The Neighborhood Advocate

York, Pa. – “A pretty cool chick; and an absolutely wonderful human being who gets along with everybody.” That’s how Youth Advocate Programs (YAP™), Inc. York County, Pennsylvania Lead Advocate Harley Pressel’s supervisor...

Providence, R.I. – With the help of Youth Advocate Programs (YAP™), Inc., former program participant Julian was able to get off drugs and get back to high school. “My ...

Dallas, Texas – The Director of Youth Advocate Programs (YAP™) Inc.’s Dallas Cred violence interruption team is a nominee of The Epiphany Advocates of Change Award. He will be recognized during the April...

Chicago, IL -- At age 27, LaShawn Jenkins knows all too well the unique value she brings to her work and the lives of the young people she serves at Youth Advocate...

At age 16, Shamarion has begun to recognize and appreciate his strengths - that he's smart, respectful, cares about his mother, and is a great big brother to his siblings. Fulton County,...

Harrisburg, Pa. – Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc. Dauphin County Community Treatment Center (CTC) Director Craig Gittens connects with young people before their actions could lead to lifelong repercussions in adulthood. 

Roanoke, Va. – Program participants of Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc. Roanoke received holiday toys and essential items, thanks to the generosity of the Eta Lambda Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc....

Chicago, Ill. – Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc. hosted a Thanksgiving Sneaker Ball that allowed its Back to Our Future program participants and their families to dress up and enjoy an evening of elegance they may...

Chicago, Ill. -- Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc’s Chicago Washington Heights Violence Interruption team members added Thanksgiving turkeys to the many services they provide to make the neighborhood they serve safer. The Washington Heights YAP...

Los Angeles - At age 18, Kevin’s best memories of his childhood were before his 14th birthday. He played and was good at just about every sport. One of his biggest fans and best...

Maryland Department of Juvenile Services Secretary Vincent N. Schiraldi and Maryland Department of Human Services Secretary Rafael López joined Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc. to honor youth and adults meeting major milestones in putting their lives...

Roanoke, Va. – After eight months, three staff from Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc. Roanoke Valley, Va., completed certification in professional development and youth violence prevention training from the Flourish Agenda. Program Director Breyon Fraction,...

Brenda C. Siler, Contributing Writer  Joy was in the air as the Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc. recognized program participants in the national nonprofit's Washington, DC/Maryland region for successfully completing milestones in their journeys to put their lives on a positive path.  Program...

See additional photo albums below. (Photos courtesy Keystone Productions) Maryland Department of Juvenile Services Secretary Vincent N. Schiraldi and Maryland Department of Human Services Secretary Rafael López joined Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc. to honor...

Hartford, Conn. – Tired of seeing children of color being misdiagnosed and misunderstood on what triggers certain behaviors is what spearheaded Veronica Maldonado’s life work of helping youth and young adults overcome obstacles to...