Urban Dove was founded in 1998 with the belief that all children, regardless of their economic or social background, should be taught the critical skills needed to succeed, and be given the support, encouragement, and opportunity to practice those skills in the real world. Toward that end, Urban Dove has dedicated itself to enriching the lives of New York City’s at-risk youth by creating a supportive, positive place where kids can develop these critical life-skills and build the confidence they need to reach their full potential.

Description and/or History:
Urban Dove serves nearly 1,000 children, ages 7-18, from the South Bronx to East Harlem to Brooklyn. Using peer mentoring and a unique combination of recreation and education, Urban Dove programs have proven to be incredibly effective, with 98% of our teenagers graduating from high school and more than 90% going onto college.
Jai Nanda, a former coach and teacher, founded Urban Dove as a way to extend his “coach’s influence” beyond the court and his one team of players. Starting with one program, the Urban Dove began by teaching New York City at-risk youth life-skills through basketball. Urban Dove's unique formula of recreation and education proved very successful, and prompted Nanda to find new and innovative ways to energize, educate and empower today's youth.

Contact people:

Richie Cerrud, Program Director, (212) 244-2131, (email) Maria Frazier, Program Manager, (email) Jason Wells, Program Manager, (email)

Address:

40 Exchange Pl., Suite 501 New York, NY 10005 (See a map)

Directions:

You may take the 2,3,4, and 5 train to Wall Street. You may also take the J and M train to Broad Street. We are located at 40 Exchange between William and Broad Street.