Avenues for Justice
100 Centre Street, Room 1541
New York, NY 10013
info@avenuesforjustice.org
©Copyright 2022 Avenues for Justice. All rights reserved.
At Avenues for Justice (AFJ), transformation doesn’t happen accidentally; it begins at our safe, welcoming spaces where our Court-Involved and At-Risk Participants can connect, envision their futures, and celebrate their accomplishments. While we embrace their positive program outcomes and court successes, the real magic often happens in the everyday moments. From a warm greeting when you visit, to a fully stocked fridge where someone can grab something if they are hungry, our community centers are landing spots that say “this is your place to be you.”
This week, we’re spotlighting two team members whose behind-the-scenes work is a catalyst for our transformation: AFJ Facilities Coordinator Edison Taborda and AFJ Office Manager Lissette Aybar. Both from Washington Heights, Edison and Lissette understand our Participants’ journeys firsthand, having grown up in similar neighborhoods. Their work ensures our Harlem and Lower East Side community centers are more than program sites; they are spaces where Participants look forward to returning to each day.
Edison Taborda: Managing More Than Just Facilities
Edison’s connection to AFJ runs deeper than just maintenance schedules and supply lists. As a parent raising his young daughter, he brings personal experience in supporting our young people who may not always know how to ask for help. Before joining AFJ in 2020—at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic—Edison was working seven days a week across multiple jobs, including building maintenance, painting apartments, and weekend security shifts. A friend recognized his work ethic and referred him to AFJ.
Edison’s daily work spans across four AFJ sites, ensuring appliances function, spaces stay clean, repairs are made, and food and groceries are available for our Participants. Edison recalls how his pivotal moment at AFJ was during our street co-naming ceremony in 2022. When the mechanism broke to unveil the new street sign at the corner of 6th Street and Avenue B, co-named Avenues for Justice Way, Edison quickly stepped in. When he climbed up to single handedly unveil the sign, the community erupted in cheers! Edison felt such pride and knew at that moment that he was exactly where he belonged.
Today, Edison draws inspiration from our Participants as much as he gives it. His dream? Writing a children’s book to teach his daughter and young readers how to love themselves and build self-confidence.
“If we all could help our fellow neighbor, just because everyone goes through so much, I think the world would be a better place.” ~AFJ Facilities Coordinator Edison Taborda
Lissette Aybar: The One Person Welcoming Committee Force
Nearly a year into her AFJ journey, Lissette’s impact ripples through each interaction she has with our Participants and their families, her colleagues, and our visitors. With over 14 years as an Intake Coordinator and deep roots in Washington Heights childcare programs, she brings both professional expertise and genuine care to her role as Office Manager.
Lissette’s AFJ story begins in September 2024 during a coat drive at our Harlem center, where she witnessed Participants, families, and community members coming together for a good cause. That moment of giving back signified what AFJ means: a community where everyone looks out for each other.
As one of our center’s first points of contact, Lissette greets every Participant with warmth, asking about their day and offering a listening ear. For Lissette, AFJ’s secret sauce is in the long-term relationships staff build with our Participants. Lissette, Edison, and the entire team transform these spaces into places of discussion, community, and refuge.
“When we unite, we are stronger; division makes us weaker. We show up for our Participants because we are here for them, not us. We work to create a place that’s safe and clean; wanting them to learn to be on their own, but also know that, if needed, we can all sit together, and they’ll be supported.” ~AFJ Office Manager Lissette Aybar
Creating the Conditions for Change
Edison and Lissette exemplify what it means to show up authentically for our Participants. In a justice system where young people often feel dismissed, unseen, or judged, our community centers serve as spaces of possibility—and that starts with the people who maintain and manage them.
“When Participants visit any of our AFJ spaces, we want them to enter feeling welcomed, safe, and confident in the services and support they will receive. Our spaces reflect our organizational culture and values, from the pictures that adorn our walls to the bright gathering spaces we create. A big part of that warmth comes from Edison and Lissette, whose dedication to maintaining our spaces and welcoming all who enter makes our Participants, our team, and our community feel like family. The positivity with which Edison and Lissette show up daily is admirable and highly appreciated. I cherish Lissette’s ‘Magnificent Monday, Terrific Tuesday, Wonderful Wednesday, Thankful Thursday, and Fantastic Friday’ daily greetings!” ~AFJ’s Executive Director, Liz Frederick
While our Court Advocates work on case management and our Program staff deliver services, team members like Edison and Lissette create the intangible essentials of safety, warmth, and belonging that make second chances possible. Their work proves that every role at AFJ makes a difference, and that authentic care shows up in countless ways.
Join us in celebrating Edison and Lissette, along with our staff, Participants, and the AFJ community at our ‘Summer on the Avenue’ Street Fair next Thursday, August 21st. The event will be held at our Lower East Side community center and will highlight the vibrant community that AFJ fosters every day. We hope to see you there! To confirm your attendance, please contact: Melissa Best, AFJ’s Event Producer: melissa@daybreakmanagementgroup.com.
