For seven years, Open Arms Community Inc. has been a consistent presence for young people and families across Southeast Queens—connecting youth to the guidance, resources, relationships, and opportunities they need to move forward. Our work is grounded in direct experience with the systems that shape young lives and a commitment to ensuring that no young person’s future is limited by circumstance or lack of access.
Every young person deserves to grow up knowing that someone believes in them, that opportunities are within reach, and that they do not have to navigate the journey to adulthood alone. Across Southeast Queens, young people have tremendous potential, yet not every family has equal access to the consistent guidance, connections, and support that can help that potential flourish.
That is why Open Arms Community Inc. is here. We create a community of support around young people and their families—meeting them where they are, walking alongside them through important transitions, and helping open doors to opportunities that may otherwise feel out of reach. Our impact is reflected in young people who feel seen, supported, and confident in what is possible for their future. We want every young person who comes through our doors to leave better prepared for adulthood, connected to meaningful opportunities, and knowing they have people in their corner.
No Youth Left Behind. Every Future Within Reach.
Open Arms Community Inc. exists to ensure that young people in underserved communities have the consistent guidance, trusted relationships, resources, and opportunities they need to successfully transition into adulthood. Through our Pathway to Adulthood (P2A) model, we close gaps in support by meeting each young person where they are and surrounding them with individualized, relationship-centered support that grows with their needs.
Our work goes beyond addressing a single challenge or moment in a young person’s life. We strengthen the connections between youth, families, caring adults, community resources, and meaningful opportunities so young people have a dependable foundation to grow and move forward. Our goal is lasting impact: young people who are prepared to make informed decisions, pursue their goals, navigate adulthood with confidence, and build stable, independent futures.
No Youth Left Behind. Every Future Within Reach.
“We believe every young person deserves to be seen, supported, and surrounded by people who believe in their potential. Their circumstances should never determine the limits of their future. With consistent guidance, trusted relationships, access to resources, and meaningful opportunities, young people can build the confidence and foundation to shape what comes next.”
We intentionally reach youth who may be underserved, overlooked, or disconnected from traditional systems of support – building trust first and creating a consistent point of connection for young people and their families.
Through our Pathway to Adulthood (P2A) model, we connect each young person with individualized guidance, practical skills, trusted relationships, and meaningful opportunities that strengthen their ability to navigate adulthood with confidence.
Young people and families need more than a program that ends. Open Arms provides a dependable community connection – helping families navigate resources, overcome barriers, and access support as needs and circumstances change.
Our goal is lasting progress: young people who recognize their strengths, make informed decisions, pursue education and career pathways, build stability, and move toward adulthood with greater confidence and independence.
Founder & Executive Director, Open Arms Community, Inc.
TaiQuia Warren, LMSW (CT), is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Open Arms Community Inc. and a nonprofit and social work leader with more than 17 years of experience supporting transition-age youth and young adults across foster care, juvenile justice, child welfare, and underserved communities. A graduate of Fordham University with a Master of Social Work, TaiQuia advanced from direct-service practice into senior leadership, including serving as a Director of Foster Care.
“At Open Arms Community, Inc., we measure success not just by the programs we run, but by the lives we reshape. For seven years, we have served as a steady presence in Southeast Queens, providing a consistent, trauma-informed safety net where youth can reset and thrive.”
Young people in underserved communities often face multiple challenges at once, yet the systems designed to support them can be fragmented or difficult to navigate. Open Arms exists so young people have consistent relationships, guidance, and access to
opportunity before challenges become barriers to their future.
Through our Pathway to Adulthood (P2A) model, we meet each young person where they are and build individualized support around their needs. Mentorship, education, workforce preparation, wellness, life skills, and community resources work together as one coordinated pathway toward adulthood.
Our goal is lasting progress – not simply program participation. We help young people strengthen confidence, build practical skills, remain connected to education and opportunity, develop supportive relationships, and move toward stable, independent adulthoods.
Open Arms connects families, mentors, schools, professionals,
businesses, and community partners around a shared purpose:
ensuring young people do not have to navigate adulthood alone. This collaborative framework expands access to resources and opportunities while creating a stronger, more sustainable network of support.
Behind every program is a young person with a future worth investing in. Our impact is felt when a young person who once felt uncertain begins to see possibility – when they have someone they trust, a plan they understand, and the confidence to take their next step. At Open Arms, progress is built one relationship, one opportunity, and one young person at a time.
Open Arms Community Inc. is a dedicated community hub in Southeast Queens where young people and families can access consistent support, trusted relationships, and meaningful opportunities in one connected space. Through the P2A model, the hub brings mentorship, education, wellness, workforce preparation, life-skills development, and community resources together – creating a dependable place for young people to learn, grow, connect, and prepare for adulthood.
Help us build a stronger pathway to adulthood for young people across Queens.
