What they call their work
What they do
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Facility-Based Service Delivery 1 activity
- Community space for youth programsOperates a dedicated community space in Utica for youth programs, officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 17, 2026, following an Open House event.
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School and School-Community Events 1 activity
- Family and community engagement eventsHosts family engagement events such as “Meet the Parents” Night to share updates on youth programs and strengthen community ties.
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Distribution of PPE and Crisis Supplies 1 activity
- Hygiene and wellness supply distributionDistributes hygiene and wellness supplies to over 115 families in Utica as part of ongoing community outreach. Organizes product collection and distribution efforts through volunteer support.
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Nonprofit Internship Programs 1 activity
- Internship program for college studentsOperates an internship program that engages college students in youth development and community outreach, providing hands-on experience in program delivery and organizational operations.
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Child & Youth Meal Programs 1 activity
- Meal distribution in partnership with Utica School DistrictDistributes over 60 meals daily to youth and families in collaboration with the Utica School District, supporting food security as part of broader wellness programming.
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Community Festival & Event Production 1 activity
- Workshops and cultural events for youthOrganizes workshops in art, literacy, and leadership, as well as cultural events including talent shows, community celebrations, and performances at public platforms such as the New York State Fair. Hosted the 4th Annual Eid Al-Fitr Community Celebration and a youth talent show with prize recognition.
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Youth Development and Support Services 1 activity
- Youth development programs in UticaProvides education, mentorship, arts, wellness, and leadership programs for underserved children and teens ages 5–18 in Utica, NY, including after-school programs, summer camps, field trips, and cultural events. These programs aim to build confidence, creativity, and community connection.
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Youth One-on-One Mentoring 1 activity
- Youth mentoring and volunteer-driven supportOperates weekly youth mentoring sessions and volunteer-driven programs that include event support and organizational activities. Engages community volunteers to support youth development and outreach efforts.
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Who runs it
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAWA PETERS | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $21K |
- EBRIMA JALLOW — BOARD MEMBER
- HEATHER WASIELEWSKI — BOARD MEMBER
- JAMES PETERS — BOARD MEMBER
- KEVIN MARKEN — BOARD MEMBER
- MICHELLE LAGUERRE — BOARD MEMBER
Who they work with
- Bank of Utica Partner — Sponsor supporting youth programs and community initiatives.
- Bank of Utica Partner — Sponsored the Utica Royalties talent show event.
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Partner — Collaborates with Utica Royalties to connect youth with educational and leadership opportunities.
- Carol L. Croombs BECA Center Partner — Co-hosted the 4th Annual Eid Al-Fitr Community Celebration
- Carol L. Croombs BECA Center Partner — Partnered with Utica Royalties to host the 4th Annual Eid Al-Fitr Community Celebration.
- City of Utica Government — Government partner supporting youth and community programs.
- Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties Funder — Co-administered the Equity Grant Round that awarded funding to Utica Royalties.
- Cornell University Partner — Collaborates with Utica Royalties to connect youth with educational and leadership opportunities.
- Google Forms Partner — Uses Google Forms for internship applications
- Hamilton College Partner — Collaborates with Utica Royalties to connect youth with educational and leadership opportunities.
- Hannaford on Mohawk Street Partner — Sponsored the Utica Royalties talent show event.
- Hannaford – Mohawk Street Partner — Sponsor supporting youth programs and community initiatives.
- Holland Farms Partner — Sponsor supporting youth programs and community initiatives.
- Lazore Photography Partner — Captured photos at the Utica Royalties Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to document and share the event.
- Lazore Photography Partner — Provided photography services for the grand opening event
- Mohawk Valley Community College Partner — Guest speakers from its Educational Opportunity Program participated in a Meet the Parents Night event
- On Point for College Partner — Collaborates with Utica Royalties to connect youth with educational and leadership opportunities.
- Phoenix Radio 95.5 FM The Heat Partner — Hosted representatives from Utica Royalties on a media segment to discuss community work.
- Stewart’s Shops Partner — Sponsored the Utica Royalties talent show event.
- UpMobility Foundation Funder — Co-administered the Equity Grant Round that awarded funding to Utica Royalties.
- Utica School District Partner — Partner in meal distribution program
- uticaroyalties@gmail.com Partner — Communication channel for registration and outreach
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.
- Creative Expression as Developmental Toolmethodology: creative-youth-developmentBy integrating creative expression into youth programming, we build confidence and community because artistic engagement fosters identity exploration, peer support, and non-traditional pathways to leadership.
- Holistic Youth Development Frameworkmethodology: holistic youth developmentBy integrating mentorship, arts, education, cultural engagement, and wellness into unified programming, we foster comprehensive youth development because multiple domains of growth reinforce one another in contextually relevant ways.
- Mentorship-Based Developmentmethodology: mentoring-based youth developmentBy establishing sustained mentoring relationships with caring adults, we support youth development because consistent, trusting relationships provide guidance, role modeling, and emotional support necessary for growth.
- Trauma-Informed Safe Space Modelmethodology: trauma-informed youth developmentBy creating safe and inclusive environments grounded in trauma-informed practices, we support youth self-expression, healing, and development because psychological safety enables risk-taking, connection with mentors, and sustained engagement.
- Youth-Led Programming Modelmethodology: youth-led programmingBy designing and delivering programs led by youth themselves, we increase trust, relevance, and engagement because shared lived experience strengthens peer relationships and empowers authentic leadership development.