Ambassadors of Peace: Raising a Generation of Purpose
Every young person carries a divine spark—a God-given purpose waiting to be ignited. But in our communities, far too many youth are navigating brokenness, violence, and instability with no roadmap to hope. Ambassadors of Peace is our answer to that crisis.
For 30 weeks, over 100 youth come together not just for a warm meal, but for something far more powerful—belonging, consistency, and purpose-driven mentorship. We meet them where they are, and walk with them through real-life challenges. In these sessions, we don’t just talk at them—we listen, we encourage, we pour into their lives with truth, faith, and love.
Every gathering is a sacred opportunity to shape values like integrity, empathy, leadership, and perseverance. We challenge them to dream bigger, to see themselves not as statistics, but as future doctors, artists, entrepreneurs, and change-makers. We help them see that their story matters—and that God has placed greatness inside of them.
Ambassadors of Peace isn’t just a program. It’s a movement of transformation. We are helping young people rise—not just to survive, but to lead, to thrive, and to become the light in their schools, their homes, and one day, their cities.
"The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow"
- Nelson Mandela
Where Potential Meets Purpose
Urban Hope: Moments That Matter
See firsthand how Urban Hope transforms lives by building faith, resilience, and purpose in the hearts of young people.
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The Steps We Take To Mentor The Next Generation
Step 1
Early Leadership Foundation
We start developing leaders the moment they enter Kindergarten, guiding them every year through adulthood. We believe God has called each one to be a leader and a positive influence. Our job is to encourage, equip, and educate them to confidently live out that calling. Young kids are inspired by older peers who are leading well, which sparks a desire to become true “Ambassadors of Peace.” This is where their journey begins.
Step 2
Character and Calling in Practice
We connect with kids through Literacy Outreach, Kids Zone, and Summer Camp. Every mentoring moment begins with love and practical help. From there, we build on that foundation with Connection, Character, and Calling in Action. Starting in 6th grade, they can join our Ambassador of Peace program to learn what it takes to be a GREAT leader: values like integrity and courage, and lifestyle choices like discipline and compassion. As they gain responsibility, they're prepared to mentor younger children.
Step 3
Rooted in Community, Growing as Leaders
We urge every Ambassador of Peace to join a local church youth group. We partner with Staten Island churches committed to discipleship and leadership development, where our teens can be known, challenged, and cared for. The intergenerational environment of the church offers something a program alone cannot: stable mentors, spiritual formation, and real opportunities to lead. It’s where their calling becomes a daily habit.
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Intergenerational mentors: Pastors and leaders consistently invest and model Christlike character.
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Leadership labs: Students lead small groups and serve on various teams.
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Accountability & pastoral care: Regular check-ins and guidance keep their growth on track.
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Service & mission: Local projects and trips turn compassion into action.
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Rooted community: Scripture and healthy friendships build resilience and hope.
Together, we and the local church create a smooth path from student to servant-leader, equipping young people to be a positive influence everywhere they go.
Step 4
Launching into the Future
We walk with every Ambassador of Peace as they transition to the next stage of their life, connecting them with partners who open doors to higher education, internships, and gainful employment. We help each student choose the right-fit university or a strong first job and then help them thrive there.
Entrepreneurship Track: From Idea to LLC
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Refine the idea and customer.
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Name the business and file for LLC status with the state.
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Create an Operating Agreement, get an EIN, open a business bank account, and set up basic bookkeeping.
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Build a brand starter kit and a simple sales pipeline.
Business Plan
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Problem and ideal customer
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Solution and value proposition
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Revenue model and pricing
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Market and competition
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Go-to-market strategy
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Operations
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Budget and startup costs
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Milestones, metrics, and timeline
We coach the soft skills that set leaders apart—marketing, sales, pitching, networking, and dress for success
Our youth are pursuing their DREAMS—and watching God use Urban Hope to help them become the leaders they were meant to be is deeply fulfilling
