Meeting Gabriela Altman is like encountering a force of nature. A Canadian of Slovak origin, Gabriela first arrived in Guatemala in 2009, driven by a traveler’s curiosity, the desire to learn the language, and a heart open to cultural exchange. But what began as a visit soon became a calling. As she saw firsthand the reality faced by vulnerable children and youth, she recognized something deeply personal in their eyes: her own childhood,
marked by cold, poverty, violence, and silence.

And that was the moment that everything changed.

Gabriela didn’t look away. She chose to stay, to build, to transform. That’s how Siembra
Bien began to take shape—an organization that is much more than a social project: it is a
living expression of love, dignity, and the fight for equality.

Gabriela will serve as a panelist at the Nov. 6 50th anniversary Youth Advocate Programs (YAP®) Making Change Happen Summit in Philadelphia. YAP® is a national nonprofit that delivers community-based youth and family services as an alternative to placing young people in trouble, in crisis, or who face other complex challenges in corrections or residential care facilities.

In 2012, she met Rolando Urrutia, a long time close friend of YAP®, a steadfast ally and
renown Guatemalan photographer, with whom she shared the dream of doing something
greater than oneself. In 2014, thanks to YAP’s invaluable support, they planted the first
seed of what has now blossomed in thousands of hearts.

Since then, Gabriela has led Siembra Bien as Executive Director, guided by a clear mission:
to accompany, educate, and empower children, adolescents, and families through programs
that integrate art, sports, education, and recreation. Her deeply human and spiritual
approach has directly impacted more than 25,000 people in the last ten years in
Guatemala—and the impact continues to grow.

But beyond the numbers, what truly defines Gabriela is her unwavering belief that change
is possible. Her commitment to the future remains strong: to expand youth empowerment
programs, strengthen social mediation, and open doors to transformative education for
Guatemala’s young people.

“Thank you, YAP®, for believing in me when I was just a woman with a dream and a strong
desire to serve. Thank you for being part of this story. Thank you for sowing hope
alongside us,” Gabriella said.

“Thank you to myself, for reminding me that pain can be transformed into love, and that one
person, when acting with passion and purpose, can change the destiny of thousands.
Siembra Bien… because where there is fertile ground, there is always hope,” she added. “Happy anniversary. May we continue sowing life for many more years to come.”

Learn more about YAP® and the national nonprofit’s 50th anniversary at yapinc.org/50th.

Ajara Marie Bomah is a seasoned professional with over 18 years of experience in business development, media communications, and diaspora engagement. She is the founder of Women Mean Business (WMB), a consulting firm that bridges cultural and operational gaps for international businesses exploring African and Diasporan markets. Under her leadership, WMB has built a reputation for its holistic approach—combining deep local knowledge with global best practices to drive inclusive and sustainable growth. The firm actively facilitates strategic partnerships, manages implementation processes, and crafts communications that resonate with local audiences. With strong relationships across government, private sector, and community stakeholders, WMB has become a trusted partner for impactful market entry and development initiatives in the region.

Ajara will share her insights and experiences on Nov. 6 in Philadelphia, PA as a 50th anniversary Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. (YAP®) Making Change Happen Summit panelist. YAP® is a U.S.-based national nonprofit that delivers community-based services as an alternative to placing young people in trouble, in crisis, or who face other complex challenges in corrections or residential placement facilities. YAP®’s international partners include Sierra Leone Youth Advocate Program (SLYAP).

A humanitarian at heart, Ajara holds a master’s degree in clinical social work and has dedicated her life to transforming the lives of young people—especially girls—across Africa. Upon returning to Sierra Leone, she committed herself to national rebuilding by nurturing local talent, mentoring youth, and empowering women and girls. She currently serves as the volunteer Executive Director of SLYAP, where she applies her clinical background to support youth through advocacy, mental health awareness, and life skills development. The initiative promotes civic participation and leadership among young Sierra Leoneans.

Ajara’s work spans collaboration with governments, NGOs, and international organizations—driven by a shared commitment to inclusive development rooted in equity, opportunity, and well-being. She is recognized for her visionary leadership and continues to inspire the next generation by creating platforms for innovation and sustainable growth. She has served in influential roles with Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Power Women 232—a network focused on women’s empowerment and community impact—and the African Women Leadership Academy.

