AVillage...Inc., is a grassroots nonprofit organization helping to develop the South End of Albany, NY. Since it was found in August 2009, AVillage members have been working hard to create new programs and hopes in the South End and beyond. MISSION: Our mission is to improve the quality of life for residents of the South End and beyond, by reclaiming our neighborhoods, by encouraging, engaging, and empowering our communities. VALUES: Our values are respect, cooperation, responsibility, and self-improvement. We listen to needs of the residents, we aggregate their voice, we support them addressing community issues, and most importantly, we empower them to stand up for themselves. HOW IT WORKS: Our job is to identify the tools needed for change and then help the community to access them. We carry out the mission and goals by meeting with community members on a regular basis, launching community building events, and collaborating with community partners. We reclaim with vacant lots, organize neighborhood clean-ups and Earth Day events, work with neighborhood youth, and engage in public issue advocacy. “It Takes AVillage” AVillage works with many other organizations to bring about change in our community. We are leaders in the movement to make employment and education opportunities available to our youth. We advocate for better education for our children, the Albany County Land Bank to address vacant buildings, and employment for our neighbors. AVillage believes that working with others will make for a better and brighter future. OUR PROGRAMS: Community Building - South End Farmers Market, Vacant Lot Projects, Annual South End Earth Day Neighborhood Empowerment - SIX Blocks Project, Ezra Prentice Homes Community Organizing - #100 Bus Campaign, Lincoln Parks Stairs Petition, and other protests Youth Development - Summer Youth Employment Site, My Brothers Keeper