Grant Helps Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc. Provide Services in Communities as an Alternative to Out-of-Home Placements
By Jasmine H. More, Youth Advocate Programs Development Coordinator, Private Sector Giving
A $75,000 grant from the New Jersey Pandemic Relief fund is bolstering much needed in-home services for youth and families who even before COVID-19, faced the kinds of complex challenges that often lead to family separation.
The grant to Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc., supports the nonprofit’s work to serve child welfare systems-involved young people at home as an alternative to congregate care, residential treatment and behavioral health facilities placements.
Due to the grant we received, families got so much more than just a simple gift card. Prior to the grant, many of the families we serve did not have access to technology. Because of the grant, we were able to provide our program youth with tablets. This not only helps YAP Advocates keep participants on track with their individualized service plans, it gives the youth one more thing to do to keep busy during these uncertain times. The grant has also provided YAP families with essentials, such as PPE, cleaning supplies, and non-perishable foods. Furthermore, the grant has made it possible for youth and families to continue to receive quality wraparound services that YAP is known for.
New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund dollars support YAP programs in Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Sussex, and Union counties.
Operating in all 21 New Jersey counties, YAP is a nonprofit organization with offices in more than 150 communities in 29 states and the District of Columbia. YAP is committed to the provision of community-based alternatives to out-of-home care through direct services. Since its founding in 1975, YAP’s expertise and passion have been in serving deep-end, multi-need and cross-system youth and families, with success across a continuum of needs and challenges. Learn more about YAP at YAPInc.org.
Jasmine H. More is Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc.’s National Development Coordinator for Private Sector Giving. She also serves as Administrative Manager and Advocate at Hudson, Bergen & Passaic County – NJ YAP and New Jersey Pandemic Relief Coordinator.
