Youth Mentoring
One-on-one and small-group mentoring that helps young people build confidence, make safer choices, and set goals.
Programs
Street outreach. Mentoring. Real paths forward.
We meet people where they are — on the street, in crisis, and in the quiet moments when someone needs a steady hand.
Core work
Street Outreach & Violence Prevention
Street2Straight does credible-messenger street outreach every day in the neighborhoods most affected by violence. We build trust with young people and adults at highest risk, help interrupt conflict, and connect them to mentoring, basic needs, housing, jobs, and second chances.
- Daily street outreach in New Haven and Hamden
- Relationship-based intervention when violence is brewing
- Referrals to housing, employment, and record-clearing help
- Support for returning citizens reentering community life
Who we serve
Ages: 8–35
Focus: individuals at highest risk of violence
Where: New Haven, Hamden & Greater New Haven
Get connectedMentoring & Case Support
Intensive Case Management
Hands-on help navigating school, jobs, housing, and the systems that too often leave families stuck.
Family & Community
We work with families, returning citizens, and neighbors, because safer communities are built together.
Culture · Skills · Future
Creative & practical pathways
Built on top of outreach and mentoring, these programs connect young people to skills and opportunities that open doors.
🎬
Street2Screen
Film & media — young people learn to tell their own stories through the lens.
🎧
Street2Beat
Music & hip-hop — creative expression, positive bars, and a look at music as a career door.
🍽️
Street2Suite
Money & meals — life skills like budgeting, financial literacy, cooking, and job readiness.
💼
Street2Biz
Entrepreneurship — support for young builders turning ideas and hustle into something that's theirs.
Also available: Essential Needs (basic needs kits) and Path2Pardon (help with record clearing).
Supporting program
The Porch
In addition to our core outreach and mentoring, we offer The Porch — occasional mentoring circles where youth can talk openly with credible adults. It is one tool among several, not the center of our work.
- Small-group talking circles
- Open conversation about conflict, choices, and goals
- Mentors with lived experience
Times and locations vary. Contact us for the current schedule.
Help a young person choose a new path.
Your gift or your time keeps street outreach and mentoring going in New Haven and Hamden.