"The easiest way to stop a bullet is a job," asserts Robert Lewis, Jr., architect of a daring youth violence prevention collaborative led by the Boston Foundation. Desperation and lack of opportunity spur crime in Boston's inner city neighborhoods, where gang-related homicides and violent crime along a central corridor have skyrocketed in recent years. By mentoring and connecting youth to needed programs and services, along with education and job opportunities, StreetSafe Boston seeks to reach the 1% proven-risk youth population deemed to commit 50% of Boston's youth violence.

Tomorrow's leaders walk among us but many do not have the opportunity to fulfill their promise. Educational attainment is an essential antidote to poverty, yet only 21% of low-income U.S. high school students will successfully complete college. Summer Search finds reflective, altruistic and high-performing low-income high school students and inspires them to complete high school and college by providing year-round mentoring, a lasting support network, and life-changing summer experiences. Summer Search develops these students into leaders with global vision. "Being a part of Summer Search has opened my eyes to another world," related Darryl, a Summer Search graduate.

In 2003 Joel Barrera and Senator Jarriet Barrios of Cambridge realized that the only racial diversity seen at the Massachusetts State House was during the overnight cleaning shift. In response they founded The Commonwealth Seminar to open the doors of the legislature to diverse leaders. Now boasting more than 500 graduates of its six-week training program, MassCS provides legislative training, networking opportunities with top policymakers, and access to public service job opportunities for leaders from many backgrounds. Graduates run for office, staff advocacy organizations and legislative offices, and foster a culture that values public service.

Closing the achievement gap that exists between children from rich and poor communities is critical for preparing all young people for bright futures. Stand for Children uses grassroots action to fight for excellent public education and to get children the strong support they need to thrive. As one Chapter leader has said, "To go beyond something that will help your kids, to help all kids... you need to get a whole bunch of people together. That's what Stand for Children does." In 2009 Stand For Children's organizing efforts resulted in $237 million in local education aid and $241 million in new revenues to support public education.

No child should grow up hungry, especially in the world's wealthiest nation - yet more than 12 million American children do. Share Our Strength works to end childhood hunger and poverty in the U.S. Through its inner-city Hinges of Hope tours, supported by AFF, Share Our Strength enlists corporate and community leaders to tackle the root causes of poverty and hunger. As Founder Billy Shore has written, "Preventing hunger by donating food is like preventing fire by donating water to the fire department. The better course is to build systems that ensure people won't be vulnerable in the first place."

Facing a 50% increase in requests for supplemental free food since 2007, Beverly Bootstraps has devised a more cost-effective strategy for acquiring food. Instead of purchasing supplies from grocery stores, the anti-hunger program has hired an outreach worker to pick up free food in bulk from two regional food banks. With support from AFF, she also runs food drives at local schools and community groups while educating the North Shore about the root causes of hunger and poverty.

Chronic homelessness is a difficult cycle to break. More than just a safe warm place to sleep, River House, a year-round shelter located in Beverly, MA, runs self-sufficiency programs each winter that offer the opportunity for transformation by providing individualized job search and placement assistance, access to healthcare, and help with moving into permanent housing.

Since 1981, Wellspring House has been helping families move out of poverty. Serving Cape Ann in MA, Wellspring provides transformative adult education and job training, affordable housing and housing advocacy, and family education and support. It also serves as an emergency shelter for homeless families.

The four communities of Cape Ann, MA - Rockport, Essex, Manchester and Gloucester - epitomize the substantial disparities that exist right here at home where pockets of great wealth neighbor pockets of great need. In 2008 The Open Door's Food Pantry provided free food for almost 300,000 meals to 1500 households in these towns. Their Community Meals program also served over 17,000 hot meals to those needing food and companionship. In addition to providing direct service The Open Door also advocates on behalf of the disadvantaged and offers job-skills training and job placement.