Reciprocity Foundation
151 W. 19th Street Suite 1101
New York, NY 10011
Telephone: (718) 594-44670
Website: reciprocityfoundation.org
Description of Organization
The Reciprocity Foundation was founded in 2005 with a mission to enable homeless and at-risk youth to achieve their full potential. They offer a combination of career, educational advancement and holistic health programs that draw heavily on Buddhist practice and teachings. The programming and holistic counseling facilitate powerful “inner” and “outer” transformation in the lives of homeless and at-risk youth. Nearly 80% of homeless youth that age out of the youth shelter system either transfer to adult shelters/state funded housing, return to abusive homes or live on/off the streets for much of their lives. It is this long-term poverty that is addressed at the Reciprocity Foundation.
The Reciprocity Foundation leverages Buddhist principles and practices to alleviate the underlying causes of homelessness that include lack of self-esteem, spiritual isolation, disconnection from one’s body and an overstimulated mind. Programs target the “Inner Life” of homeless youth and work towards helping them to reconnect to their bodies, spirits and the deep wellspring of positive energy in the world.
Grant(s) Awarded
In 2015, a Women in Buddhism grant was awarded to hold a series of workshops for young women held in Non-Secure Placements (NSPs) or juvenile detention homes where they can either turn around or be incarcerated.
In 2014, an additional Women in Buddhism grant was awarded for continued support of the Urban Women’s Retreat.
In 2013, a Women in Buddhism grant was awarded to create three one-day Urban Women’s Retreats. The Foundation donated an additional $2,500 for this program as part of a matching grant.
In 2011, a grant in the amount of $10,000 was awarded to support general operating expenses.