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LIFE CAMPS INCORPORATED

JAMAICA, NY · EIN 200814999 · Form 990 · FY2024 · NTEE I21 · Crime & Legal-Related · Medium ($1M-$10M)
revenue
$6.3M
expenses
$7.0M
net assets
$275K
employees
62
volunteers
50
program ratio
70%
mission · from form 990

LIFE CAMP PROVIDES YOUTH AND FAMILIES THAT HAVE BEEN IMPACTED BY VIOLENCE WITH THE VALUABLE TOOLS THEY NEED TO STAY IN SCHOOL AND OUT OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. WE APPROACH VIOLENCE AS A PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE, PROVIDING PROGRAMS TO ADDRESS ITS UNDERLYING CAUSES.

profile · synthesized from sources

LIFE CAMPS INCORPORATED serves youth and families impacted by violence in New York City, with a focus on Southeast Queens. The organization addresses gun violence as a public health issue through trauma-informed programs in mental wellness, financial literacy, creative arts, and employment. It provides direct services and referrals to support community resilience and reduce involvement in the criminal justice system.

irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2024

What they reported doing

  1. #1 primary $212K
    THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD FROM JULY 1, 2024, TO JUNE 30, 2025, LIFE CAMP CONSISTENTLY PROVIDED SUPPORT TO NYC YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS, SCHOOLS AND THE COMMUNITY IN SOUTHEAST QUEENS. THIS SIGNIFICANTLY ENHANCED THE SAFETY OF STUDENTS, STAFF AND THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE. OUR ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN ADDRESSING HIGH RATES OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY. PROGRAMS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: A. GIANT THINKINGS MIND UP CLASS: PROVIDED PARTICIPANTS WITH A PROGRAM THATUTILIZED PHYSICAL EXERCISE TO ALLEVIATE STRESS AND ENHANCE MENTAL CLARITY. PARTICIPANTS BENEFITED FROM THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENGAGE IN ACTIVITIES AIMED AT REDUCING STRESS LEVELS AND IMPROVING COGNITIVE FUNCTION. B. FINANCIAL LITERACY: PARTICIPANTS ACQUIRED INVALUABLE INSIGHTS INTO THE PRINCIPLES OF SAVING AND WEALTH MANAGEMENT, TRANSCENDING MERE MATERIAL POSSESSIONS. THIS KNOWLEDGE EQUIPS THEM WITH ESSENTIAL SKILLS TO NAVIGATE PERSONAL FINANCES, MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS, AND CULTIVATE LONG-TERM FINANCIAL STABILITY, EMPOWERING THEM TO ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS AND SECURE THEIR FINANCIAL FUTURES. C. URBAN YOGIS: PARTICIPANTS DEEPLY ENGAGED IN MEDITATION AND YOGA SESSIONS, CULTIVATING A PROFOUND SENSE OF INNER PEACE AND OVERALL WELL- BEING. FOR PARTICIPANTS, THIS PRACTICE SERVES AS A POWERFUL TOOL FOR MANAGING STRESS, TRAUMA, AND CHALLENGING EMOTIONS, OFFERING A PATHWAY TO HEALING AND RESILIENCE AMIDST ADVERSITY. D. ANIMATION INITIATIVE: AN 8-12 WEEK PROGRAM HEAVILY CONCENTRATED ON ARTS EDUCATION, DJING, COMPOSITION AND RECORDING, GRAPHIC AND FASHION DESIGN, ANIMATION, AND FILM AND TV PRODUCTION. PROGRAMMING OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOCIAL INTERACTIONS WHILE CREATING A SPACE FOR PERSONAL EXPLORATION OF EACH INDIVIDUAL'S PERSONAL INTERESTS. E. ANTI GUN VIOLENCE EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM THE ANTI-GUN VIOLENCE EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM (AGVEP) OPERATES AS A YEAR-ROUND EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVE TAILORED FOR INDIVIDUALS AGED 14 TO 24 WHO FACE THE RISK OF EITHER PERPETUATING OR FALLING VICTIM TO GUN VIOLENCE. PARTICIPANTS ENGAGE IN PROJECTS CRAFTED TO FOSTER SOCIAL, EDUCATIONAL, AND PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENT, AIMING TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF VIOLENCE WHILE NURTURING PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT. F. WORK LEARN GROW: THIS PROGRAM PROVIDES PAID INTERNSHIPS AND CAREER READINESS TRAINING TO YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS. THERE IS A FOCUS ON BUILDING UPON SKILLS LEARNED THROUGH THE SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM (SYEP). THE PROGRAM OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS TO EXPLORE CAREER PATHS, DEVELOP ESSENTIAL WORK SKILLS, AND EVEN EARN COLLEGE CREDIT. G. SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM INITIATIVE FOR YOUTH EMPLOYMENT, FOSTERING CONNECTIONS BETWEEN NYC YOUTH AGED 14 TO 24 AND INVALUABLE CAREER EXPLORATION OPPORTUNITIES ALONGSIDE PAID WORK EXPERIENCE DURING EACH SUMMER. SYEP EMPOWERS PARTICIPANTS TO DELVE INTO DIVERSE INTERESTS AND CAREER PATHS, FOSTERING THE DEVELOPMENT OF EFFECTIVE WORKPLACE HABITS WHILE ENGAGING IN ENRICHING LEARNING EXPERIENCES THAT BOLSTER THEIR SOCIAL, CIVIC, AND LEADERSHIP PROFICIENCIES. SUPERVISING FIVE SCHOOLS, LIFE CAMP SERVED A CUMULATIVE TOTAL OF 3,000 STUDENTS ACROSS MULTIPLE PROGRAMS.
  2. #2 $1.69M
    THE THERAPEUTIC WELLNESS DEPARTMENT (TWS) PROVIDED DIRECT SERVICES AND WELLNESS ACTIVATIONS TO 10,000 COMMUNITY MEMBERS, IN SCHOOLS, CHURCHES, CBOS AND COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE NATION. THOSE IMPACTED INCLUDED HIGH-RISK YOUTH AFFECTED BY TRAUMA, PARENTS COPING WITH THE LOSS OF CHILDREN TO GUN VIOLENCE, AND FRONTLINE STAFF FACING STRESS. THESE SERVICES ENCOMPASSED A RANGE OF EVENTS SUCH AS ADVOCACY, EDUCATION, AND PUBLIC OUTREACH. ADDITIONALLY, 1,000 REFERRALS WERE MADE TO ESSENTIAL SERVICES LIKE MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT AND EMERGENCY HOUSING, ADDRESSING CRITICAL NEEDS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.
named programs · 7 · from sources

