Our History

“Taking responsibility for things that matter.”

FYI’s original tagline captures the essence of FYI's launch by founding director Andrew Rubinson. At a time when many young people in Washington Heights lacked safe, structured, and engaging ways to spend time during the non-school hours of the day, Andrew engaged local youth to identify and address community needs. These early FYI’ers organized activities like removing graffiti, cleaning and gardening in parks, and feeding the hungry and homeless. With a groundswell of community support, FYI incorporated in 1993 with the goal of developing FYI's biggest asset - the youth of Washington Heights.

By 2000, the number of youth attending the program grew to 250. Rubinson and FYI's Board of Directors embarked on a visionary campaign to build a headquarters - a community center that would be a "home away from home" for Washington Heights youth. The stars aligned and FYI purchased a building at auction from the City of New York, and with funding from the NY City Council and many generous foundations and private donors, the building opened its doors in 2007.

Growing to Meet Community Needs

Today, FYI’s headquarters at 505 West 171st Street remains a second home to over 1,200 young people. The building houses middle and high school programs, and serves as administrative headquarters for 4 school-based programs in Washington Heights and Inwood.