About us
Rooted in community. Built on lived experience.
Who we are
Street2Straight (Street2straight Program Inc) is a nonprofit dedicated to youth violence prevention and mentoring in New Haven and Hamden, Connecticut. We serve young people ages 8–35, with core mentoring focused on youth ages 8–17.
We believe the people best equipped to guide young people away from the street are often those who have lived it — and chosen a different path.
What we believe
- Every young person has worth and a future worth fighting for.
- Relationships, not lectures, change lives.
- Prevention starts early and works best close to home.
- Second chances matter — for youth, families, and returning citizens.
PV
Founder
Pepe Vega, MPA, VPP
Pepe Vega is a product of the community he serves. He turned his life around at a very young age and has dedicated decades since to helping others do the same.
- Street outreach since 1997
- Lead Violence Prevention Specialist helping victims of violence at Yale New Haven Hospital since 2019
- Program Manager at Urban Community Alliance
- Longtime business owner
- Works with youth, returning citizens, and the community
Help a young person choose a new path.
Your gift or your time keeps street outreach and mentoring going in New Haven and Hamden.