CCA’s Community Carpenters program is a paid leadership and workforce training opportunity for Central Brooklyn youth who are involved with the legal system.  Community Carpenters participants lead collaborative efforts with local stakeholders and community leaders to address health and racial equity needs in their communities.

Youth achieve their goals via neighborhood resources, youth-led civic activities, community benefit projects, paid training programs, internships, and employment opportunities.

Currently, the Community Carpenters program is working to promote healthy food consumption and increase access to nutritious food in communities affected by preventable illnesses including diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer. As part of this initiative, young people are growing food in CCA’s community garden in East New York and hydroponic systems in Brownsville to distribute healthy food in the community.