The Youth Rescue Initiative is a comprehensive endeavor designed to assist at-risk youth in the greater New Orleans area overcome challenges and achieve success. With the establishment of the Youth Rescue Initiative, we reintroduce hope as we work toward our goal: Empowering the Youth of New Orleans. The Youth Rescue Initiative was founded by James Bernazzani. The former FBI Special Agent in Charge, who became one of our state's most respected lawmen, has witnessed first-hand the effects of trouble youth on society. His experience and leadership, combined with a Harvard education and a strong commitment to our community and its children, led him to establish the Youth Rescue Initiative. Its mission is to create structured opportunities for positive growth in an effort to build character and discipline among today's disenfranchised youth, thus improving the quality of life for all citizens of New Orleans. It is with you, the New Orleans community, that the YRI can develop and fund programs designed to build skills and teach function to children as they grow into adulthood. The YRI will target projects in need of development and focus resources in that direction.