Urban Resource Institute’s Relationship Abuse Prevention Program (RAPP) is a community-based prevention and youth empowerment program that gives young people the knowledge, support, and tools to build healthy, respectful relationships and recognize and prevent relationship abuse. 

Through RAPP Community Hubs in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx, young people can connect with peers, participate in interactive programming, access individualized support, and develop the confidence to become leaders in their communities. 

What We Do
RAPP creates welcoming spaces where young people can talk openly about relationships and the issues affecting their lives. Through workshops, group activities, counseling, and peer engagement, participants explore topics including: 

• Healthy and unhealthy relationships 
• Boundaries and consent 
• Communication and conflict resolution
• Identity and self-esteem
• Dating and relationship abuse
• Self-care and emotional well-being
• Peer and social influences
• Accountability, empathy, and respect 

Grounded in trauma-informed and restorative practices, RAPP recognizes that young people’s experiences are shaped by their families, communities, identities, and the systems around them. Programming encourages participants to think critically, build healthy relationship skills, and identify ways they can contribute to safer communities. 

Support When Young People Need It
RAPP also provides individual and group counseling for young people navigating relationship concerns, family dynamics, emotional challenges, or other personal experiences. 

RAPP staff connect participants with additional resources and community-based services when needed, helping young people access a network of support. 

Youth Leadership
Young people are not only participants in RAPP—they help shape it. 

Through peer leadership and community engagement opportunities, youth can help plan events, contribute to workshops, lead awareness activities, and develop projects addressing relationship abuse and issues affecting their communities. 

RAPP’s Community Hub model also brings together young people from different neighborhoods, creating opportunities to exchange perspectives, build relationships, and learn from one another. 

Summer Peer Leadership Program
During the summer, select RAPP participants have the opportunity to join a paid six-week Peer Leadership Program focused on leadership, accountability, respect, and community. 

Peer Leaders participate in: 

• Leadership and skill-building workshops
• Conversations with community leaders and guest speakers
• Educational and cultural experiences throughout New York City 
• Community service and engagement activities 
• Opportunities to develop and lead youth-centered projects 

Find Your RAPP Community
RAPP Community Hubs serve young people across Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx.  

Interested in participating, referring a young person, or partnering with RAPP?
Email us at RAPP@urinyc.org for more information.