Vannguard Urban Improvement Assn. (VUIA) was officially incorporated in 1975 by residents who shared a commitment to community service and an optimistic vision for the future of our community. We received our first federal grant in 1977.

In 1977 we began the operation of an after school program at David Ruggles JHS 258 on Marcy Avenue. The success of our initial program was later expanded into a comprehensive youth development program, which became a model for many other such prep-programs.

Enter George Glee Jr. in 1979, under whose progressive and effective leadership as Executive Director, things began to really expand. Through a community wide property study, he implemented neighborhood conservation and revitalization programs.

VUIA subsequently established the Nostrand Industrial Systems, a wholly owned for-profit subsidiary, to formulate and implement economic development strategies; provide for the financial needs of the larger Corporation; foster independence and self reliance. The Vannguard Local Development Corp., a non-for-profit subsidiary of VUIA, developed residential and commercial properties in Bedford-Stuyvesant.

Accordingly, for the past three decades VUIA’s Youth, Physical, and Economic Development Divisions have worked tirelessly under the leadership of its current Executive Director, Arthur Niles, to provide quality services to thousands of community residents -- affectively improving the quality of life of individuals and families in Bedford- Stuyvesant.

So here we are at 2008, with much to look back over with pride, and much to look forward to with great anticipation. VUIA is now serving its second generation of Bedford-Stuyvesant families. In many cases former program recipients have become our employees and staff because they exhibited an unparalleled commitment and dedication to providing effective services to our youth of today -- no doubt a result of the exposure to those who were so dedicated to them as youth. Whatever the reason, the dedication to paying it forward is very much the watchword -- the mission of VUIA .

Regardless of their role and responsibility -- whether as Corporate staff, on the Board of Directors, or members of the VYC Parents Association -- these young adults work diligently with the Vanguard Youth Council Alumni Association to assure the legacy continues.

Much has been accomplished over the past 30 years, and we at Vannguard Urban Improvement Association look forward to the next 30 + years of continuing our life-changing services for the people of Brooklyn.