Who Are We?
The Early Relationship Abuse Prevention Program (Early RAPP) at STEPS to End Family Violence is a program of Rising Ground committed to reducing these numbers and empowering the youth of New York City to lead lives free from relationship abuse.

Mission

To support NYC youth in having healthier relationships by fostering affirming school environments, providing comprehensive anti-oppressive curriculum and centering youth voices.

Vision

A cultural shift towards consent, safety, respect, and NYC school communities free from the trauma of TRA.

Our Values

Our values define what our program believes in and how we expect to  behave—with each other as a team, our organization, and our communities. They provide a direction for the program that guides our decision making and establishes a standard for assessing actions and violations. Through internal practice of transparency, communication, feedback, and active listening we've learned to trust and support one another and build each other up in order to maintain our values, creativity, innovation, and excellence.

COMPASSION

we work from a place of understanding and empathy, and seek to meet students and adults "where they're at." 

AUTHENTICITY

we are honest with students about what we know and don't know, and model vulnerability in presenting our full selves to each workshop.

WELLNESS

we are holistic in our approach, and recognize the deep interrelationship between our relationship with ourselves and our relationships with others.​

Practices

In order to go from our mission to our vision we, as a program, practice:
  • Creating spaces where NYC youth can feel safe, brave, and heard when discussing dating, sex, and relationships.
  • Managing relationships with middle schools to provide comprehensive education, outreach, and support.
  • Providing high-quality (relevant, engaging, and interactive) workshops with students and adults.
  • Supporting parents, teachers, and staff on how to communicate with young people about dating, abuse, and sex.
  • Providing workshops and resources to schools’ surrounding communities.
  • Connecting students, parents, staff, and community members with appropriate outside service providers (aka referrals).
  • Reflecting on personal growth for further program development.​
YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
If you are experiencing abuse please text LOVEIS to 22522 OR call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at
​1-800-799-7233