YAP, Inc.The Neighborhood Advocate

Lexington, KY — At age 17, Drake knows all too well how one very bad decision can detour a kid’s life. Through Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc., he also sees how unconditional support and guidance can give young people tools to account for their mistakes while redirecting their lives on a positive course.

“Drake became a role model for his peers and due to his amazing turnaround and resilience, was dubbed “ValeYAPtorian” and gave a speech at our YAP graduation,” said former Kentucky YAP Assistant Director Delaney Harris, who said her team also awarded him the organization’s Visionary award.  

Drake was 16 when he first heard about YAP.  

“I had been getting into fights,” he said. “I had anger issues, anxiety, and depression. I was spiraling downwards.” 

YAP partners with justice, child welfare, behavioral health, educational and other systems to deliver community-based services as a more effective, equitable and economical alternative to youth incarceration and group residential placements. In recent years, cities have partnered with YAP to incorporate the national nonprofit’s culturally responsive model in efforts to curb neighborhood violence. The key to the model is using zip code recruitment to hire and train community-based staff to deliver individual and family services in homes, schools, and other community sites. 

Drake’s High School’s Youth Services coordinator referred him to YAP’s school-based program that conducts group sessions on positive conflict resolution.  

“I had a really rough life growing up,” Drake said. “Things kept happening; things kept building up.” 

Drake said he wasn’t one to initiate fights; but by the time he was 15, if someone started with him, he would let the anger out. He said the YAP group meetings at school helped, but managing his feelings wasn’t easy. 

“It was difficult; I was new to the whole self-improvement thing. Going to the meetings, I learned a few skills; but it was hard to change.” 

Drake showed steady improvement, enough for YAP to give him a peer leader role in a follow-up conflict resolution session.  Drake said when that term ended, his anger resumed and continued to get him into trouble at school. The school reconnected him to YAP, but this time with its diversion program. Diversion offered him community-based YAP services as an alternative to more punitive youth justice system approaches. Drake said at the time, he was facing complex personal and family-related challenges. 

“Then my anger, depression and anxiety kept getting worse,” he said. “I made a big mistake and got locked up.”  

It was his first involvement with the justice system. But the charges were serious. 

Program Director Ashley Randall said YAP appeared at every court hearing, speaking up, and advocating passionately for Drake to not be charged as an adult.  

“If he were to be charged as an adult, he would look at eight to 10 years,” said Kentucky YAP Assistant Director Delaney Harris.   

During his three months awaiting adjudication in a youth facility, Drake received regular visits from his family and his YAP team. 

“Between myself, his advocate Alysha Wilson, and another advocate Ben Randall, someone went to visit Drake every single week, hoping to keep his spirits up,” Harris said. “During his time in placement, he made the decision to get his life together and strive to be the best person he could be despite his past actions.” 

Harris said Drake spent his time journaling, reading, studying, completing schoolwork, and working out.

“That’s when it really started to kick in. I realized I had to do it for me,” Drake said.  

True to the nonprofit’s youth and family wraparound services model, conversations focused not on his mistakes and what landed Drake behind bars, but on his strengths. 

Drake said he came to appreciate his positive attributes. “I’m smart; I care about and want to help my family,” he said. 

Harris said Drake is also resourceful; that working with him, the YAP team has been able to connect his family with gas cards, food pantries and other basic needs resources.   

“He always worries about his little sister, making sure she has something to play with, wanting her to have things to do — coloring books, markers and crayons,” she said. 

 As part of his probation, Drake continued to receive services from YAP as a participant in the nonprofit’s alternative-to-youth-incarceration program. 

“When he was released to the community, he began right away implementing the changes he was making. He participated in several volunteer activities, such as the community garden, and was happy to help every time,” Harris said. “He continues to showcase his new mindset and continues to give back to his community and be a positive contributing member of society, when things could’ve easily gone the other way.” 

Drake graduated early from high school. He has a part-time job at a nearby restaurant and is putting in applications for construction work. 

“Alysha comes and gets me; I’ve started learning more skills,” he said. “All the people are really nice and supportive. I never feel I’m talking to a wall.” 

Drake has learned a lot about trauma and its impact on decisions people make. He also understands and is experiencing the power of community and a strong family foundation. 

 “I want to keep working to help my family,” he said, going on to explain the importance of his family in his journey. “I live with my mom and my siblings. My grandma on my dad’s side — she helped raise me.  Any time I start to feel down, she’s there. And she’s there when I’m doing well. I am doing well. And I’m going to continue to do well.” 

Learn how more about YAP, apply to join the team, or donate to support the nonprofit at www.YAPInc.org. You can also support YAP by following the nonprofit on Twitter @YAPInc.

Camden, N.J. – YAP New Jersey recently celebrated 45 years of serving young people and families with a day of “It Takes a Village: Building in New Jersey, One Brick at a Time,” anniversary events.

“It wasn’t until my aunt introduced me to Youth Advocate Programs did I start feeling inspired,” said former YAP program participant Ronald, who credits his Advocate Kendall Sears with helping him make better choices.

YAP, a national nonprofit in 35 states and Washington, D.C., partners with youth justice, child welfare, behavioral health, and public safety systems to deliver unique evidence-based youth and family wraparound and behavioral health services in homes, schools and other community sites as safe, effective, and more equitable alternatives to youth incarceration and residential care. In recent years, municipalities have also used the YAP  model to curb neighborhood violence.

