About Us
S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth, Inc. was founded more than 25 years ago with a bold vision: to interrupt cycles of violence and expand opportunity for young people on Long Island. What began as a grassroots response to community violence grew into a trusted youth development organization rooted in mentorship, accountability, and hope.
Over the years, STRONG has partnered with schools, families, community leaders, and public agencies to support young people as they navigate complex challenges. Through prevention-focused programming, credible mentorship, and community-based collaboration, STRONG works to keep youth safe, connected, and positioned for long-term success.
Today, STRONG is entering its next chapter — strengthening internal infrastructure, embedding developmentally informed and trauma-responsive practices, and aligning programming with research on adolescent brain development, resilience, and risk reduction. Our work prioritizes early engagement, strong school and community partnerships, and sustainable systems change designed to reduce harm before it occurs and expand pathways to long-term stability and opportunity.
Our Mission
S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth, Inc. advances youth safety and opportunity by equipping young people and families with the skills, support, and partnerships needed to prevent violence, strengthen resilience, and build thriving communities.
Our Values
Everything we do is rooted in six core principles.
Compassion | We believe in the transformative power of love and compassion for those whom society has marginalized. Every program we design, every group we facilitate, every conversation we hold, and every act of advocacy is rooted in dignity, empathy, and care. Compassion is the foundation of how we engage, serve, and lead.
Trust | Our work depends on trust, in one another, in our leadership, in our history, and in the young people and families we serve. We trust our team to share responsibility and carry the weight of this work together. We trust our youth and families as partners, solution-builders, and agents of change. Trust strengthens our culture and sustains our mission.
Honor | Respect at STRONG is grounded in honor. We honor the legacy of those who built this movement, the colleagues who work alongside us, the lives we have lost, and the young people and families who entrust us with their stories. Honor guides how we show up with humility, gratitude, and purpose.
Perseverance | The systemic challenges facing our communities require steadfast commitment. In our outreach, advocacy, healing, and engagement, we remain persistent and solution-oriented. We do not retreat in the face of difficulty. We adapt, learn, and continue forward because our youth deserve nothing less.
Relationships | STRONG is rooted in authentic relationships. We are not transactional; we are collaborative and community-centered. Our partnerships with families, schools, organizations, and community members enable us to thrive — even amid political or financial uncertainty. It is the strength of our relationships that distinguishes our work, but it is also our relationships with those we serve that set us apart from the rest.
Integrity and Accountability | We honor the trust placed in us by stewarding our time, resources, and responsibilities with integrity. We operate with transparency, honesty, and ethical leadership. We hold ourselves and one another accountable and are committed to excellence in service of our mission and the communities we serve.
Our Team
STRONG Youth is led by a dedicated team of community-rooted professionals who bring lived experience, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to Long Island's young people and families.
Our board and staff lead with purpose — driving prevention-focused programs, building lasting community partnerships, and creating the conditions where every young person has the support they need to thrive.
Natasha A. Atkins, MSW, MA
Executive
Director
José Cordero, LMSW
Deputy Executive Director
Karlisle Honoré Présumé
Director of Programs
Adrienne Hight
Administrative Assistant
Board of Directors
Dr. Olivia IIdefonso
Board Chair
Ms. Sherley Cherenfant
Treasurer
Mr. Fred Brewington, Esq.
Member
Mr. Edgar Campbell
Member
Program Team
Anthony Argeuta
Violence Intervention Specialist
Christian Illescas
Senior Manager, Leadership & Economic Mobility
Crystal Campos
Program
Associate
Aajaylah Hill
Senior Case
Manager
Amory Sepulveda
Program
Associate
Buddy M. Adamson
— Feel Good Manager
Meet Buddy, STRONG Youth's in-house therapy specialist. No appointment necessary — just kneel down and let the healing begin. Buddy believes every hard day deserves a wagging tail, every tough meeting deserves a cuddle, and every person in the building deserves to smile. Prescription: unlimited pets, daily.
Our 2025 Annual Report
25 Years of Impact
For over 25 years, STRONG Youth has stood at the forefront of youth and community violence prevention on Long Island. Our 2025 Annual Report reflects a year defined by restored program quality, deepened community partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to the young people at the center of our mission.
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Nearly 9 in 10 youth reported feeling safer at school because of STRONG.
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85% of parents reported improvements in their child’s behavior.
