In the inner-city of Washington, D.C., lives a generation of young people for whom violence, discrimination, and poverty are a daily reality. This article describes one youth organization that encourages these young people to voice their hopes and concerns for their community and work to create solutions. The out-of-school-time programming of Facilitating Leadership in Youth (FLY) provides youth with comprehensive support and services, caring and trusting relationships, and gradually increasing leadership opportunities. FLY provides free year-round out-of-school programs and services for up to forty-five young people, ages nine to eighteen, who live in the southeast region of Washington, D.C. Its mission is to support youth who live east of the Anacostia River, one of the poorest regions of the city, in achieving their educational goals, developing their talents, and expanding their leadership roles. Most of the youth who participate in FLY join the organization when they are in the third or fourth grade and stay involved until they graduate from high school. Much of FLY's success is due to its commitment to establishing and maintaining positive relationships with the youth participants and their families. FLY staff and volunteers spend considerable time communicating with each parent or guardian and the participant's school. (Contains 1 figure and 2 notes.)