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New York NY | IRS ruling year: 1990 | EIN: 13-3576756
Organization Mission
Youth Justice Network's mission is to break cycles of incarceration and build an equitable justice system by providing young people with individualized advocacy, men ... (More)
Youth Justice Network's mission is to break cycles of incarceration and build an equitable justice system by providing young people with individualized advocacy, mentorship, and opportunities to grow, thrive, and lead. Since 1990, YJN has supported young people whose lives intersect with NYC's jails and justice system. We build trust and work with our youth members from their first moments in custody onward, leveraging their resilience and capacity for self-efficacy, accountability, and economic independence. In order to thrive, young people need a sense of belonging, a port of safety, and opportunities for achievement. Advocates work closely with youth while incarcerated and long after their release. Anchored by sites in Harlem, the Bronx and downtown Brooklyn, staff work one-on-one with youth to help them stay hopeful and focused on their pathways toward academic advancement, work/careers, health and wellbeing, arts/recreation, and civic engagement. (Less)
Great
This charity's score is 100%, earning it a Four-Star rating. If this organization aligns with your passions and values, you can give with confidence.
This overall score is calculated from multiple beacon scores, weighted as follows: 90% Accountability & Finance, 10% Leadership & Adaptability. Learn more about our criteria and methodology.
We recognize that not all metrics and beacons equally predict a charity’s success. The percentage each beacon contributes to the organization’s overall rating depends on the number of beacons an organization has earned.
Use the tool below to select different beacons to see how the weighting shifts when only one, two, or three beacons are earned.
Charity Navigator's ratings previously did not consider Leadership & Adaptability, Culture & Community, or Impact & Results. The historic rating mainly reflects a version of today’s Accountability and Finance score. More information on our previous rating methodologies can be found on our rating methodology page.
| Date Published | Overall Rating | ||
| 3/1/2021 |  | ||
| 12/1/2020 | | ||
This organization received multiple star ratings within this fiscal year, due to an update to its Accountability and Transparency data and/or the receipt of an amended Form 990. | |||
| 11/1/2019 | | ||
| 7/1/2018 | | ||
| 12/22/2017 | | ||
| 11/1/2016 | | ||
| 6/1/2016 | | ||
| 3/1/2015 | | ||
| 3/1/2015 | | ||
| 12/1/2013 |  | ||
| 6/1/2013 |  | ||
| 9/1/2012 | | ||
| 9/20/2011 | | ||
| 12/1/2009 | | ||
| 11/1/2008 | | ||
| 7/1/2007 | | ||
| 10/1/2006 | | ||
| 12/1/2005 | | ||
Score
Most Recent Fiscal Year:
FY 2022
This beacon provides an assessment of a charity's financial health (financial efficiency, sustainability, and trustworthiness) and its commitment to governance practices and policies.
Learn more
Full Credit
Partial Credit
No CreditMajority Independent Board Members - 90% independent members8 out of 8 points Majority Independent Board Members - 90% independent members8 out of 8 points
Industry professionals strongly recommend an independent governing body to allow for full deliberation and diversity of thinking on governance and other organizational matters. We check to see that a majority of board members are identified as independent on their tax form.
Source: IRS Form 990
Independent Board Size - 10 independent members7 out of 7 points Independent Board Size - 10 independent members7 out of 7 points
Industry professionals strongly recommend an independent governing body to allow for full deliberation and diversity of thinking on governance and other organizational matters. For most organizations, we check to see if the organization has at least three independent board members. For large, donor-funded organizations, we check to see if the organization has at least five independent board members
Source: IRS Form 990
Financial Statements - Audit and Oversight Committee15 out of 15 points Financial Statements - Audit and Oversight Committee15 out of 15 points
An Audit, Review, or Compilation provides important information about financial accountability and accuracy. Organizations are scored based on their Total Revenue Amount:
| Total Revenue Amount | Expectation to Receive Credit |
| $2 million or higher and 40% or higher donor support | Expected to complete an audit and have an audit oversight committee |
| $1 million or higher | Expected to complete an audit |
| $500,000 - $1 million | Expected to complete an audit, review, or compilation |
| Less than $500,000 | No expectation (removed from scoring methodology) |
Source: IRS Form 990
Material Diversion of Assets - None10 out of 10 points Material Diversion of Assets - None10 out of 10 points
A diversion of assets — any unauthorized conversion or use of the organization's assets other than for the organization's authorized purposes, including but not limited to embezzlement or theft — also can seriously call into question a charity's financial integrity. We review the charity's most recent IRS Form 990 to see if the charity has reported any diversion of assets.
Source: IRS Form 990
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditWebsite Listed on Tax Form - Listed2 out of 2 points Website Listed on Tax Form - Listed2 out of 2 points
Charity Navigator looks for a website on the IRS Form 990 as an accountability and transparency metric.
Nonprofits act in the public trust and reporting publicly on activities is an important component.
