Our communities are plagued by a number of social problems, including poverty, racism, substance abuse, crime and violence, youth gangs, teen pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, etc. Many of our youth see their only "out" by becoming a rapper or professional athlete. But the reality is that the opportunities are few and far between. To that end, Hip Hop Haven uses hip hop--art, music, culture, and sport--as a vehicle to reach out to youth and families, providing a safe "haven" and recreational outlet to learn about and express the essence of hip hop through education and advocacy, providing youth with the tools necessary to create grassroots change in their community.