Elsie grew up on the Lower East Side. While her mother struggled with addiction and mental illness, Elsie spent most of her time on the streets. After being arrested at 16, @AvenuesForJustice – an organization that protects New York City’s at-risk youth from incarceration – intervened. Twenty-five years after her arrest, Elsie is a graduate of John Jay College and a senior staff member at AFJ. Now, she’s preparing to get her Master’s in Social Work. Learn more about Elsie and our other 2022 Robin Hood Heroes in our link in bio!