Source: IRS Form 990
Conflict of Interest Policy - Listed4 out of 4 points Conflict of Interest Policy - Listed4 out of 4 points
Charity Navigator looks for the existence of a conflict of interest policy on the IRS Form 990 as an accountability and transparency measure.
This policy protects the organization and by extension those it serves, when it is considering entering into a transaction that may benefit the private interest of an officer, director and/or key employee of the organization.
Source: IRS Form 990
Whistleblower Policy - Listed4 out of 4 points Whistleblower Policy - Listed4 out of 4 points
Charity Navigator looks for the existence of a whistleblower policy per the IRS Form 990 as an accountability and transparency measure.
This policy outlines procedures for handling employee complaints, as well as a confidential way for employees to report financial or other types of mismanagement.
Source: IRS Form 990
Document Retention and Destruction - Listed4 out of 4 points Document Retention and Destruction - Listed4 out of 4 points
Charity Navigator looks for the existence of a document retention and destruction policy per the IRS Form 990 as an accountability and transparency measure.
This policy establishes guidelines for the handling, backing up, archiving and destruction of documents. These guidelines foster good record keeping procedures that promote data integrity.
Source: IRS Form 990
Documents Board Meeting Minutes - Yes2 out of 2 points Documents Board Meeting Minutes - Yes2 out of 2 points
Charity Navigator looks to confirm on the IRS Form 990 that the organization has this process in place as an accountability and transparency measure.
An official record of the events that take place during a board meeting ensures that a contemporaneous document exists for future reference.
Source: IRS Form 990
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditTax Form Posted on Nonprofit's Website - Listed4 out of 4 points Tax Form Posted on Nonprofit's Website - Listed4 out of 4 points
For almost all charities, we check the charity's IRS Form 990 to see if it discloses that the Form 990 is available on the charity's website. As with the audited financial statement, donors need easy access to this financial report to help determine if the organization is managing its financial resources well.
Source: IRS Form 990
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditLiabilities to Assets: Ratio - 42.00%15 out of 15 points Liabilities to Assets: Ratio - 42.00%15 out of 15 points
The Liabilities to Assets Ratio is determined by Total Liabilities divided by Total Assets (most recent IRS Form 990). This ratio is an indicator of an organization's solvency and/or long-term sustainability.
Source: IRS Form 990
Program Expense: Ratio - 82.45%25 out of 25 points Program Expense: Ratio - 82.45%25 out of 25 points
The Program Expense Ratio is determined by Program Expenses divided by Total Expense (average of most recent three IRS Forms 990). This measure reflects the percent of its total expenses a charity spends on the programs and services it exists to deliver.
Source: IRS Form 990
This chart displays the trend of revenue and expenses over the past several years for this organization, as reported on their IRS Form 990.
Presented here are up to five of this organization's highest compensated employees. This compensation data includes salary, cash bonuses, and expense accounts and is displayed exactly how it is reported to the IRS. The amounts do not include nontaxable benefits, deferred compensation, or other amounts not reported on Form W-2. In some cases, these amounts may include compensation from related organizations. Read the IRS policies for compensation reporting
Christine Pahigian, Exec. Director
$115,483
Salvatore J Pepe, Dir Of Fin & Admin
$107,431
Jamaal Thomas, Chair
Compensation not entered
Lloyd Doaman, Treasurer
Compensation not entered
Ellen Fried, Secretary
Compensation not entered
Source: IRS Form 990 (page 7), filing year 2022
Below are some key data points from the Exempt Organization IRS Business Master File (BMF) for this organization. Learn more about the BMF on the IRS website
Foundation Status:
Organization which receives a substantial part of its support from a governmental unit or the general public 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) (BMF foundation code: 15)
Affiliation:
Independent - the organization is an independent organization or an independent auxiliary (i.e., not affiliated with a National, Regional, or Geographic grouping of organizations). (BMF affiliation code: 3)
The Form 990 is a document that nonprofit organizations file with the IRS annually. We leverage finance and accountability data from it to form Encompass ratings. Click here to search for this organization's Forms 990 on the IRS website (if any are available). Simply enter the organization's name (Youth Justice Network) or EIN (133576756) in the 'Search Term' field.
Not Currently Scored
Youth Justice Network cannot currently be evaluated by our Impact & Results methodology because either (A) it is eligible, but we have not yet received data; (B) we have not yet developed an algorithm to estimate its programmatic impact; (C) its programs are not direct services; or (D) it is not heavily reliant on contributions from individual donors.
Note: The absence of a score does not indicate a positive or negative assessment, it only indicates that we have not yet evaluated the organization.
Not Currently Scored
Youth Justice Network cannot currently be evaluated by our Culture & Community methodology because we have not received data from the charity regarding its Constituent Feedback or Equity Practices strategies.
Note: The absence of a score does not indicate a positive or negative assessment, it only indicates that we have not yet evaluated the organization.
