Our Mission
Harlem Children’s Zone breaks the cycle of intergenerational poverty with comprehensive, on-the-ground programming that builds up opportunities for children and families to thrive in school, work, and life. From early childhood, education, and career programs to community outreach and wellness initiatives, HCZ opens pathways to mobility and prosperity.
Our Values
Our values guide everything we do. They are a critical part of our culture and help us provide the best programs and supports to the children and families we serve. The values work together and balance each other, informing how we behave and make decisions across the organization.
Children First
We embrace a holistic, youth-centered approach to create transformational opportunities, driven by justice and a radical hope for their future.
Excellence
We set high expectations and uncompromising standards because our children, families, and community deserve consistent, high-quality opportunities and services.
Respect
We deeply value the knowledge, diversity, and experience that every child, family, community partner, and colleague brings.
Strategic Relentlessness
We explore every option to find the best approach to address the complex challenges each of our young people and families face.
Army of Love
We support each other and work together with laughter and joy to turn shared strength and wisdom into collective impact.
Best Selves to Best Serve
We bring our best selves to this challenging work each day, to best serve our young people, their families, and this community.