Ronald plans to attend Hohokus School of Trade and Technical Science in the fall. “I was matched with an Advocate (Sears) that really invested time and energy into me. My Advocate encouraged me to think beyond my circumstances and always wants me to do better in life than what I experienced.”

On display at the anniversary event were art and poetry, in addition to performances by youth who expressed how their lives changed after the pandemic.

“It was wonderful for all of our staff, program participants and the community as a whole to come together to commemorate all of the strides YAP has made in servicing New Jersey for all these years,” said YAP New Jersey Director of Operations Stephanie Moore. “I want to thank all of the organizations who joined our anniversary event for their support, and I especially want to thank our staff who work tirelessly to change the biographies of our youth.”

Exceptional YAP staff were recognized during the program. Spencer McCray, owner of Walk Wit Em Socks, served as the guest speaker and YAP President and CEO Gary Ivory also addressed attendees.

“As YAP New Jersey celebrated over four decades years of providing alternatives to youth incarceration, residential care and out-of-home placements, I would be remiss if I did not honor YAP’s founder Tom Jeffers, along with all of the amazing staff who work hard every day to make sure our youth are safe,” Ivory said. “I can’t wait to see what YAP New Jersey does in the next four decades.”

In addition to serving justice and child welfare systems-involved youth and behavioral health program participants in the state, YAP recently launched YAP Pursuing Excellence, its five-county New Jersey Community-Based Violence Prevention Program partnership with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA). YAP staff in the program are “credible messengers,” many of whom were systems involved when they were younger, to work with youth identified as being at the highest risk of becoming engaged in violence. As part of their individualized services, participants receive on-the-job training, coaching, guidance, support, and mentoring with neighborhood-based businesses, with compensation provided by the nonprofit. Accompanied by their YAP credible messengers, participants attend weekly group Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress (SPARCS) sessions.

In Essex County a year ago, YAP implemented a pilot program that provides individual and family wraparound services to adults leaving prison when their sentences “max out.” Many of the program participants served long sentences that began in their youth. The pilot is a partnership between YAP and the New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC), which connects individuals to the program up to 180 days before their release date.

YAP was founded in Harrisburg, Pa. in 1975 and expanded to Camden, N.J. in 1978. The organization has programs across the Garden State in counties including Atlantic, Burlington, Gloucester, Mercer, Salem, Camden, Cumberland, Cape May, Essex, Union, Hudson, Bergen, Passaic, Middlesex, Morris, Ocean and Sussex.

For more information on YAP, visit yapinc.org or follow us on Twitter at @YAPInc.

Bedford, Pa. – In honor of Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc., in Bedford County, Pa. serving the community and erecting a new roadside sign, so the office can be more identifiable – the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 26 to help staff celebrate.

“YAP Bedford participated in a ribbon-cutting to promote YAP resources in educating the community on our mission following the enrollment with the Chamber of Commerce,” said YAP Bedford County Administrative Manager Billie Stickel. “YAP Bedford also added roadside signage for participants and the public to have easier access in finding our location.”

YAP is a national nonprofit in 35 states and Washington, D.C., that provides community-based alternatives to youth incarceration, residential care, and neighborhood violence. YAP partners include behavioral health, child welfare, intellectual and developmental disabilities, youth and adult justice entities and more.

YAP is not new to Bedford County, Pa., however, with the new sign, program participants, their families and the community can find the office better. The office is on Lincoln Highway in Bedford, Pa.

“It was a great event,” said YAP Pennsylvania Regional Director Regina Scarmack. “We’ve been in Bedford County for a long time and it’s a really nice office.”

Learn more about YAP at www.yapinc.org and follow the organization on Twitter @YAPInc.

Tom Jeffers Endowment Fund for Continuing Education Will Help Ease the Financial Burden

New Jersey – Four former New Jersey Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), participants recently received scholarships to further their education through the nonprofit’s Tom Jeffers Endowment Fund for Continuing Education. YAP is a national nonprofit in 35 states and Washington, D.C., that provides community-based alternatives to youth incarceration, residential care, and neighborhood violence.

Ronald and Rayvon from Essex County, Hailey from Morris-Sussex County and Jesse from Middlesex County, N.J., will use their scholarships for tuition to pursue their secondary education. Ronald plans to attend Hohokus School of Trade and Technical Science; Rayvon and Hailey will enroll in Sussex County Community College; and Jesse started classes at Universal Technical Institute in July.

“When I go to college, I want to get my Associates degree in psychology from Sussex County Community College, and then get my bachelors in psychology from William Patterson University,” Hailey wrote in her scholarship essay. “I hope to get my master’s after that and work in the FBI.”

The Tom Jeffers Endowment Fund for Continuing Education is named after YAP founder Tom Jeffers and helps support current and former program participants and their families who are pursuing post-secondary education or training. YAP scholarships can be applied to school tuition, fees or supplies, job training costs, or in the form of a laptop computer. The fund is supported by YAP employees who generously donate voluntarily through payroll deductions.

“I plan on going into the (automotive) industry because of the love I have for cars,” Jesse wrote in his scholarship essay. “Once I graduate and become an entrepreneur and certified in my trade, I aspire to one day be able to give back to my community.”

