History
In 2008, Richard Thomas, MSW wanted to support and participate in addressing the needs of his community’s by confronting the issues of youth and their families in the Bronx, New York.
He initiated and began building 5 Star Youth Services to provide preventative services, mentoring programs, educational support services and to tackle the challenges of juvenile recidivism.
What sets 5 Star Youth Services apart from other organizations in the area is the personal experience of Executive Director, Richard Thomas and his youth and work history with youth.
Raised in the foster care system, Mr. Thomas brings a unique insight and understanding of the problems of New York City’s Social Service system.
5 Star’s programs address the most critical needs of at-risk youth, youth returning to the community from incarceration, youth dealing with issues of trying to navigate a community that can be hostile at best. With a combination of personal knowledge and experience and effective program implementation 5 Star’s programs are positioned and developed with an eye on the success of each participant and their family.
Vision
To prevent young people from joining gangs and participating in urban gun crimes.
To affirm the dignity of each person to bring a message of hope and self-respect
To provide services for young people and families in the greater New York surrounding area regardless of race, color, ethnic origin, gender or religion
Our Partners
Edenwald Community Center
Baychester Community Center
Gospel Assembly Church
Nelson Mandela High School
Davidson Community Center
Friends of Island Academy
Cardinal McCloskey (Homeless Drop-In Center)
Claremont Community Center
ACS Children’s Center
Rikers Island Youthful Offenders Program
Horizon Juvenile Center
Richard Thomas, MSW
Founder / Executive Director
Mr.. Thomas is a veteran of the United States Army. He has a BA. in Sociology and a Masters degree in Clinical Social Work from Fordham University. Mr. Thomas has over 25 years experience employed in the field of Social Services. He has been a Supervisor and Director for several large scale community wide programs throughout his many years of work in Child Welfare. Mr Thomas brings a unique contribution to his field of expertise, not just academically, but by his personal experience as a youth living in the foster care system. This experience established in him a desire to help others who shared a common pain as youth and children. Mr. Thomas also worked in the foster care system upon completion of his Bachelors Degree and went back years later to pursue his Masters.
In 2008, Mr. Thomas saw the necessity of addressing the psychological, emotional and intellectual needs and their long term effects within the adolescent community of the Bronx, New York. He initiated 5 Star Youth Services, a 501-C3 nonprofit organization to address these needs.
5 Star Youth Services philosophy is based on prevention, mentoring and restoration programs and services. These services and programs are designed to enhance positive emotional, social and intellectual development and participation of youth within their communities and families.
5 Star Youth Services conducts numerous workshops at schools, churches, community centers, as well as other venues.
