Relume Foundation, Inc., USA
New York youth face significant barriers to achieving educational, health and economic success. Approximately 65% of teens report limited access to health education, contributing to higher rates of preventable chronic disease, lower life expectancy, and reduced economic mobility. More than 35% of high school students remain underprepared for college and despite high graduation rates, only 52% of graduates are considered ready for college workload. Additionally, an estimated 3,000-24,000 migrant youth ages 16-24 arrive in New York City each year with limited access to educational, health and community support systems, placing them at a heightened risk of experiencing long-term inequities.
These challenges disproportionately affect Black, Brown, immigrant and low income communities across New York. This is due to the lack of reliable health information, academic enrichment opportunities, mentorship and other essential resources readably found in other thriving communities. This issue is even compounded for the immigrant refugee and newly arrived youth, who must adapt to a new environment often navigating educational, cultural and social challenges without any support system.
The need is clear:
- Quality access to educational support and college readiness resources
- Quality access to mentorship and positive youth development opportunities
- Quality access to culturally responsive and community centered health education
- Stronger support systems for migrant, refugee and newly arrived youth and families
- Increased access to resources that promote healthy lifestyles, educational achievement and economic mobility
At the Relume Foundation we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to flourish. By addressing these interconnected needs and expanding access to essential resources, we aim to help communities to build the foundation for healthier lives, stronger communities and brighter futures.
Our Why
The Relume Foundation imagines a community where every young person in New York City, regardless of their neighborhood, has the knowledge, resources and supportive village needed to build a life of purpose. Inspired by the meaning of our name “Relume” to rekindle or bring light again, our mission is to bring hope and opportunity to underserved communities by increasing access to essential resources, including nutrition, educational support, medical care, and health education. For the past 12 years, The Relume Foundation has partnered with dedicated volunteers, educators, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to support families, empower youth, and create pathways to long-term success. Relume exists to rekindle the light in communities through educational, health, and social empowerment. We believe these disparities do not reflect a lack of talent, ambition or potential. They instead reflect a lack of access.
OUR PROGRAMS
The Relume Foundation addresses community needs through three key initiatives
focused on health, education and mentorship.
GLOW
Growing Lives Through Opportunity and Wellness
RISE
Reaching Increased Success through Education
MAC
Making A Connection
OUR IMPACT
Each program reflects our commitment to restoring hope, creating opportunity, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. Through our various initiatives the Relume Foundation has impacted more that 200,000 individuals locally and globally.
GLOBAL IMPACT
Through international outreach and medical initiatives, Relume Foundation has:
Cataract Surgeries
Global Impact
Together, these outcomes demonstrate the power of investing in people. By expanding access to education, health resources, mentorship, and opportunity, Relume Foundation continues to help individuals and communities build brighter, healthier, and more successful futures.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Through international outreach and medical initiatives, Relume Foundation has:
- Become a Mentor through the MAC Program
- Become a tutor through the RISE Program
Support one of our core initiatives:
- The RISE Program (Education)
- The GLOW Program (Health Education)
- Medical Outreach Program, including Together for Jamaica and Cycle of Dignity
Together, we can expand compassion, create opportunities, and transform communities, one resource, one relationship, and one life at a time.Together, we are creating brighter futures at home and around the world.