Jesse was referred to YAP’s New Jersey Community-Based Violence Prevention Program, also known as YAP Pursuing Excellence™, through his probation officer. The program spans over five New Jersey counties and is a partnership with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA). Participants take part in YAP Supported Work™ employment with neighborhood-based businesses that provide on-the-job training, coaching, and mentoring, while receiving compensation from the nonprofit. The employment readiness program is among the tools available to YAP staff as they deliver individualized services that help program participants see and nurture their strengths. As part of the program, Jesse also attended weekly group Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress (SPARCS) sessions designed to address violence-related trauma.

“The program provided me with a job, that at the time is something I was struggling to do,” Jesse said. “Supported Work has given me work experience which has created a steppingstone for more opportunities. I get along with my co-workers and I love my job.”

Rayvon was a participant in the nonprofit’s Outreach Diversion program, where he was paired with YAP Advocates who connected him with economic, educational and emotional tools, and encouraged and supported him to make better decisions.

“I got involved with YAP to receive guidance from the Advocates and to open my eyes to unseen opportunities,” Rayvon wrote in his scholarship essay. “The program taught me important life skills, as well as how to build better social and school connections. My goal is to college and play football while majoring in physical therapy.”

Ronald credits his YAP Advocate Kendall Sears who he views as a father figure for helping him change his viewpoint on many things.

“It wasn’t until my aunt introduced me to Youth Advocate Programs did I start feeling inspired,” Ronald wrote in his scholarship essay. “I was matched with an advocate [Sears] that really invested time and energy into me.”

Through Sears, Ronald met other youth in the program and said he was encouraged to follow his dreams of becoming a welder.

“[Sears] took me different places, which allowed me the benefit of opening my mind to the fact that I had options in life and that I did not have to become a product of my environment,” Ronald added. “I am really encouraged to change the cycle of my family.”

YAP Outpatient Clinician Shannon Schierenbeck has been working with Hailey since October 2022 and says she demonstrates traits of kindness, honesty and has a willingness to learn and grow.

“Hailey has expressed a passion for forensic psychology and continuing her education since I first met her,” Schierenbeck said. “I am confident that receiving this scholarship will be essential to helping her achieve her goals, as she will be paying for college on her own. Hailey has a lot to offer, not only to the field of forensic psychology, but also to her community.”

YAP’s decades of service include working with many young people whose histories include serious offenses, multiple arrests, and lengthy out-of-home placements. John Jay College of Criminal Justice research found 86% of YAP’s youth justice participants remain arrest free, and six – 12 months after completing the program, nearly 90% of the youth still lived in their communities with less than 5 percent of participants in secure placement.

Learn more about YAP at www.yapinc.org and follow the organization on Twitter @YAPInc.

Louisville, Ky. –When Hope Knuckles-Perks became Program Director at Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc., in Jefferson County, Ky., she got in her car and drove around Louisville to personally meet with program participants and their families. Half of the homes she visited had been shot up.

“I ride around with young people who people want to kill every day,” Knuckles-Perks said. “That is the life we live as [YAP] Advocates, directors, and program coordinators.”

A national nonprofit in 35 states and the District of Columbia, YAP partners with youth justice, child welfare, education, behavioral health, and other systems to provide community-based services as more effective and equitable alternatives to youth incarceration and residential care. YAP also partners with public safety systems to implement neighborhood anti-violence initiatives.

Knuckles-Perks started as an Advocate in Kentucky in 2019 before relocating to Charlotte, N.C. There she also served as an Advocate before becoming program coordinator for YAP – Mecklenburg County (Charlotte), N.C. YAP promoted Knuckles-Perks to the Jefferson County program in August 2022, where she could be back closer to her family.

“Hope exemplified one who has the ability to lead others to reach and inspire our youth,” said Mecklenburg County Program Director Malik Glover. “Her passion and drive to make a difference in the lives of youth and their families is unmatched.”

Born in Philadelphia and raised in Louisville since age 6, Knuckles-Perks’ background is in the healthcare field. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in criminal justice.

Knuckles-Perks said her childhood was filled with turmoil and traumatic experiences. At age 15 she was taking care of her two younger siblings. Unlike the young people she serves at YAP, Knuckles-Perks said she didn’t get into trouble as a youth. But she did as an adult in her 30s, which resulted in felonies and probation until her record was expunged.

“Anything that can happen to a person has happened to me,” Knuckles-Perks said. “I’ve been away from my children, was on probation…everything was in disarray. My whole life I was in fight or flight mode but no matter what happens to us in life, we can do better.”

YAP Jefferson County, Ky. works with youth who have been referred to the program through the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice. Knuckles-Perks said she learned about YAP through a previous Advocate while in a meeting about purchasing life insurance and became interested in juvenile justice when a family member had some involvement in the court system.

“I think it was YAP’s mission to help these youth and keep them out of the detention centers that piqued my interest,” she said. “I wanted to be a part of this organization.”

YAP Midwest Regional Director Jamaal Crawford said Knuckles-Perks was determined to become an Advocate and when the position opened to become program director back in Kentucky it was the right step forward for her.

“With her persistence and mixture of compassion that she has when engaging with participants and families, it was natural for her to transition into the Louisville Director role when she interviewed for that position,” Crawford said. “Hope continues to do great things within the Louisville community, and I look forward to her continued professional growth within the agency.”

Knuckles-Perks credits attending a YAP New Directors Training as Charlotte’s program coordinator as a pivotal moment for her career within the agency. She left the training feeling inspired and motivated to go back and share what she learned. Before long, she was at the helm of Kentucky’s longest running YAP program where there were approximately 15 families being served. She said six months later when that number doubled, she was excited, saying she wants to help as many families as she can.

