The AFJ Happenings

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As we close out our landmark 45th year of providing #SecondChances, Avenues for Justice (AFJ) is excited to showcase our end-of-year HIRE Up programming impact. Through our HIRE Up program, AFJ delivers comprehensive services, including job readiness and workforce development, educational support, and vital mental and physical health wellness resources. In the past two weeks, we’ve hosted two new HIRE Up events at our community centers, as well as celebrated AFJ’s Co-Founder and President, Angel Rodriguez, for his remarkable 50 years of service to the Lower East Side.

AFJ Job Resource Fairs

At the end of November, AFJ hosted our first in-house resource fair at our Harlem community center. Led by AFJ Job Developer, Shantel Brooks, the event was a tremendous success and brought together the following local organizations: STRIVE New York, FDNY, LaGuardia Community College, The Campaign Against Hunger, Building Skills New York, Goddard Riverside Community Center, and Legal Hand. Over 40 AFJ Participants showed up with their resumes in hand and engaged with these agencies for potential employment opportunities.

“We put together the resource fair to connect our Participants to a variety of networks outside of AFJ and to provide extra support as needed. This resource fair also gave our Participants the opportunity to practice their communication skills as they registered for employment services.” -Shantel Brooks, AFJ’s Job Developer

‍New Programming

Since joining AFJ this fall, Program and Activities Coordinator, Jessica Bachman, has prioritized gender-based programming to address the increasing gender-specific needs of our Participants. With over 20% of our Participants served in 2024 identifying as female, programs tailored specifically for girls and young women are essential. Jessica launched ‘She Means Business’, an 8-week entrepreneurship and empowerment workshop, which held its inaugural session the first week of December.

‘She Means Business’ is designed to equip young women with the skills and confidence to become successful entrepreneurs and community leaders. Facilitated by Sade Malcolm, Event Coordinator at Simplicity Events, the workshop combines the fundamentals of business development—such as planning, marketing, and financial literacy with leadership training. Participants engage in hands-on activities, collaborative projects, and problem-solving exercises that foster communication, critical thinking, and creativity.

By the end of the workshop, Participants will not only have the tools to launch their own businesses, but also the leadership skills to mentor their peers. This new initiative marks a vital step in empowering strong young women within our community.

“The workshop is designed to empower young girls with the tools and confidence to turn their dreams into reality. It is inspiring to see their enthusiasm and engagement as they discover the possibilities of entrepreneurship.” -Jessica Bachman, AFJ’s Program & Activities Coordinator.

‍Community Events

Last week Thursday, Avenues for Justice celebrated our Co-Founder and President, Angel Rodriguez, at Assembly Member Harvey Epstein’s District 74 Holiday Party at the Lower East Side Girls Club.

Assembly Member Epstein, along with his District 74 team, honored Angel with a proclamation for dedicating 50 years of providing ATI services to youth and young adults in the Lower East Side. The joyous event was filled with community members who have known Angel as far back as his days at the Boys Club in LES. Thank you to Assembly Member Epstein, the Girls Club, and everyone who came to support and celebrate Angel!

“If you have ever walked through the Lower East Side with Angel, you will quickly recognize that he IS its informal mayor. You cannot get halfway down the block, without someone stopping Angel----whether they are a Program Graduate, parent of an AFJ Participant, community member, or AFJ ally. And most of the conversations always begin with, ‘Angel, you probably don’t remember me, but I want to thank you for helping me with….’ Which is why when Assembly Member Harvey Epstein and his wonderful District 74 team reached out to me with the news that they wanted to honor Angel with a proclamation, I was absolutely delighted! As a Lower East Side resident, Angel has impacted and touched countless lives in his community. Angel’s ability to connect with people from all walks of life by listening to their stories is part of the fabric of who he is.” -Elizabeth Frederick, AFJ’s Executive Director

To celebrate Angel’s legacy and retirement, we invite you to join us at AFJ’s Holiday Party on December 19th at our Lower East Side Robert Siegal Center. Please stop by to enjoy a holiday meal in community with our team, Participants and supporters.

If you are interested in attending, please email our Program and Activities Coordinator Jessica Bachman, at jbachman@avenuesforjustice.org for more information.