What they call their work

Animation Initiative
8-12 week arts education program focused on DJing, composition and recording, graphic and fashion design, animation, and film and TV production for youth engagement and creative expression.
Anti Gun Violence Employment Program (AGVEP)
Year-round employment initiative for individuals aged 14 to 24 at risk of perpetrating or becoming victims of gun violence, combining job opportunities with personal development.
Financial Literacy
Program teaching principles of saving, wealth management, and personal finance to empower youth and young adults toward long-term financial stability.
Giant Thinkings Mind Up Class
Physical exercise and mindfulness program aimed at reducing stress and enhancing mental clarity among participants.
Therapeutic Wellness Department (TWS)
Provides trauma-informed services including stress reduction, grief counseling, and mental health support to youth, parents, and frontline staff; includes referrals to housing and mental health services.
Urban Yogis
Yoga and meditation sessions designed to cultivate inner peace, manage trauma, and build resilience among youth and community members affected by violence.
Youth Leadership Program
Year-round paid internships offering youth hands-on experience working alongside staff and leadership, fostering professional development and organizational engagement.
activities · 8 groups

What they do

  • Community Festival & Event Production 2 activities
    • Annual Peace Week in New York City
      Organizes an annual week-long Peace Week in New York City featuring multiple events honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., including community gatherings, wellness activations, and public engagements. Hosted Peace Week NYC in 2023 as a flagship event.
    • Queens Wellness Day and citywide peace ride
      Hosts Queens Wellness Day, convening elected officials, community organizations, and wellness leaders to emphasize mental and physical health in urban development. Organized a peace-promoting ride through all five boroughs of New York City.
  • Gun Violence Prevention & Intervention 2 activities
    • Community-based violence intervention and prevention program
      Operates a daily violence intervention program in Southeast Queens using Violence Intervention and Prevention Specialists to mediate conflicts, de-escalate gun violence, mentor youth, and prevent entry into the school-to-prison pipeline. The program has achieved 562 consecutive days without shootings and reduced violence by 80% in its catchment area, with over 10,000 youth and families impacted since inception.
    • Leadership training on community wellness and gun violence
      Hosted a week-long immersive training for 31 senior and executive leaders from 21 cities focused on addressing gun violence through community wellness and public safety strategies.
  • Community-Based Urban Agriculture 1 activity
    • Fresh food distribution for food-insecure families
      Distributes fresh organic produce to over 150 families in food-insecure environments through a partnership with Queens Botanical Garden, addressing social determinants of health.
  • Facility-Based Service Delivery 1 activity
    • Mobile peace outreach unit in Southeast Queens
      Operates a mobile unit (RV) as a visible symbol and outreach tool for peace and community wellness in Southeast Queens, serving as a landmark and platform for engagement.
  • Mental Health Education and Awareness 1 activity
    • Public wellness media and resource initiatives
      Produces and shares public episodes featuring staff and community leaders discussing wellness tips, hosts weekly "Feel Good Fridays" live sessions on Instagram every Friday at 10 PM EST, and makes available a "Roadmap to Healing" resource for community use.
  • Direct Mental Health Counseling and Support Services 1 activity
    • Therapeutic and mental health support services
      Provides direct therapeutic services including stress reduction, grief counseling, and mental health support to traumatized youth, grieving parents, and community members, delivering 472 hours of care to 3,103 individuals. Also made 1,000 referrals to mental health and emergency housing services.
  • Workforce Readiness Training 1 activity
    • Youth employment and development program
      Runs a year-round employment program for individuals aged 14 to 24 at risk of gun violence, engaging them in projects that promote social responsibility, personal development, and workforce readiness.
  • Uncategorized 1 activity
    • Advocacy for coordinated community peace-keeping initiatives
      Advocates for unified peace-keeping efforts among Communities of Men Stopping the Violence (CMS) and partner organizations through press conferences and public statements, including events held at New York City Hall.
financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$6.33M
Contributions & grants$6.27M99%
Program service revenue$72K1%
Investment income$00%
Other revenue$-8K
expenses
Total expenses$7.01M
Program expenses70%
Admin / overhead29%
Fundraising1%
Salaries & benefits$3.89M
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$4.85M
Cash$25K
Investments$0
Liabilities$4.57M
Net assets$275K
Liquid reserves0.0 mo
4 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue -21.2%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024