Knuckles-Perks stays on-call, with her phone in reach in case a youth or family need her.

“By building those relationships and connections in a different way and being that voice for my families is what it’s all about,” Knuckles-Perks who is mom to three adult daughters, added. “I’ve always wanted to give back and help people. I don’t have any plans of leaving YAP. I want to continue to go up and up.”

For more information on YAP, visit yapinc.org or follow on Twitter at @YAPInc.

Philadelphia — A year ago, Nasir and Dameen were among the disturbing numbers of  Philadelphia youth facing serious juvenile court charges. Today, at 18, they’re looking forward to the fall when they will be college students, with scholarships in tow to ease the financial burden.

Dameen is headed to Howard University in Washington, D.C. where he plans to major in math.

“I thought I’d messed up everything for myself,” he said, looking back to the day he was arrested.

Nasir is on his way to Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), where he will pursue an international business major.

“A lot of people are proud of me. They’ve seen me go a long way,” Nasir said.

As a condition of their probation, Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center Family Court hearing officers assigned Nasir and Dameen to Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc. A national nonprofit in 35 states and the District of Columbia, YAP partners with youth justice, child welfare, education, behavioral health, and other systems to provide community-based services as more effective and equitable alternatives to youth incarceration and residential care. Upon their acceptance to college, YAP awarded both young men a Tom Jeffers Endowment Fund for Continuing Education Fund scholarship. Named for YAP’s founder and funded by employee donations, the scholarship provides eligible current and former program participants with $1,000 for college tuition, job training/supplies fees, or a laptop computer.

Dameen’s arrest for possession of a weapon was his first brush with the youth justice system. YAP Advocate Sierra Jones saw his determination from the start, reminding him often that he is much more than his worst mistake.

“Sierra made me forget about all that; let me know that it was a mistake that I could move on from,” he said. “Like my mom, she’s always wanted to keep me on track and to do the right thing.”

YAP recruits neighborhood-based Advocates spanning from GED to PhD educational level whose backgrounds and experiences enable them to relate to youth and families they serve.

“When I met Dameen, I saw more than a kid with a [serious]  charge. I saw myself as a teenager who needed more motivation,” Jones said.

Jones said working with Dameen and other YAP program participants motivated her to complete work to earn her human services degree.

Like Dameen, Nasir came to YAP through a Family Court hearing officer.

Nasir said prior to landing in YAP, he had made many poor choices with multiple arrests and court cases.

“The first time I got in trouble, I was in the 8th grade and got suspended from school. It was 33 days before I was supposed to graduate from middle school,” he said.

Nasir said things continued to get worse, especially when he was incarcerated in a youth facility six hours from home. He said he returned to Philadelphia angry and picked up where he left off.

“Three days before my February court date, I stole a car; got into a cop chase,” he recalled. “I went to the hospital. I broke my right femur bone and broke my leg. They sent me to a cell with one crutch. I had to get up to knock on the door to go to the bathroom.”

That was the offense that led him to YAP.

Guided by principles of unconditional caring and never rejecting or ejecting program participants, YAP Advocates go beyond traditional mentoring, empowering program participants to see their strengths and connecting them with educational, economic, and emotional tools to nurture them.

“It was a rocky start; he didn’t want to listen to anyone,” said YAP Advocate Caprea Ross, adding that she backed off a little before Nasir finally warmed up to her. Spending time with him during his community service job, Ross took time to get to know Nasir and saw that he was a hard worker. When she learned Nasir was taking AP calculus, she encouraged him to apply himself at school, too.

“Once he got situated in school he started thriving,” she said.

As Nasir’s grades continued to improve, he added another AP class.

“School and books; everyone always told me I was smart. I’m a good speaker. I’m a reader,” he said, adding that he just finished Don Winslow’s “The Cartel.”

As part of YAP, Advocates partner with parents and guardians, with the goal of working as a team in demonstrating unconditional kindness.

Jones said Dameen’s mother’s care, concern and commitment to her son’s growth have been key to keeping him on track to meet his goals.

“We have a rapport,” she said. “Mom communicates with me, which makes my job much easier. We’re on the same team. She is very supportive which makes me go the extra mile.”

Like Jones, Ross sees parental involvement as critical, adding that she has a special relationship with Nasir’s mother.

“I say we’re a family; we hold one another accountable,” she said.

When Nasir learned of his acceptance to IUP, Ross got permission from his mom and probation officer to drive him four and a half hours to Indiana, Pa. for a campus orientation.

“His PO (probation officer), mom, me, the judge; we’re all on the same page,” Ross said. “He’s a good kid who just made some bad decisions. We’re all here to support him.”

To help with expenses, Ross enrolled Nasir in YAP Supported Work, which enables program participants to receive compensation from the nonprofit while working for a local business that aligns with their interests.

“He’s going to be at an auto body shop,” Ross said.

Having graduated high school and completed the requirements for probation, Dameen and Nasir will enter college with a clean record.

“Dameen’s self-determination allowed him to excel these past couple of months. As his Advocate, it was my duty to help him see that mistakes don’t define your future,” Jones said.

“I guess I always knew what I was capable of,” Dameen said.

Both young men say they understand that as part of the program, YAP expects them to give back to their communities. They say already their turnaround stories are inspiring friends, relatives, and neighbors to see new possibilities for themselves as well.

