The Neighborhood Advocate

Los Angeles, Calif. – Tamika Quillard, who was born and raised in Baltimore, and now lives in southern California, believes in the mission of Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc.  In fact, for her, it's personal. YAP is...

Chicago, IL -- Carla Felton sees herself in many of the young people she works with. She’s Assistant Director at Chicago Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc., where she’s on the Choose to Change (C2C) team.  A national nonprofit in 31 states and the District of Columbia,...

Lancaster County, PA -- A couple of weekends ago, Amber learned the true meaning of being an Advocate for Harlow, a program participant in Lancaster County (PA) Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc. YAP is...

Nonprofit Employer Lets these Siblings Share their Family Values with Others Harrisburg, Pa. – Born and raised in Pennsylvania’s capital, Dominque Morgan, and Don Urrutia are siblings who share a passion for making a difference in...

Compton, CA -- At age 19, George looks back to the person he was three years ago and is grateful that he had a chance to turn his life around. He thanks Reggie Cooper, his Advocate,...

Saginaw, Michigan – At 16, he said he finally understands that it pays to listen to his parents. It’s a lesson that came when months in juvenile detention and group homes failed to change his...

Charlotte, N.C. –  A regular presence in the Beatties Ford Road Corridor is what helps bring trust to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Alternatives to Violence team. On Saturday, Oct. 30, the ATV team spent the afternoon grilling...

North Texas -- These days, when 16-year-old Terry faces a challenge, he breathes deeply and forces himself to think of something that makes him happy. The exercise is part of an emotional toolkit he...

David Southall has served in YAP’s behavioral health programming for nearly 2 years  Roanoke, Va. – Topping the most rewarding experiences of David Southall’s career thus far at Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc., were the past eight months when he empowered a program participant battling depression and suicidal thoughts with tools to turn his life around. “Right now he is not suicidal. We’re...

Baltimore – Almost 10 years ago Joel Miller was fresh out of prison, living in his car, showering at the gym, jobless and needed money, when an old friend approached him with a tempting...

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month  Lackawanna County, PA -- When 17-year-old Nevaeh began seeing the fruits of her labor in a pre-employment program in Scranton, PA, she took the opportunity to the next level. Nevaeh was part of a four-person Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc. Pennsylvania Office of Vocational...

Chicago, IL -- Whether he’s in the barbershop or at a Chicago event, Lee Jones is sharing stories about his job. He’s among those on the frontlines of a movement to transform lives and...

Bagdad, Ariz. -- If someone had told 18-year-old Emarie this time last year that she would be where she is now, she would have highly doubted it.   Emarie will soon head from Bagdad, Arizona to Mesa, where armed with work experience and a great reference from her...

Most young people who’ve received services from Chicago Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc. will tell you they have much love and respect for Monique Robbins. YAP is a national nonprofit in 31 states and...

Baltimore – Tumani never thought he would make it to see his 21st birthday. Last year, at age 20, he was almost proved right when he was shot in the head. The shooting (an assailant...