Who We Are

Rebuilding the Village, formerly Park Avenue Youth & Family Services, works to bring families together so they can lean on one another in the very places where our social systems come up short. Too often, children and families fall through the cracks of the systems that are supposed to help them.

As we watched our communities change over the past several years, it became clear that we had to change as well if we were to genuinely serve the families we care about so deeply. The "village" that surrounded us growing up is no longer there for many of our children. Gone are the aunties, uncles, grandmas, and grandpas who once nurtured us, supported us, and steered us back on track when we needed it.

In thinking through everything it would take to become what our communities need, we decided to change not only our programming but also our name and mission statement. We became Rebuilding the Village because that is exactly our goal: helping restore the village support systems our children and families need to feel safe, supported, seen, and loved.

Looking ahead, we asked parents what they needed and wanted from our organization. We listened to their input and started shaping our programming around their wishes, and we expect our offerings to keep evolving as our families' needs change.

So here we are, growing and changing right alongside our families, becoming the strong Village that will guide our children into adulthood as positive, healthy, productive, and compassionate members of the community. We are excited to see what the future holds for all of us.

Support the Village Here

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rebuilding the Village?

Rebuilding the Village, formerly Park Avenue Youth & Family Services, is an organization devoted to bringing families together so they can be each other's support system wherever our social systems fall short.

Why did the organization change its name?

We chose the name Rebuilding the Village because our mission is to help restore the village support systems our children and families need in order to feel safe, supported, seen, and loved.

How does Rebuilding the Village decide what programs to offer?

We asked parents what they needed and wanted from us, then built our programming around their feedback. We expect our programs to keep adapting as our families' needs evolve.

What does "the village" mean in your work?

The "village" means the aunties, uncles, grandmas, and grandpas who were once part of the community to nurture, support, and redirect us when needed — support systems that many of our children no longer have.

How can I support Rebuilding the Village?

You can support the Village through our Support the Village page, and you can learn more about our community partners on the Our Community Partners page.

Explore the Village

Support Us

Everything we do centers on the belief that strong families build strong communities. By listening to parents and adapting our programs to their needs, we work to make sure every child grows up surrounded by people who nurture, support, and guide them.