“The YAP program benefited my life so much by giving me so many outlets” Nasir said. “The program helped me learn how to stay focused on things in life and to have things in order.”

YAP’s decades of service include working with many young people whose histories include serious offenses, multiple arrests, and lengthy out-of-home placements. John Jay College of Criminal Justice research found 86% of YAP’s youth justice participants remain arrest free, and six – 12 months after completing the program, nearly 90% of the youth still lived in their communities with less than 5 percent of participants in secure placement.

Learn more about YAP at www.yapinc.org and follow the organization on Twitter @YAPInc.

Click image below to see new :60 TV PSA

Fifteen-year-old Blessyn looks at her life these days and smiles. She has come long way. A couple of years ago, her mother died. Alone with her father who battles chronic health issues, she struggled to manage her emotions.

“After I lost my mom, I was depressed and resentful. I couldn’t find my way,” Blessyn says in a new public service announcement (PSA). “But I’m not lost,” she adds.

The new PSA is part of Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc.’s national “But I’m Not” public awareness campaign, which includes video, radio and print ads appearing in donated media across the U.S. YAP is a national nonprofit in 35 states and Washington, D.C. that partners with youth justice, child welfare, behavioral health, education, public safety and other systems to deliver services in homes, schools, and other community sites as an alternative to residential care, youth incarceration, and neighborhood violence.

The PSA campaign, produced in partnership with YAP and The CauseWay Agency, features current and former participants in the national nonprofit’s Youth Justice, Child Welfare, Intellectual Disabilities/Autism, and now with Blessyn’s participation, Behavioral Health programs. YAP hires neighborhood-based staff to provide culturally responsive individual and family services that focus on program participants’ strengths and empower them with tools to thrive. Through one of the nonprofit’s school-based programs, Blessyn began working with YAP Behavioral Health Services professional Tiffany Love, who lives in her community and works at her high school, which is also Love’s alma mater.

“I empower Blessyn with skills and tools to see her strengths and set positive goals,” Love says in the PSAs.

Blessyn ends the PSA with a smile and hope.

“And now I’m finding joy and excited about my future.”

In addition to the national PSA campaign, Love is featured in a digital radio and YouTube ad campaign aimed at recruiting YAP Behavioral Health Services and other staff.

The PSA ends with the narrator saying, “After completing our program, nearly 90 percent of participants remain in their community. YAP works.”

Learn how more about YAP, apply to join the team, or donate to support the nonprofit at www.YAPInc.org. You can also support YAP by following the nonprofit on Twitter @YAPInc.

Event photos by Sean Quarterman; Building portraits by Keston De Coteau

Harrisburg, PA. – A celebration at Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc.’s new headquarters building recognized the national nonprofit’s 108 Harrisburg-based employees whose work supports colleagues across the country providing community-based services as alternatives to youth incarceration, residential care, and neighborhood violence. Called YAP to the Future, the event was the official open house of the agency’s new (3899 Front St., Harrisburg) headquarters site, also known as The Support Center (TSC).

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) Administrator Liz Ryan and Harrisburg Mayor Wanda R.D. Williams joined YAP President and CEO Gary Ivory, YAP Board of Directors Chair Georgia State Rep. Teddy Reese, Esq., and dozens of current and former board members, employees and program participants for the celebration.

“Hearing the young people tonight, it’s just so, so motivating. And this is why we do the work because we believe young people are our future, but we also believe they are our present,” Ryan said. “We want to make sure they have all the tools and resources that they need to be successful. And that’s what YAP does every day.”

YAP to the Future featured Santos Robles, Harrisburg Area Community College Enrollment Services Specialist, who spoke of his experience as a YAP program participant at age 17. He said his YAP Advocate introduced him to the idea of entering the military, where he began his career.

“My journey has led me to the belief that lots of kids need more support. They have challenges and  complex needs that require attention and care,” Robles said. I also learned that we do not need to take these kids away from their families and send them to faraway places.”

Other current and former YAP program participants who shared their stories included Intellectual Disabilities/Autism Services program participant, Connor; former Child Welfare program participant, Faith Towle, who now works as a YAP Advocate; Youth Justice program participants Jayvius and Jaequan; and YAP Behavioral Health program participant Carlos.

“Through the support of YAP, my entire life has changed,” Connor said, standing next to his YAP Life Coach Audrey Waterman. “Since the beginning of life I’ve had a lot of struggles and through the support of YAP, all of those struggles I have been able to overcome.”

A recently hired YAP Advocate who recently completed her first year of college, Towle said she is working to become a social worker so that she can become “a light,” as her YAP Child Welfare Services Advocate was for her.

“Around 16, I was referred to YAP and my youth Advocate Trinity Huffman really helped me achieve a lot in life,” Towle said. “She helped me become independent, she showed me that anything is possible, and she truly has been an amazing person in my life.”

Jayvius said that at age 14, he began stealing cars and getting into trouble with his peers. Since becoming a YAP Youth Justice participant, he said he has learned to love his positive qualities. “… I am respectful, responsible…” he said. “My goals are learning more about real estate, graduating from high school, and purchasing a car.”

Jaequan, 17, credited his grandmother, who raised him (and was there with his at the open house event), for providing needed support during his time as a YAP participant.

“Since being in the program, I have learned to think before I act, better communication skills with everyone around me, getting along with my peers,” he said. “My future goals after I get out of the [YAP Community Treatment Center] CTC program is getting my GED, getting a good paying job, and getting off probation once and for all.”

