About Us
Project Avary improves life outcomes for children with parents in prison. By surrounding them early with a community of peers and caring adults and through long-term guidance and training, children develop the emotional, social, and life skills that are essential for growing into healthy young adults. As children “grow up” with Project Avary, they assume leadership responsibilities and develop the skills to mentor and guide younger children in the program.
History of the Organization
In 1998 Danny Rifkin, Project Avary's founder, learned that children of incarcerated parents were virtually ignored by policy makers and youth development programs. In 1999 Rifkin held Project Avary's first summer camp.
Since then Project Avary has created a long-term, continuum of support for children of incarcerated parents including a free summer camp, school-year enrichment and psycho-social support for children, leadership training for teens, and valuable support for caregivers. Over 350 children have improved their life prospects through programs based on solid youth development strategies that include supportive peer and adult relationships and a meaningful sense of belonging to community.