In August 2011, New York City Young Men’s Initiative (YMI) was created as a public-private partnership to address increasing disparities among black and Latino men between the ages of 16 and 24 in education, employment, health and justice. The YMI mission is to develop and champion policies, programs and partnerships that holistically support the success of young men of color throughout NYC. Under the de Blasio Administration, the budget and scope of YMI has expanded to serve all genders, and continues to do so today. YMI accomplishes its mission through broad policy recommendations, changes and agency reforms and by connecting the city’s young men of color to individuals, opportunities and organizations that improve the quality of their lives and lead them to a more successful future. CASW currently operates two YMI programs out of its Beacon program at James Monroe Campus and the Bronx River Cornerstone.