Carlos, 17, shared how at age 11, he began working with YAP Behavioral Health Services professional Anna, who helped him learn skills to express himself and manage his impulses and anger.

“I thank Anna [Kanpol] and the Youth Advocate Programs for helping me become more open and not as aggressive with peers and family, and I always use my coping skills when needed,” Carlos said. “A coping skill I discovered last year is that I can write and make music. I’m the rapper Los and this is part of a song called love me again,” he said, as he performed the rock version of the song. Carlos followed the song by surprising Kanpol with a bouquet.

Founded in Harrisburg in 1975, YAP recently relocated several TSC offices across Harrisburg to the N. Front St. building. Partnering with youth justice, child welfare, behavioral health, and public safety systems, YAP’s 2,150 employees serve nearly 18,000 young people and families in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Through YAP International, the agency also oversees partner programs in Australia, Guatemala, Ireland, and Sierra Leone.

“While I cannot speak to the work that youth advocate programs are doing in 34 other states, I do know what you are doing here in the City of Harrisburg and that is saving children’s lives which is important to me; giving them direction when their rock gives away,” Mayor Williams said.

YAP International’s U.S. State Department’s Community Engagement Exchange Program fellows took a few minutes to share how their experiences over the past few weeks at YAP offices in Chicago, Orlando and Pittsburg will inform their work when they return to their home countries. The fellows included Imane Lakbachi from Morocco; Dr. Ali Al-Turaihi from Iraq, and Kabira Tojalieva and Nigora Sanakulova from Uzbekistan.

YAP to the Future concluded with former YAP board members Jay Snyder and Lynette Brown-Sow unveiling a portrait of YAP founder Tom Jeffers that will hang in the lobby of the new headquarters building.

Harpist Eryn Fuson (Eryn Fuson Music) provided music throughout the event.

For more information on YAP and how you can partner with or support the organization with a donation, visit www.YAPInc.org. Follow YAP on Twitter @YAPInc.

Orlando, Fla. – Nigora Sanakulova and Ali Al-Turaihi are completing fellowships with Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc. in Orange County, Florida through the U.S. State Department’s Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program. Working with YAP employees in Florida, Sanakulova and Al-Turaihi are getting a firsthand understanding of  the nonprofit’s unique intensive youth and family community-based wraparound services behavioral health approach.

YAP is a national nonprofit in 35 states and the District of Columbia with an international footprint that delivers community-based services as an alternative to youth incarceration, residential care, and neighborhood violence.  The CEE Program is a dynamic global network of innovators working with communities to address critical 21st century issues. CEE equips dedicated visionaries with the expertise, skills, and resources to develop multisector approaches and build healthy and engaged communities in over 100 countries. Al-Turaihi and Sanakulova are among the second cohort of CEE fellows that YAP is hosting.

Al-Turaihi is a physician who works as a health field officer at International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) in Iraq. He oversees the health services provision in the detention clinics ensuring they are accessible and equitable to those in community settings. Al-Turaihi said the CEE program provides him with an opportunity to plunge into a new culture by sharing and exchanging skills, experiences, and challenges; in addition to “networking with a lot of amazing people from different backgrounds.”

“Honestly, this program helped me strengthen my leadership skills like public speaking, interpersonal and communication skills, conflict resolution and brainstorming new community-based projects including setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound) goals beforehand,” Al-Turaihi said. “I think that matching with YAP as a host organization was a privilege for everyone who seeks the mental and behavioral part of his/her future projects. I met a lot of inspirational therapists; I learned a lot from them, and I am hoping to convey and implement this experience once I return back to my hometown.”

Sanakulova is from Bukhara, Uzbekistan, where she works as a psychologist at a private school. She has also created her own Child Development Center for children ages 3-6. She earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from Bukhara State University. Sanakulova said being a participant of the CEE program has helped with her personal development and leadership skills, gaining new talents and improving upon existing ones, all while being able to meet new people.

“I love my workplace. (Youth Advocate Programs) is dedicated to helping people when they seem to be having the most difficult time with their families, peers, and community,” Sanakulova said. “Plus, they assist with the growth and development of youth. The work environment and culture are excellent including helpful coworkers and supervisors. We are now a big family. It is my pleasure to work and learn from them.”

YAP Central Florida Clinical Director Carmen Ziers said Sanakulova and Al-Turaihi are doing a great job integrating with the rest of the clinicians and they are developing some projects for the Orlando office.

“Coming from other cultures, they are fully immersing themselves in our culture, learning professional practices, and enriching their own skills to bring back to their home country,” Ziers said. “They also plan to contribute to YAP by sharing their own ideas and creating initiatives to better serve the population we work with. We are making them feel welcome and supported during their time with our agency.”

The CEE Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by IREX. YAP is also hosting  fellows Imane Lakbachi from Morocco in Chicago and Kabirakhon Tojalieva from Uzbekistan in Pittsburgh, Pa. In 2020, YAP hosted fellows from Haiti and Romania.

“YAP was so impressed by the contributions and reciprocal learning afforded by hosting two fellows in the very first Community Engagement Exchange Program (CEE) last year that we expanded our welcome to four fellows for this second cohort,” said YAP Director of International Programs and Development Diana Matteson. “YAP values the professional and personal growth that our hosts and YAP community can experience by being part of CEE.”

Learn more about the CEE Program on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or the CEE website. For more information on YAP, visit yapinc.org  or follow YAP on Twitter @YAPInc.