Ajara is a 2024 Vital Voices Visionary Fellow, President of the Internet Society Sierra Leone Chapter, and was named one of the 50 Most Influential Sierra Leoneans. Her work has been instrumental in advancing youth leadership, gender advocacy, and digital innovation across Africa and the U.S.

An advocate for digital inclusion, Ajara leverages technology to tackle societal challenges and create economic opportunities for women and youth. Through her leadership at the Internet Society, she champions digital access and capacity building in Sierra Leone. She also engages in public speaking, business coaching, and development training connecting emerging African entrepreneurs to new markets and sharing her expertise with audiences across U.S. college campuses.

Ajara has been featured in numerous local and international media outlets and co-starred in the award-winning documentary “Am I Too African to Be American or Too American to Be African?” She believes in embodying the change she wants to see and plays an active role in shaping Sierra Leone’s development through service and mentorship.

She currently serves on the boards of She Can, We Can SL, the Afromeric School of Cosmetology, the Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, and the Sierra Leone Electricity and Distribution Agency. She also serves as the Executive Coordinator for the British Chamber of Commerce Sierra Leone.

A passionate changemaker, Ajara has played a key role in launching several high-impact initiatives including the Women on Boards Network SL, Big Sister SL Empowerment Show, She Who Builds, and the Women Mean Business Honors.

In her personal time, Ajara enjoys traveling and cherishing meaningful moments with her vibrant daughter, family, and close friends.

Learn more about YAP and its 50th anniversary events at yapinc.org/50th.

Harrisburg, Pa. – Youth Advocate Programs (YAP®), Inc. is proud to grant its 500^th Tom Jeffers Endowment Fund for Continuing Education scholarship to a former Pennsylvania program participant who is pursuing his bachelor’s degree.

Former YAP® Crawford County, Pa. program participant David received his fifth scholarship through the Endowment Fund to continue his third year of college where he is studying psychology.

“My ultimate dream would be to become a therapist for kids with autism,” David wrote in his scholarship application essay to the Endowment Board. “I hope in my career to educate people without autism on what it means to have autism to dispel all of the misnomers people have.”

YAP® is a national nonprofit celebrating five decades of empowering young people and families facing complex challenges with tools to thrive. The organization partners with public systems in 32 states and Washington, D.C. to deliver community-based individual and family “wraparound” and behavioral health services as an alternative to placing young people in trouble or crisis or who have intellectual/developmental disabilities in residential care or corrections facilities.

“We are ecstatic to be able to provide the 500th award to a deserving youth and it’s all happening during YAP’s 50th anniversary year in 2025,” said YAP® Endowment Board President and Chief Impact Officer Patty Rosati. “This is a huge landmark for the Tom Jeffers Endowment Fund for Continuing Education, and I am pleased that we are able to continue to honor YAP’s founder Tom Jeffers through this initiative.”

Supported mainly by YAP® employee donations; the unique Endowment Fund also received generous donations from YAP® Board of Directors and other contributors. The scholarship fund covers the costs of college tuition, job training, continuing education and fees or, for some recipients, a laptop computer. Eligible current and former program participants and their parents/guardians may apply for and receive the scholarship annually. In July, the YAP Endowment Board increased the annual scholarship dollar amount limit from $1,200 to $1,500.

The Endowment Fund started in 2004 and awarded its first scholarship in fiscal year 2008. Rosati said the first recipient of the Endowment Fund was a young man from Tarrant County, Texas who attended the fire academy in the requested amount of $450. 

“It’s amazing to see and read all of the current and former YAP program participants and their families’ stories of how they plan to use the scholarship to pursue their education and passions,” Rosati added. “We’re looking forward to helping the next 500 recipients.”

To donate to the Endowment fund, click here. For more information on YAP®, visit yapinc.org.

Hamilton County, Ohio – Problem solving, patience, persistence and development are some of the skills that program participants in Youth Advocate Programs (YAP®), Inc. Hamilton County, Ohio Youth Justice/Child Welfare program gained through learning and observing how to play chess.

