She Thanks Her Youth Advocate for Believing in Her and Empowering Her with Tools...
By her 13th birthday, Destany had been in multiple foster homes, experienced sexual assault, and was convinced most adults are not to be trusted.
Today, at 18, she’s living happily with her partner in Albany,...
Even in 2020, Youth are Conquering Complex Challenges
Las Vegas-based Clark County Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc. Program Director Nyeri Richards asked her colleagues and some of the young people they serve to think about hope and resilience as they reflect on...
Philadelphia Tribune to Honor YAP Board Chair Lynette M. Brown-Sow
The Philadelphia Tribune has named Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc. Board of Directors Chair Lynette M. Brown-Sow one of 2020’s Most Influential African Americans. Brown-Sow will accept the honor in a virtual ceremony, Thursday,...
Testimony Highlights How Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc. Serves as an Alternative to Youth...
On Sept. 30, 2020, Randall Sims, Regional Director, Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc., testified before the Pennsylvania Juvenile Justice Task Force. Governor Tom Wolf, State Supreme Court Justice Thomas G. Saylor, and General Assembly...
‘Please Don’t Take This Program Away’ — Erica’s Appeal to Lawmakers to Keep NJ...
When 26-year-old Erica heard that proposed cuts by New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) will keep nearly one thousand youth from services that keep them out of placement, she took it personally....
Challenge Opens Opportunity for Young Artist
Kiara, a 15-year-old Lebanon County, PA high school student, begins her sophomore semester with a new appreciation for her passion, gifts and talents. She's a participant in Lebanon County Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc.,...
Nearly 1000 New Jersey Youth Face Losing Services that Keep them Safely Home and...
About four years ago, Robin, a then 39-year-old Atlantic County, NJ single mother of nine children, found herself overwhelmed.
“I was in a domestic relationship with a man who sold drugs and brought a lot...
New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund Supports Work that Keeps Families Together
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...
Empowered with Life Skills, Chris Supports Himself and Others through the Pandemic
With the increased risk of COVID-19 infections for individuals in congregate living, Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc. strengthens its advocacy for community-based youth and family services alternatives. In 29 states and Washington, DC, YAP...
Donated Laptops Help Youths Succeed in Community-Based Alternative to Out-of-Home Placement
Newark, NJ -- Curtis Moore and his colleagues jumped into action in March when COVID-19 put their resilience to the test. Curtis is a program coordinator at Essex/Union County, NJ Youth Advocate Programs (YAP),...
With Support from his Advocate, this 17-Year-Old is Safely Home, Loving Life and Giving...
With conviction and a slight smile, 17-year-old Malachi posed for a press photographer as he held a cardboard handwritten Black Lives Matter sign. He was at a Denver, Colo. vigil for George Floyd, the...
Travontay Says He’s an Example that Communities Can Be their Own Alternative to Youth...
Seventeen-year-old Travontay proudly steps to the microphone at a Black Lives Matter rally in Lyons, NY. With a population of under 5,700 where everyone knows you, this was his chance to demonstrate how far...
A Timely Report: National Human Services Assembly’s Roadmap for Reforming Youth Justice
by Jeff Fleischer, Youth Advocate Programs CEO/National Human Services Assembly Chair
The National Human Services Assembly (NHSA), in light of the George Floyd killing and the Covid 19 pandemic, is re-releasing our 2017 publication; Beyond...
Advocating for Youth and Helping Neighbors Unite at Juneteenth Black Lives Matter Rally
Story by Dan Durocher, Lakeshore News: Reprinted with permission from Lakeshore News, WAYUGA Printing & Publishing
A Childhood Story Helped this Advocate Encourage and Engage Youth Through Tough Times
In a recent teleconference, Sarah Gross focuses on her origami, an ancient Japanese practice of shaping paper into art. On the other end of her video call young people ages 9-17 make their own...
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Baltimore Youth Advocate Programs Participant Gives Thanks
Baltimore Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc. participant Tumani shares his thoughts about his Advocate, Jamal. The Neighborhood Advocate met up with him at a...