Research for this (book, article, video, etc.) was supported in part by the Community Engagement Exchange Program, a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the United States Department of State, implemented by IREX. The views expressed are the author’s own and do not represent the Community Engagement Exchange Program, the U.S. Department of State, or IREX.

Providence, R.I. – When Julian was a program participant with Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc. in Providence, Rhode Island, his goals were to go back to high school and get off drugs. Two years later, Julian finished high school, has a full-time job at a thrift store and most importantly, – April 26 marks two years since the 20-year-old has remained drug-free.

“My [YAP] Advocates were very understanding and patient,” Julian said, adding they helped him obtain a social security card so he could get a job. “They would help sit down with me to get myself on the right track and work with me on my goals.”

YAP is a national nonprofit located in 34 states and Washington, D.C. providing community-based alternatives to youth incarceration, residential care, and neighborhood violence. The YAP Providence County program works with the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth & Families which refers young people to the organization.

Julian was referred to YAP for substance abuse issues and was required by the court to complete three months in the program in order to have his drug case dropped. Julian said he first started doing drugs at age 14 and got off them at 18. Born in Texas, he was adopted by his grandmother and moved to Rhode Island with her when he was 2 years old.

“Julian has come a long way,” said YAP Providence County, R.I. Assistant Director Allen Leach. “In the beginning he was doing pretty badly. He wasn’t going to school at all but now he’s graduated from the program and is doing well.”

Leach was on the team of YAP staff and Advocates who worked with Julian. YAP Advocates are trained to empower program participants to see their strengths while connecting them and their families to wraparound services that include individualized educational, economic, and emotional tools to help them achieve their goals and re-set their lives.

Aside from his day job, Julian is an artist and makes music. His next goal is to get a car.

“He has come a long way from where he was and what he was going through to where he is now,” Leach said. “He is spiritual and is into crystals and that type of thing. He goes to work, goes to appointments, and still is on top of his future.”

“If it wasn’t for YAP, I probably would be dead or in jail; something drastic like that,” Julian added. “YAP is an amazing program. All of the staff are very understanding and helpful people. It’s nothing but positive energy to be around.”

Learn more about YAP by visiting yapinc.org. Follow the nonprofit on Twitter @YAPInc.

Chicago – Thanks to a recent Community Day event, 100 Chicago residents are closer to finding employment and having access to healthcare and social services. A partnership with Chicago CityKey, the April event helped people of all ages obtain identification (ID) cards.

“Young people need ID cards for summer jobs; but the reality is that thousands of Chicago residents with transient living situations, are unhoused, or who have spent years incarcerated are locked out of essential resources because they can’t easily access birth certificates and other documentation required to obtain state ID cards,” said  Ken Lewis, Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc. Washington Heights Violence Interruption Program Director. “An ID card is a key that unlocks doors to jobs, housing, medication, and other services needed to secure employment, health, freedom and happiness.”

YAP joined the Chicago Bengals youth sports program of the Tomlinson Education Athletic & Mentoring (TEAM) Foundation to co-host the event, which also provided free food and family activities. YAP, a national nonprofit in 34 states and the District of Columbia, partners with youth justice, child welfare, behavioral health, and other systems to provide community-based wraparound services as an alternative to youth incarceration, residential care, and neighborhood violence.

CityKey is an optional, valid, government-issued photo ID card available to all Chicago residents regardless of age, housing status, criminal record, immigration status, or gender identity. The card serves as a government- issued ID, a Chicago Public Library card, a Chicago Transit Authority Ventra Card, and a Chicago Rx prescription drug discount card.

The YAP Washington Heights Violence Interruption program, funded through a grant from the Chicago Department of Public Health, provides violence interruption services, street and hospital outreach, crisis intervention, peace building activities, family engagement, individual wraparound services, and conflict resolution.

For information on CityKey ID requirements, please visit www.chicityclerk.com/about-citykey. Learn more about YAP at www.YAPInc.org and follow the nonprofit on Twitter at @YAPInc.

Harrisburg, Pa. – The Safety and Wellness Committee of Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc. is gearing up for World Day for Safety and Heath at Work on April 28. The nonprofit is encouraging employees to kick off the special day with Challenge 1,000 – a call to complete 1,000 hours of exercise through walking, running, playing sports or simply moving in some form or fashion through June 9, 2023.

YAP is located in 34 states and Washington, D.C., with partner programs in Australia, Guatemala, Ireland and Sierra Leone. For 48 years, YAP has provided youth justice, child welfare, behavioral health and public safety services that give communities alternatives to youth incarceration, residential care, and neighborhood violence. The International Labour Organization promotes World Day for Safety and Health at Work as part of encouraging a safe and healthy working environment.

Challenge 1,000 includes moving for 1,000 minutes through activities that can consist of walking meetings, a walk with a co-worker at lunch, employees stretching at their desk, trying a new sport after work, doing an activity with your kids, or creating a fitness challenge for yourself, said YAP Director of International Programs and Development Diana Matteson, who serves on the Safety and Wellness Committee.

“The Safety and Wellness Committee is committed to the well-being of YAP employees and the challenge to add 1,000 minutes of activity,” Matteson said. “Whether someone runs each day or modifies an activity to accommodate a chronic illness or pain, the challenge is for everyone to move however they can or to try something new. It’s an overall challenge to incorporate movement into their workday. That can include stretching each hour or whatever works for that person.”

