Effective Alternative in Reconciliation Services (EARS) is a Bronx based youth organization with a citywide reputation in Youth Empowerment Training and Conflict Management.  Our focus is on youth 12 to 21 years old, that we train to be Peer Mediators and Teen Trainers.  Over the years, our expert staff and our teams of youth leaders have trained over 25,000 youth and adults across New York City in conflict resolution, leadership development, and violence prevention issues. EARS has become an invaluable resource in youth empowerment and conflict resolution for hundreds of schools, community, foster care and youth organizations citywide and nationally.

Our mission is to empower young people with the skills to become self-sufficient and responsible young adults, preparing them to meet the challenges of adolescence and urban life in a safe, supportive setting.

• Teen Trainers Institute: A unique after school program run by and for teens, providing training workshops, presentations, and conferences for youth citywide, on issues of violence prevention in schools, among peers and in intimate relationships. In 1992, it was the first of its kind nationally. 
• Summer Youth Internship Program: An intensive training program for teen leaders providing professional facilitation training workshops, individual coaching and stipends for training. “Graduates” provide workshops to peers and adults in community based and professional organizations citywide.
• Operation Respect: EARS provides training and program development for staff and students at a Manhattan middle school for Operation Respect, the international organization doing the “Don’t Laugh At Me” curriculum worldwide. 
• Fostering Youth Leadership: A collaboration begun by EARS & ACS, funded by New Yorkers for Children, the program helps teens in care prepare for successful, independent adulthood by providing peer support, skills training and jobs for youth in NYC’s foster care system.  Staffed by present and former youth in care, the program is now supported by the Child Welfare Fund.
• PASE Communities Empowering Youth (CEY):  EARS was one of five NYC youth organizations selected as lead agencies for this federal initiative bringing together faith-based and community based organizations to strengthen their sustainability and effectiveness.
• Respect for All: LGBTQ Initiative: sponsored by the Department of Education, provides intensive training for school-based staff addressing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender youth violence, helping create safe space in our schools for all students.  EARS provides expert trainers.
• Model Youth Empowerment Programs: Serve over 350 at-risk youth and staff members in Bronx high schools with innovative, school-wide conflict resolution initiatives.
• Community Programming: sponsored by grants from the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, EARS provides workshops and skills-based trainings for community leaders, youth and adults.
• Community School District/Region Projects: Comprehensive service delivery tailored to each site’s needs, offering conflict resolution, peer mediation training, staff development, classroom management, and workshops for parents.  EARS has been working successfully in NYC schools since 1989, as an independent contractor and as a member of Project STOP.

The “EARS experience” has helped hundreds of young people launch successful careers in the youth violence prevention and related fields.  Youth involved in EARS programs learn to set goals, acquire communication skills and gain self-confidence. And above all, EARS provides a safe place for young people to learn and practice life skills necessary to become successful adults. 

EARS is an incorporated, not-for-profit organization with 501©3 status.  We are supported by private, federal, state and local sources.  To donate time, resources, or for more information call (718) 654-4931 or visit our website www.Earsbronx.org