914United, a nonprofit organization that provides help for formerly incarcerated individuals and other troubled youngsters has opened a new office and programming center at 2025 Central Park Ave. in Yonkers. At the facility, young people being helped by the nonprofit will be exposed to mentoring, community resources and educational programming designed to help them develop skills and be empowered. The new space will be home for a program known as the Leader Lab.
The organization was co-founded by two childhood friends from Yonkers, John Cabrera and Jonathan Alvarez. Alvarez dropped out of high school, got into trouble with the law and eventually was sentenced to prison. While behind bars, mentors encouraged Alvarez to complete his education, which he did, earning a bachelor’s degree. Cabrera remained a positive influence and when Alvarez was released they joined forces and eventually founded 914United.
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano was among the local community and government leaders who spoke at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new facility.
“I couldn’t be more excited about what you’ve been able to accomplish here,” Spano said. “Today’s world we all know is kind of a political crazy world. Sometimes we’re a little bit nervous about where everything stands. We know that we have good, solid hardworking kids who want a future. We just have to give them the tools so we can empower them so they can do the things and accomplish the goals they want to. We believe in what you’re doing.”
New York State Sen. Shelley Mayer noted that the location on Central Park Avenue is served by public transportation, making it convenient for young people to reach.
Alvarez said the opening of the new facility would not have been possible without the volunteers who serve the organization. He said the Leader Lab program is designed to expose young people to positive influences.
“Most of us are from Yonkers and came through the school system and understand the importance of disrupting the cycles of violence, the importance of positive influences in the space where there’s been nothing but negativity,” Alvarez said. “This Leader Lab is going to offset that and it takes us together to do that.”
Cabrera said that 914United is four years old.
“In 2020 it was an idea; in 2021 it was action; 2022 was action; 2023 was determination and then we started seeing the fruits of our labor,” Cabrera said. “In 2024, we now have a home. Without your support we wouldn’t be able to do the work that we do and even have a new place to call home. It’s not about us; it’s about those of our youth who need a second chance.”
