Welcome to Hood Works Inc

Our Mission: Empowering Dreams, Enriching Lives

Hood Works Inc. is a community-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering underserved youth and families through education, mentorship, outreach, and holistic support services. Our mission is rooted in the belief that every individual deserves access to opportunity, dignity, and the resources needed to thrive.

We strive to create impactful programs that address the unique challenges faced by low-income communities, particularly focusing on youth development, leadership training, mental health awareness, and family stability. Through year-round initiatives—including workshops, paid internships, summer enrichment, and community outreach events—we aim to uplift, inspire, and strengthen the neighborhoods we serve.

By fostering a culture of hope, resilience, and unity, Hood Works Inc. is committed to building a brighter, more equitable future where individuals are empowered to reach their full potential and contribute to a connected, compassionate society.

What We Offer

1. YES Program – Youth Empowerment & Support

The YES Program is our flagship initiative designed to inspire, uplift, and equip young people with the skills and confidence to thrive academically, professionally, and personally. Here’s how we support our youth:

Academic Support: We help students build strong academic foundations through tutoring, homework help, and literacy workshops. Our focus is on closing learning gaps, boosting confidence, and supporting success in school and beyond.
Career Readiness: We prepare youth for the workforce through resume-building, mock interviews, career exploration, and paid internships. Participants gain real-world skills and exposure to opportunities that set them up for long-term success.
Community Engagement: YES participants become active leaders in their neighborhoods. Through volunteer projects, local advocacy, and civic engagement, they learn the power of giving back and making a difference where they live.
Life Skills: From mental wellness and time management to conflict resolution and decision-making, we teach everyday tools youth need to navigate life with confidence and independence.

2. Open Streets Program

The Open Streets Program, formerly known as the Community Streets Initiative, is a community-driven project led by Hood Works Inc. in partnership with the NYC Department of Transportation as part of the 156th Street Open Streets Program in South Jamaica, Queens.

By temporarily closing local streets to traffic, this initiative turns our neighborhood blocks into safe, car-free public spaces for community gatherings, creative expression, and family-friendly fun.

Each season, we bring the streets to life with:

Art and music workshops
Outdoor fitness and games
Volunteer cleanups and beautification projects
Youth-led events and performances
Internship and leadership opportunities
Local resource fairs and wellness stations

Open Streets is more than a seasonal event—it’s a movement to reclaim public space, promote safety, and build stronger neighborhoods. Community members of all ages help plan and lead activities, creating a deep sense of ownership and pride.

We’re proud to support NYC DOT’s vision of people-first streets that prioritize community, health, and connection.

🔗 Learn more about the NYC DOT Open Streets Program

3. Community Outreach Program

Hood Works Inc. organizes regular Community Outreach Programs to strengthen neighborhood ties and ensure that families and individuals in need have access to vital resources. These initiatives are central to our mission of fostering unity, resilience, and connection across the communities we serve.

Our outreach events are designed to meet people where they are—in parks, schools, and local gathering spaces—to build trust and remove barriers to support. We prioritize accessibility and cultural relevance, ensuring that all community members feel welcome and supported.

Key components of our Community Outreach Program include:

Back-to-School Drives: Distributing backpacks, school supplies, and hygiene kits to students and families preparing for the academic year.
Holiday Toy & Meal Distributions: Spreading joy during the holidays with toy giveaways, hot meals, and warm winter essentials.
Resource Fairs: Partnering with local organizations to offer health screenings, legal aid, housing information, and job assistance all in one place.
Community Forums & Listening Sessions: Providing safe, open spaces for residents to share their concerns, ideas, and needs with community leaders and service providers.

Through these events, Hood Works Inc. engages volunteers, families, and local partners in collective action. We aim to reduce isolation, build stronger support networks, and empower communities to thrive together.

Whether we’re serving hot meals during the holidays or hosting back-to-school celebrations, our Community Outreach Program is rooted in compassion, responsiveness, and the belief that everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported.

**Anthony Posada, The Legal Aid Society, Criminal Defense Supervising Attorney**

4. Alternatives to Violence Program (AVP)

Launching this summer, the Alternatives to Violence Program (AVP) is dedicated to fostering peaceful conflict resolutions through a comprehensive approach built around three key pillars:

Youth Workshops: Equipping young people with essential skills in communication, empathy, and non-violent conflict resolution to empower them as change-makers in their communities.
Community-Based Sessions: Partnering with schools, community organizations, and local groups to foster understanding, encourage collaboration, and promote peaceful conflict resolution within diverse communities.
Correctional Facility Workshops: Offering incarcerated individuals practical tools for managing conflict non-violently, supporting their rehabilitation journey and successful reintegration into society.

Learn more about AVP’s impactful mission and how it’s transforming communities:
🔗 Alternatives to Violence Project USA
🔗 AVP New York

Strategic Location and Operating Hours

Serving the South Jamaica, Queens community, we provide accessible programs and services through partnerships with local venues, schools, community spaces, and primarily through Open Streets during the summer months. Our goal is to reach and engage community members where they are.

Starting July 1st, our summer hours will be Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with extended hours on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. During these times, we offer workshops, activities, and events at various neighborhood locations—especially on Open Streets—to maximize participation and impact.

Join Our Mission

Your support can make a difference. Whether you volunteer, donate, or participate in our programs, you’re helping us empower our community.

donate now

Hood Works Inc is a community-driven organization in Jamaica Queens, NY, dedicated to uplifting and empowering our local community. We host events, provide resources, and create opportunities to foster a positive and connected neighborhood.

Hood Works Inc. is a community-driven organization based in Jamaica Queens, NY, dedicated to uplifting those in need. We focus on empowering youth, fostering community unity, and creating economic opportunities through various programs, events, and initiatives.

We offer a range of programs and activities, including youth mentorship, job training, academic support, community clean-ups, block parties, summer programs, and special events like our Christmas Toy Giveaway and Thanksgiving Dinner Drive.

You can get involved by volunteering, donating, or participating in our programs. We’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a positive impact in the community.

Absolutely! Donations are vital to supporting our mission and programs. You can contribute through our website or contact us directly to learn more about how your donation makes a difference.