Last month, thanks to Let’s Get it Productions, a nonprofit led by Charles Wiley, YAP® Hamilton County youth participated in a Critical Thinking workshop using the concept of chess that ultimately exposed youths to problem solving and other real life concepts.

“Partnering with YAP has been a game changer,” Wiley said. “Together, we’re not just running workshops — we’re transforming lives. This collaboration proves that when two powerful missions unite, young people rise stronger, smarter, and become more unstoppable than ever.”

Celebrating 50 years in 2025, YAP® is a national nonprofit that partners with public systems in 32 states and Washington, D.C. to provide community-based and behavioral health services as an alternative to placing young people in trouble or crisis in corrections and residential care facilities. YAP® Hamilton County Youth Justice/Child welfare program participants ages 8-17 are referred to the program and paired with a neighborhood-based Advocate who champions for them and their families by connecting them to individualized economic, educational and emotional tools and resources that guide them to achieve their goals which is guided by YAP®s unique wraparound support, also referred to as YAPWRAP®.

“YAP participants enjoyed observing other youth play chess and were enlightened about the power of playing the game, how it relates to critical thinking and decision making,” said YAP Hamilton County Program Director Nate Lett. “The facilitator also exposed participants to the trade industry and they were given hands-on experience learning the use of power tools and their applications.”

Lett said the workshop was well received overall.

“[Mr. Wiley] was engaging and kept youth’s attention,” he added. “Program participants are excited and looking forward to the next season.”

For more information on YAP®, visit yapinc.org.

Edward DeJesus will join Youth Advocate Programs (YAP®), Inc. in Philadelphia Nov. 6, 2025, as a panelist at the nonprofit’s 50^th Anniversary YAP® Making Change Happen Summit. DeJesus is a pioneer in working with systems involved individuals, people with intellectual/developmental disabilities, and others who face employment barriers with tools to build, nurture, and use their social capital to find meaningful work. He created the Social Capital Builders Institute where his work to connect empowered young people, service providers and employers to advance his vision of having “no more disconnected youth.”

DeJesus is an Affiliate Consultant and Social Capital & Youth Workforce Development Advisor. He is a legendary educator whose rallying cry, “Alive and Free,” has empowered hundreds of thousands of youth and young adults to find economic success.

YAP® is a national nonprofit that partners with government systems to deliver community-based individual and family services as an alternative to residential care and incarceration. The organization also applies its evidence-based YAPWrap® services guiding principles in its community safety work to help cities curb neighborhood violence.

Learn more about YAP® and register for the summit at www.yapinc.org.

Abel Mims, Assistant Director for Youth Advocate Programs (YAP®), Inc.’s New Jersey Community-based Violence Prevention Program, also known as YAP® Pursuing Excellence, will serve as a panelist at the Nov. 6, 2025 50th Anniversary YAP® Making Change Happen Summit in Philadelphia, Pa.

Originally from Colorado, Abel Mims joined Youth Advocate Programs (YAP®), Inc. in 2023 and now serves as Assistant Director for the national nonprofit’s New Jersey Community-based Violence Prevention Program. Launched three years ago in five counties in the state, the nonprofit is scaling the community safety model, expanding it across the nation as YAP® Pursuing Excellence, a name that came from a group of New Jersey program youth.

Mims has a passion for helping youth and providing wraparound services to them and their families. His specialty is working with program participants and parents/guardians whose primary language is Spanish. Mims has a background in languages and taught as an oral English teacher in China for 5 years. In his free time, he enjoys the great outdoors, exploring different cultures, and exercising.  

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, YAP® is a national nonprofit in 32 states and the District of Columbia that partners with youth justice, child welfare, behavioral health, and public safety systems to provide community-based services as an alternative to youth incarceration, congregate residential placements, and neighborhood violence. With YAP Pursuing Excellence®, the nonprofit combines its unique evidence-based wraparound services model with specialized cognitive behavioral therapy and other services to reduce violence among young people identified as being at the greatest risk. The program was informed by Choose to Change®, a partnership with YAP® and Chicago-based Brightpoint.

