Ulster County, NY – When Raymond Samuels was referred to Youth Advocate Programs (YAP®), Inc., he was having difficulty in school with his peers, but once he was paired with his Advocate, he says his life took an entirely different turn that has now come full circle.
“My Advocate helped me navigate through toxic, as well, as healthy relationships,” Samuels said. “He also taught me how to be myself, while still helping me build my confidence to where it felt normal to be outgoing and personable.”
YAP® is a national nonprofit in 33 states and Washington, D.C., providing services that reduce the nation’s overreliance on youth incarceration, residential care, group homes and other out-of-home placements. Celebrating its 50th year in 2025, YAP® partners with public systems to provide community-based wraparound and behavioral health services as an alternative to residential care.
Samuels is a former YAP Ulster County, New York youth justice program participant. He has since graduated high school, enrolled in community college, became a YAP Advocate and has been promoted to administrative manager. YAP Ulster County provides justice and child welfare program to youth ages 11-22 with wraparound support known as YAPWRAP® in which they and their families are provided with resources and support.
“From participant to Advocate has been possibly the largest full circle moment of my life as of yet,” Samuels said. “As a former YAP participant, I have always capitalized on what the program has had to offer me.”
Additionally, eligible current and former program participants, along with their parents/guardians, can apply for the Tom Jeffers Endowment Fund Scholarship for Continuing Education, which provides $1,200 for tuition and fees or a laptop computer. Samuels now has a laptop thanks to the scholarship fund that will come in handy while attending Dutchess Community College where he is majoring in social work.
“My career goal has always been to help at-risk youth realize there is always a way to win the game regardless of the cards dealt,” said Samuels who grew up in foster care. “As I am still relatively young, I find myself constantly learning alongside the youth I work with; in addition to providing the advice I benefited from when I was in the program as well.”
YAP Ulster County Program Director Jenilee Pollan who has known Samuels for seven years, described him as “exceptionally gifted at making others feel comfortable and always maintaining a positive attitude.”
“Raymond is an individual who shows up earlier than asked, works hard, and carries himself in a polite, respectable manner,” Pollan added.
Samuels thanks YAP for supporting his educational goals and helping to turn his life around.
“To move from a terrible past, you must make a better one over time,” the 19 year-old added. “I do this by consistently reaching for the moon, because even when I fail, I tend to land somewhere among the stars.”
For more information on YAP, visit yapinc.org.
