Founded in 1986, Centro de Información y Educación para la Prevención del Abuso de Drogas (Information and Education Center for the Prevention of Drug Abuse--CEDRO) is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to foster healthy environments and quality of life for young people. CEDRO conducts research and provides training to teachers, community leaders, law enforcement agents, youth workers, and youth. Its programs include leadership training, youth involvement in community development, life-skills, technical education, job creation and micro enterprise, and community libraries for young people. CEDRO’s programs are conducted throughout metropolitan Lima, mostly in very poor squatter settlements, and in other areas throughout the country. In addition, CEDRO administers and supports three “open houses” (shelters) for street children, and runs a hot line for adolescents and young adults. The headquarters is constantly alive with activity, from awareness conferences with parents, teachers or government officials, to exhibits and sale of products made by young entrepreneurs. CEDRO has been most successful in establishing close working relationships with the government, other NGOs, and the private sector. It serves as a resource at local, regional, and international levels.