOARD MEMBER
- DWAYNE NORRIS — BOARD MEMBER
- GATI DHARANI — BOARD MEMBER
- KATE REILLY — BOARD MEMBER
- SALMAAN JAVED — BOARD MEMBER
Who they work with
- 1st Responders Children Foundation Partner — Community partner collaborating with Active Plus Inc
- 1st Responders Children Foundation Partner — Community partner collaborating with Active Plus Inc in NYC.
- 1st Responders Children Foundation Partner — Partner organization collaborating with Active Plus on mindfulness programs.
- Amal Alliance Partner — Community partner collaborating with Active Plus Inc
- Amal Alliance Partner — Community partner collaborating with Active Plus Inc in NYC.
- Amal Alliance Partner — Partner organization collaborating with Active Plus on mindfulness programs.
- Bronx Prep Charter High School Partner — Educational partner collaborating with Active Plus Inc
- Bronx Prep Charter High School Partner — School partner collaborating with Active Plus Inc in NYC.
- Bronx Prep Charter High School Partner — School partner collaborating with Active Plus on mindfulness programs.
- Chinese American Planning Council Partner — Community partner collaborating with Active Plus Inc
- Chinese American Planning Council Partner — Community partner collaborating with Active Plus Inc in NYC.
- Chinese American Planning Council Partner — Community-based organization partner collaborating with Active Plus Inc on nutrition and cooking programs.
- Chinese American Planning Council Partner — Partner organization collaborating with Active Plus on mindfulness programs.
- Citi Bike Partner — Community partner collaborating with Active Plus Inc
- Citi Bike Partner — Community partner collaborating with Active Plus Inc in NYC.
- Citi Bike Partner — Partner organization collaborating with Active Plus on active transportation and fitness promotion.
- Citi Bike Partner — Partner organization collaborating with Active Plus on mindfulness programs.
- Esperanza Preparatory Academy Partner — Educational partner collaborating with Active Plus Inc
- Esperanza Preparatory Academy Partner — School partner collaborating with Active Plus Inc in NYC.
- Esperanza Preparatory Academy Partner — School partner collaborating with Active Plus on mindfulness programs.
- Esperanza Preparatory Academy Partner — School partner where Active Plus Inc delivers nutrition and cooking education.
- Esperanza Preparatory Academy Partner — School partner where Active Plus delivers fitness programs.
- Gatorade Partner — Sponsoring partner providing support for Active Plus programs.
- Girls Inc. of New York City Partner — Partner organization collaborating on youth soccer and boxing programs.
- Grant Makers for Girls of Color Funder — Funder supporting Active Plus programs.
- Harlem Community Development Corporation Partner — Community partner collaborating with Active Plus Inc
- Harlem Community Development Corporation Partner — Community partner collaborating with Active Plus Inc in NYC.
- Harlem Community Development Corporation Partner — Community partner collaborating with Active Plus on mindfulness programs.
- Hip Hop Loves Partner — Community partner collaborating with Active Plus Inc
- Hip Hop Loves Partner — Community partner collaborating with Active Plus Inc in NYC.
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Equity-Centered Access to Health Educationmethodology: equity_in_accessBy providing fitness and nutrition education regardless of background or circumstances, we promote equitable health outcomes because removing systemic barriers ensures all youth—especially those from underserved communities—can benefit from lifelong wellness opportunities.
- Holistic Youth Development through Experiential Learningmethodology: holistic_youth_developmentBy addressing physical health, emotional wellness, leadership, and life readiness through diverse experiences—including sports, cultural exposure, and healing circles—we foster comprehensive youth development because integrated, experiential approaches meet young people where they are and expand their sense of possibility.
- Mindfulness-Based Wellness for Youthmethodology: evidence_based_mindfulnessBy using evidence-based mindfulness practices, we improve mental and physical well-being in youth—reducing stress, improving focus, and enhancing sleep and immune function—because regulated nervous systems support better learning, behavior, and long-term health outcomes.
- Sports-Based Youth Development with Mentorshipmethodology: sports_based_youth_developmentBy combining sports programming with mentorship, we develop youth life skills such as confidence, discipline, teamwork, and leadership, because structured physical activity in a supportive context creates teachable moments that build character and resilience.
- Whole-Family Support to Strengthen Community Resiliencemethodology: whole_family_supportBy addressing immediate family needs like food and hygiene items alongside youth programming, we strengthen community resilience and improve program outcomes because stable home environments enable greater youth engagement and long-term behavior change.