Story and photos by Nateyah McLeod
YAP Houston, Texas Youth Give Back Through Community Service
Harris County, Texas –Students from the Youth Advocate Programs (YAP®), Inc. Harris County, Texas Evening Reporting Center (ERC) recently participated in a community service project at Bread of Life, Inc. where they organized and distributed food to families, prepared care packages, assisted with inventory, and helped staff with daily operations.
“These students showed incredible compassion and a willingness to step up and give back,” said YAP® Harris County Assistant Director Nateyah McLeod. “They learned firsthand that serving others not only benefits the community, but also strengthens personal growth, empathy, and leadership skills.”
Now in its 50th year, YAP® is a national nonprofit is in 32 states and Washington, D.C. that works with youth justice, child welfare, behavioral health, and other local and regional governments to provide community-based services as an alternative to placing young people outside of their homes in residential care or corrections facilities.
YAP® Harris County works closely with the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department, which refers youth and young adults to the program where they are offered vocational rehabilitation classes. The YAP® Evening Reporting Center is located inside of Houston’s Opportunity Center where behavioral health, vocational training/work readiness, community support and the nonprofit’s YAPWrap® or wraparound support, is offered to youth and their families connecting them to tools and resources setting them up for success. YAP® neighborhood-based Advocates and staff provide individualized, strength-based approaches that give students the opportunity to develop academic progress, personal growth, leadership, and career readiness.
Program participants committed two hours per week to volunteering at Bread of Life, Inc. that provides service to vulnerable individuals, in addition to helping address health access, housing support and hunger relief.
“At Bread of Life, Inc, we value every act of volunteerism, however, we hold a special place for young people who stand as the next generation of leaders and influencers,” said Dr. Monique Williams, Chief Operating Officer at Bread of Life, Inc. “Our deepest hope is that through their experiences with us, they learn to lead with empathy, center the needs of the community and envision a life and career devoted to serving the most vulnerable families and individuals in our global community.”
McLeod echoed Williams’ statements, adding that through participation, YAP® program participates gained insight into the value of helping others along with the satisfaction that comes from making a difference.
“The YAP Evening Reporting Center remains committed to providing and exposing students to activities that teach youth the importance of civic engagement, community service, and personal development,” McLeod said.
For more information on YAP®, visit yapinc.org.
