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.