Challenge 1,000 began as a jump rope social media challenge created by youth from YAP’s Guatemala sister agency Siembra Bien to promote solidarity through sport to encourage healthy lifestyles.

“The young people in Guatemala who came up with the jump rope Challenge 1,000 did so as a way to advocate for physical education in schools in Guatemala and are excited that their idea is being translated into a wellness event for the staff at YAP,” said Siembra Bien Executive Director Gabriela Altman. “ The young people want to say thank you to everyone going the extra mile to support the work of Siembra Bien.”

YAP’s Internal Auditor Trisha Carmo, who serves with Matteson on the Safety and Wellness Committee, plans to give herself a daily chore or job that will get her off the couch for more than a half hour. Carmo says she suffered a major pulmonary embolism due to a blood clot that traveled to and nearly filled up both of her lungs on Christmas in 2021. She said she also suffers from chronic back pain, but is committed to moving during the challenge.

“I will be planting vegetables, getting my deck furniture out and making things look nice; along with trimming some bushes, sorting things for an upcoming yard sale, cleaning out the refrigerator and getting my summer clothes out,” Carmo said. “I will try to give myself a task each day, and I have some smaller tasks I have on my list when I feel like I can’t do one of the bigger ones.”

For more information on YAP or to support us globally with your donation, visit yapinc.org or follow us on Twitter at YAPInc.

Contributor: YAP Clark County, Nev. Intern Matalasisiutaimane Howard with editing from www.theneighborhoodadvocate.org.

Las Vegas – At age 17, Isic found himself on probation and was referred by the juvenile court system to Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc. in Clark County, Nevada where he was paired with Advocate Michael Gonzalez.

Isic yearned to be there for his baby, get off probation and to find gainful employment. That’s where YAP came in. YAP is a national nonprofit in 34 states and Washington, D.C., that partners with youth justice, child welfare, behavioral health, and public safety systems to provide community-based services as an alternative to youth incarceration, residential placements, and neighborhood violence.

Now 18, Isic said he plans to move from Las Vegas to Nashville, Tenn. to be with his girlfriend and son. He’s obtained a warehouse job and plans on getting an apartment. Hearing stories of other young people who kept getting into trouble is what eventually helped Isic choose a better path for himself.

“I reevaluated what I had been doing because hearing from other youths who were doing the same things that I did, gave me a different perspective,” Isic said. “Being able to relate to my Advocate who went through some of the same situations allowed me the opportunity to believe that there were better options out there for me. I wanted to give up, but my Advocate Michael believed in me and showed me that if he can become better, then I can too.”

YAP hires neighborhood-based Advocates who are trained to empower program participants to see their strengths while connecting them and their families to wraparound services that include educational, economic, and emotional tools. Gonzalez connected with Isic since the two share similar backgrounds and bonded immediately.

“When I first met Isic, he seemed unmotivated and acted like he didn’t care,” Gonzalez said. “He felt that he needed help but didn’t know how to ask for it. Seeing Isic now, I can tell that he’s matured and is on the way to achieving his goals. It was a long journey with a lot of twists and turns, but I am glad to be a part of his journey and to see him make it to graduation from YAP.”

Isic is described as ambitious and a fast learner who is strong-minded and loves football.

“YAP allowed Isic the opportunity to believe in himself and that there was something better for him,” Gonzalez said. “Initially, Isic wanted to give up, but I believed in him. I knew that if he knew there was something more than the things he used to do, that he could have a better future. Although Isic may be done with YAP, we’re not done with him.”

Isic just wants to be a good role model and father for his son.

“If it wasn’t for YAP, I don’t think I would have been able to get off probation,” Isic added.

Learn more about YAP by visiting yapinc.org. Follow the nonprofit on Twitter @YAPInc.

By YAP Clinton County, NY Program Director Chance Phillips

Clinton County, N.Y. -Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc. is a national nonprofit in 34 states and Washington, D.C., that provides community-based alternatives to youth incarceration, residential treatment, and interrupting neighborhood violence. In Clinton County, N.Y., the 0-5 program works by providing wraparound support that includes parenting skills, improving home conditions, safety, and more. Aligned with YAP’s mission, the program aims to keep kids safely home by working with parents to create a safe, nurturing environment while teaching them skills they can continue to use long after they complete the program.

For more information about YAP, visit yapinc.org or follow on Twitter at YAPInc.

The account below is a submission from YAP Clinton County Program Participant Mary Moore.

My name is Mary Moore and being a first-time mother, I was lost after giving birth to my daughter Brielle. I was suffering from postpartum depression and didn’t have the knowledge on how to be a parent.

I was given the opportunity to work with Youth Advocate Programs, but was unsure of how YAP was going to be able to help me. I made the choice to give it a try not only for myself but for my family.

YAP’s Intensive Family Coordinator Erin Mitchell came into my home and has helped me tremendously with not only my confidence, but also my comfort levels on being a parent. I was shown new opportunities, skill improvements and genuine compassion. YAP has helped me grow into the parent that I am today!

No matter how difficult the situation was, Erin never gave up on me and was always there to push me to never give up. I am so beyond grateful to have been given this opportunity to be in this program and to have had such a wonderful Advocate in Erin. Erin has been the nicest and most respectful person I’ve ever met. She’s helped me excel in many aspects of parenthood.

For myself, YAP means hope. This program is here to remind me that help is always at my fingertips. I recommend this wonderful program to anyone who needs help.