Score
This beacon provides an assessment of the organization's leadership capacity, strategic thinking and planning, and ability to innovate or respond to changes in constituent demand/need or other relevant social and economic conditions to achieve the organization's mission.
Learn more
Full CreditPartial CreditNo CreditMission 10/10 points Mission 10/10 points
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization's mission
Youth Justice Network's mission is to break cycles of incarceration and build an equitable justice system by providing young people with individualized advocacy, mentorship, and opportunities to grow, thrive, and lead. Since 1990, YJN has supported young people whose lives intersect with NYC's jails and justice system. We build trust and work with our youth members from their first moments in custody onward, leveraging their resilience and capacity for self-efficacy, accountability, and economic independence. In order to thrive, young people need a sense of belonging, a port of safety, and opportunities for achievement. Advocates work closely with youth while incarcerated and long after their release. Anchored by sites in Harlem, the Bronx and downtown Brooklyn, staff work one-on-one with youth to help them stay hopeful and focused on their pathways toward academic advancement, work/careers, health and wellbeing, arts/recreation, and civic engagement.
Vision 10/10 points Vision 10/10 points
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization’s vision.
Through our mission and work, we will promote a continuing decline in detention and incarceration by
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Goals 20/20 points Goals 20/20 points
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking and goal setting through sharing their most important strategic goals.
Goal One: To build innovation and creativity in program design. One identified need has been reaching young people in neighborhoods affected by Covid-19, currently not being reached by traditional services.
Goal Type: New program(s) based on observed changes in needs among our constituencies/communities served.
Goal Two: An investment in development, administrative, and HR supports at this crucial time will give YJN the capacity to recruit, retain, and support staff and long-term organizational wellbeing.
Goal Type: Invest in the capacity of our organization (financial, management, technical, etc.).
Goal Three: Amplify the voices of those affected by the justice system, and develop campaigns to elevate the voices of young people, to drive progressive reforms forward.
Goal Type: This goal reflects our commitment to further our advocacy work for our organization and or cause area.
Leadership Development 15/15 points Leadership Development 15/15 points
The nonprofit provides evidence of investment in leadership development
Describe an investment in leadership
We have invested in dedicated time throughout the last year to integrate senior leadership in program development and staff wellbeing initiatives.
Mobilizing for Mission 15/15 points Mobilizing for Mission 15/15 points
The nonprofit provides evidence of leadership through focusing externally and mobilizing resources for the mission.
This organization mobilizes for mission in the following ways:
Strategic Partnerships
Networks of Collective Impact Efforts
Thought Leadership
Raising Awareness
What are this organization’s external mobilizaton efforts?
YJN has the privilege of working closely with local neighborhood-based organizations on behalf of youth we serve, ranging from arts, music and dance, to recording, dance, animation and theatre. We have an ongoing partnership with community bookstore Boogie Down Books, which provides support for our Books to Jails drive, an initiative that raises funds to help us send books to young people in jail and prison. We have always worked closely with key public agencies - and will continue to do so in various capacities. Because of our focused mission and tenure in the field, we are sought for our partnership and opinions as the City and State create youth justice policy. These agencies include the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, Probation, DYCD, DCJS, ACS and members of the State Assembly and Senate. We have continued to advocate for the needs of young people incarcerated on Rikers Island, our staff giving testimony at City Council hearings and on public panels.
Adaptability Story 30/30 points Adaptability Story 30/30 points
The nonprofit has an opportunity to tell the story of how the organization adapted to tremendous external changes in the last year.
The young people we work with live in neighborhoods overwhelmingly impacted by Covid-19. Neighborhoods like East New York and Far Rockaway, which recorded some of the highest numbers of Covid-19 infections in the city, are also home to a disproportionate number of our justice-involved youth. Shifting Gears is a responsive Mobile Career Center that will promote and sustain income stability among justice-involved young people ages 16-25 across NYC. Shifting Gears will drive change by mobilizing young peoples' connection to the lifelines they lost through Covid-19: the people, relationships, vocational programs, and job opportunities that disappeared overnight. To reverse the impact of these losses, Shifting Gears - a refurbished, tech-equipped exciting sprinter van - will park "on the block" to offer accessible job supports and career pathways on a consistent basis. One challenge during this pandemic has been to make sure that young people in custody and within the community remain connected with their Advocates and mentors. Our team continues to provide emotional connection; mentorship; access to food, legal, housing, and career resources; and referrals to support networks for incarcerated young people as well as our community youth members. Our philosophy is centered on engagement and trust, and it is our responsibility to continue to reach out safely through whatever means possible. Covid-19 has also intensified the mental health conditions inside jails and taken a significant toll on young people returning home. During this period, YJN also added an Art Therapy intern, who works with youth in and out of custody to provide virtual and in-person art therapy sessions to support youth struggling with anxiety, PTSD, grief, and depression.
Impact & Results
Accountability & Finance
Culture & Community
Leadership & Adaptability
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