In New Jersey, YAP® hires Credible Messengers, Advocates with shared experience — some of whom were formerly incarcerated – to provide the New Jersey program participants with ten hours a week of individual and family wraparound support. Participants attend weekly group Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress (SPARCS) sessions designed to address exposure to violence and other traumatic experiences. Participants also take part in YAP®-paid Supported Work jobs where community-based employers provide training, coaching, and work experience. Participants also take part in group activities that emphasize healing, learning through a collective group process, addressing accountability, repairing harm, and community healing.

Learn more about the nonprofit’s 50th anniversary events and register at yapinc.org/50th.

Morris/Sussex County, NJ – In high school, former Youth Advocate Programs®’ Morris/Sussex County, NJ program participant Ellie M. suffered from panic attacks and anxiety which affected her coursework and day to day functions.

Then in 2019, she was connected to YAP® Morris/Sussex County, NJ’s Behavioral Health Program where through school based services, was provided with a licensed clinician who supported Ellie M. with her emotional and behavioral challenges.

“YAP enabled me to regain my life back,” Ellie M. said. “They taught me grounding and coping strategies that I still refer back to today and that I have also used to help others in my life dealing with anxiety. They supported me through some of the worst moments of my life.”

YAP® is a national nonprofit in 32 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 and incarceration. 

YAP® connects young people and their parents/guardians and other relatives to individualized rehabilitative and behavioral health services and economic, educational and emotional tools that address complex needs and firm the family foundation. Neighborhood-based YAP® Advocates, Behavioral Health professionals and other staff work to empower program participants to be successful once services end.

By the end of her time with YAP®, Ellie M. says she felt like the biggest achievement was that she no longer was struggling significantly with panic attacks, having only experienced one panic attack throughout her entire senior year of high school.

“That was huge, but what I realized after was the benefits I reaped from my time with YAP® went so much further than that,” Ellie M. said. “They taught me how to understand those around me, to extend forgiveness and grace and protect my own peace, and to have compassion with myself and others. They taught me that my needs were just as important as those around me and how to prioritize my own well-being. But what I have felt was most important is that they taught me to persist in advocating for myself; that I had a voice and my concerns mattered.”

Ellie M. is a senior in college. For the second year, she is the recipient of the Tom Jeffers Endowment Fund Scholarship for Continuing Education, which provided $1,200 for her school tuition. Eligible current and former YAP® program participants, along with their parents/guardians, can apply for the scholarship annually for tuition and fees assistance or a laptop computer. The Endowment is mostly funded through YAP® payroll deductions.

“If I am able to receive support through the Endowment Fund, I can cover the cost for the last course I am taking this summer so that I can apply for graduation in July,” Ellie M. wrote in her scholarship essay. “This will alleviate the financial pressure from myself and my family who do not have the funds to cover this cost and allow me to fully dedicate myself to the completion of this course and my degree. Being able to have this degree will also open up opportunities for me to start working in the field and dedicate myself to applying for graduate programs to further my education.”

Ellie M. was diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in college and hopes to pursue a masters in school counseling or psychology so that she can advocate for others like her herself when she needed support.

“YAP has had a tremendous impact on my life and my current trajectory, and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to be connected with them when I needed help most,” she added. “I want to continue that by allowing others to be seen, heard, and given a voice.”

For more information on YAP®, visit yapinc.org.

*Editor’s Note: YAP® is using a pseudonym per the wishes of the former program participant to protect her and her family’s privacy.

1:28 sec video interview below

The Annie E. Casey Foundation Senior Associate Tom Woods will join Youth Advocate Programs (YAP®), Inc. for its 50th anniversary YAP® Making Change Happen Summit on Nov. 6, in Philadelphia. 

Founded in Harrisburg, Pa., YAP® is a national nonprofit delivering community-based services as an alternative to placing young people with complex challenges in residential care or corrections facilities. YAP® applies principles of its evidence-based YAPWrap® model to also help cities enhance their public safety approaches.

A Senior Associate in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Juvenile Justice Strategy Group, Woods provides expertise in data-driven decision making practices and supports youth justice research across the Foundation. 

To register for the 50th anniversary YAP® Making Change Happen Summit and Gala, visit https://www.yapinc.org/50th.