Harlem Children's Zone

Products and Services

The Harlem Children's Zone Project is a multi-year comprehensive community building initiative of the Harlem Children's Zone. The HCZ Project's mission is to create significant, positive opportunities for all children living in a 60-block area of Central Harlem by helping parents, residents, teachers and other stakeholders create a safe learning environment for youth. We aim to improve outcomes for poor children and families in devastated communities, starting in Central Harlem.

Behind this mission lie two main tenets: First, children from troubled communities are far more likely to grow to healthy, satisfying adulthood (and to help build a better community) if a critical mass of the adults around them are well versed in the techniques of effective parenting, and are engaged in local educational, social, and religious activities with their children.

Second, the earlier a child is touched by sound health care, intellectual and social stimulation, and consistent guidance from loving, attentive adults, the more likely that child will be to grow into a responsible and fulfilled member of the community.

Intervention at later stages is still important and must be adjusted as the person progresses through the various stages of youth. But later intervention is more costly and less sure of success. Families will need these later efforts to a lesser degree and in declining amounts if the earliest intervention is effective.

About Harlem Children's Zone Promise Academy Middle School

Founded in 1970, Harlem Children's Zone, Inc. is a pioneering, non-profit, community-based organization that works to enhance the quality of life for children and families in some of New York City's most devastated neighborhoods.

Formerly known as Rheedlen Centers for Children and Families, HCZ, Inc.'s 15 centers serve more than 12,500 children and adults, including over 8,600 at-risk children. The emphasis of The Children's Zone work is not just on education, social service and recreation, but on rebuilding the very fabric of community life.