Who runs it

paid leadership · 7
NameTitleHours/wkCompensation
ERICA FORD CHIEF EXEC O 40 $200K
ANN-KERRY JEAN-CHARLES CFO 40 $140K
ROBIN D KEARSE CWO 40 $140K
TIFFANY LAMELA CO-EXEC. DIR 40 $140K
DIANA LEMON CO-EXEC. DIR 40 $127K
ROBERT A HOGAN CSO 40 $125K
MCCLAY ROGER DEPUTY CHIEF 40 $114K
board members · 6
  • ADINA CALLENDER — MEMBER
  • CRYSTAL MCCRARY MCGUIRE — MEMBER
  • EDDIE STERN — BOARD CHAIR
  • JED MICHEL — TREASURER
  • JENNIFER BANDIER — MEMBER
  • REBECCA PAREKH — MEMBER
relationships · 12

Who they work with

  • Black & Brown Peace Consortium Partner — Co-hosted the inaugural CVILA Practicum to combat gun violence.
  • CMS Organizations Partner — Collaborates with CMS Organizations on citywide peace-building events including rides and advocacy campaigns
  • Chuck Schumer Government — Recognized support from U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer
  • Erica Ford Partner — Founder and CEO of LIFE Camp Incorporated
  • Grace Meng Government — Recognized support from U.S. Representative Grace Meng
  • NYC CMS Partner — Collaborates with NYC CMS sites to organize Peace Week events and peace-keeping initiatives
  • NYPD Partner — Hosted the Practicum at the NYPD Training Academy in College Point, NY.
  • New York Mets Partner — Collaborated on a community event and fundraiser at Citi Field featuring a game and tailgate party.
  • Queen Afua Partner — Recommended provider of wellness products ("Breath of Life") used in LIFE Camp's wellness programming.
  • Queens Botanical Garden Partner — Collaborated to provide fresh organic produce to over 150 families in food-insecure environments.
  • Tamika DMallory Partner — Co-hosts "Feel Good Fridays" wellness sessions with LIFE Camp Inc on Instagram.
  • University of Chicago Partner — Collaborated on the Community Violence Intervention Leadership Academy (CVILA) Practicum.
strategies · 5

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.

  • Community Mobilization and Peace Mobilization
    methodology: community-mobilization
    By uniting organizations and deploying mobile outreach, we amplify peace-building efforts and maintain visibility in high-need areas because sustained collective action and physical presence disrupt cycles of violence and reinforce community trust.
  • Integrated Mind-Body Practices for Trauma Response
    methodology: align_restoring_balance_and_calm
    By combining breath and relaxation techniques with alkaline-promoting nutrition, we restore mental, emotional, and physical balance after trauma or stress because physiological and psychological systems are interdependent in sustaining health.
  • Personal Accountability for Wellbeing
    methodology: personal_accountability_for_wellbeing
    By equipping individuals with tools and education for inner peace, we produce community wellness and sustainable behavioral change because personal responsibility for mental and emotional health strengthens collective resilience.
  • Public Health Approach to Violence Prevention
    methodology: public_health_approach_to_violence
    By treating gun violence as a public health crisis, we reduce community trauma and prevent cycles of violence because addressing root causes through education, wraparound services, and systems-level intervention produces sustainable behavioral and systemic change.
  • Resilience-Based Community Development
    methodology: resilience-based_community_development
    By building community resilience through addressing root social and economic threats, we foster long-term sustainability and prevent violence because systemic investment in community well-being enables collective flourishing.