Our Mission + VISION

MISSION

Provide youth impacted by the criminal legal system with holistic and sustained support, enabling equitable access to opportunities to help them unlock their full potential and pave the way for meaningful success.

VISION

To transform New York City with empowered youth who are equipped with the confidence and skill-sets to cultivate a better and brighter future for themselves.

OUR VALUES

EMPOWERMENT

We are committed to helping our young participants build up their self-esteem, understand responsibility and accountability within their own lives, and learn how to launch as individuals in order to reach their full potential.

EQUITY

Our services are tailored to educate young people in essential life skills to create an equitable platform for individual growth and success including: opening up bank accounts, learning financial literacy, and teaching the various responsibilities of adulthood.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Regardless of past choices, current obstacles, or even future hardships, we ensure that young people have equal opportunities that may have otherwise been hindered due to their race, culture and socioeconomic standing.

OUR FOUNDER

Carmelita (Lita) Osborne Fossella

Founder of The PILOT

Carmelita (Lita) Osborne Fossella was born in Atlanta, GA and raised in Charlotte, NC where she remains deeply tied to communities similar to the ones she strives to help today.

Ms. Fossella has experienced many of the same hardships young people are facing today including: homelessness, abuse, and a challenging family situation.

In her role as a Program Director for Family Matters with the Youth Justice Network and Founder of The PILOT, she serves as a credible messenger to those who are looking to rise above their current situations and learn how to thrive.