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Our Purpose

Harlem Children’s Zone started with one purpose that was the most ambitious and audacious in U.S. history: end intergenerational poverty in Central Harlem and lead the way for other long-distressed communities nationwide and around the world to do the same.

Call (212) 360-3255

Intergenerational poverty | A smiling woman holds up baby at a social event.

Why We Exist

Our Mission, Core Beliefs, and Values

HCZ breaks the cycle of intergenerational poverty with on-the ground, all-around programming that builds up opportunities for children and families to thrive in school, work and life.

Our Mission, Core Beliefs, and Values

Three students, who are participating in a walk to promote peace, hold a sign that reads “Peace March.”

Our Approach

Intergenerational poverty is often the result of a series of interconnected systemic failures. This is why Harlem Children’s Zone strengthens the foundations of neighborhoods by rooting out poverty on every front—block by block, need for need.

Our Approach

Our Impact

Our pioneering place-based model has grown to scale and serves tens of thousands of children and families in Central Harlem — and beyond.

Our Impact

Our History

Ours is a story of relentless evolution in the name of a revolution — to innovate a series of place-based services, designed to systematically break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.

Our History

Who We Are

Our Leadership & Trustees

Meet our organization's leaders and Board of Trustees.

Our Leadership & Trustees

Kwame Owusu-Kesse | Man posing and smiling at the camera.

Our Executive Team

Get to know the dedicated people at HCZ who work tirelessly to advance our mission.

Our Executive Team

Portrait of Jazmine Lewis looking directly at camera

Call (212) 360-3255 or go to contact us if you're looking for information or need to talk.

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