RYASAP is an urban/suburban youth and community development coalition serving the Greater Bridgeport region, comprised of Bridgeport, Easton/Redding, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford and Trumbull with local and statewide programs in juvenile justice advocacy, young adult leadership, and asset based youth community development training and consultation.
RYASAP’s mission is to create healthy communities free of the harm caused by substance abuse, crime and violence. It is RYASAP’s strong belief that insidious problems such as substance abuse,crime, and violence – can be most effectively addressed when people work together and form nurturing relationships at all levels of the community.
To achieve this goal, RYASAP utilizes an asset-based youth and community development approach through which the assets and capacities of youth and adult citizens, volunteer associations and institutions are identified and mobilized for community change.
 Since its inception in 1985, RYASAP has worked to mitigate the risk factors affecting youth and works from a model of enhancing strengths utilizing a model of coalition building and maximum youth and citizen empowerment. The RYASAP network involves more than 2000 youth and adult volunteers – youth, parents, educators, municipal officials, police, juvenile justice professionals, civic associations, youth serving agencies, health and human and social service providers, faith organizations, legislators, community representatives and youth advocates who serve on its governing board, its committees and in community initiatives.
As a community building organization, RYASAP facilitates the development of a comprehensive system of supports for youth and adults including:
- Research and Evaluation
- Training and Consultation
- Advocacy
- Youth and Adult Leadership Development
- Youth Development
- Community Development
- Addiction Prevention
- Public Safety Enhancement
- Service Learning
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