For 25 years, MissionSAFE has been a crucial presence for at-risk and opportunity youth in Boston, empowering them to overcome the challenges of poverty, violence, and systemic inequities. At the heart of our work is a trauma-informed approach that recognizes the profound impact of ongoing adversity and engages young people with empathy, safety, skill-building, and unwavering support.

We provide safe spaces for youth ages 11 to 24 to focus on personal growth, educational improvement, leadership, critical thinking, financial literacy, job readiness, and to participate in horizon-broadening trips, community service, civic engagement, and paid internships. We emphasize the whole person within the context of their lives—family, school, and community—by creating individual action plans and offering wraparound services, including case management. Our trauma-informed approach fosters resilience and self-awareness, equipping young people with the tools they need to transform their lives and contribute to their communities.

Our work doesn’t end there. Together, we address the root causes of inequity, creating a ripple effect of change that empowers families and communities. Every success story represents a step toward breaking the cycles of poverty, violence, and hopelessness while building a future filled with hope and opportunity. Here are a few impactful stories.

110 Summer internships in 2024, sponsored by the City of Boston
95% of MissionSAFE youth stay in school or return to an educational setting
78% of MissionSAFE youth prioritize non-violent solutions to conflict
MissionSAFE youths’ spoken word poetry featured in a 2023 film about MissionSAFE