Founded in 1965 by community leaders in the Loisaida neighborhood of the Lower East Side, CHARAS has dedicated decades to strengthening local communities through arts, education, environmental initiatives, and job training programs.

The organization was created by a group of friends inspired by the ideals of the “Real Great Society,” a youth-led movement committed to empowering neighborhoods through creativity, activism, and community collaboration.

Today, CHARAS continues to advocate for community spaces, cultural preservation, and opportunities for future generations.