Our Story

In the 1970s, New York City's Lower East Side was often more battleground than neighborhood, where educational and spiritual development was overshadowed by pervasive gang violence. It was in this challenging environment that Robert "Bo" Nixon, a former gang leader transformed by the mentorship and discipleship of Bill Milliken from Young Life, founded New Life of New York City in 1973.

From its inception, New Life has been dedicated to the Lower East Side, providing transformative daily discipleship and vital resources aimed at reshaping the lives of local youth. Initiatives like sports tournaments and sleepaway camps have been instrumental in keeping young people engaged, off the streets, and growing in both character and faith.

Over the decades, New Life's impact has expanded beyond the Lower East Side (Manhattan) to Queens and Brooklyn, reaching thousands of youths annually. Today, New Life continues to support youth development empowering our young New Yorkers aged 12-18, by focusing on academic achievement, artistic expression, athletic engagement, service projects, and spiritual formation. Through our comprehensive programming, we not only provide essential support and opportunities but also help our youth to envision and build a brighter, more hopeful future—one day, one meal, one young New Yorker at a time.

Through our comprehensive programming, we not only provide essential support and opportunities but also help our youth to envision and build a brighter, more hopeful future—one day, one meal, one young New Yorker at a time.

Together, we are impacting a new generation of leaders and change-makers in New York City. Our vision is that every New Lifer will positively and significantly impact their community, city, and world.