Harrisburg, Pa. – On Saturday, Nov. 8, Youth Advocate Programs (YAP®), Inc. hosted its inaugural YAP® Making Change Happen 5k, Walk and Food Truck Brunch in Harrisburg, Pa., where the nonprofit is headquartered. The anniversary event raised awareness of YAP® as a national change leader and raised general operating funds to support the nonprofit’s work.
After the early morning 5K at City Island, Pa., the event concluded with a conversation at YAP® headquarters with YAP® Board Member William Wachob who shared his memories of the organization’s early years. A YAP® board member since 2017, Wachob was one of the agency’s first employees. Former YAP® Philadelphia program participant and Board Member Ellana Watson also shared her story about receiving services from the nonprofit after she was arrested on assault charges as a youth. Attendees enjoyed food and family fun along with tasty breakfast and lunch choices from truck vendors including Blue Bear BBQ and Mumma’s Eats & Treats.
YAP® partners with public systems to provide community-based rehabilitative, restorative, behavioral health, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and other services that give communities alternatives to placing young people in group care and correctional facilities. Neighborhood-based YAP® Advocates and behavioral health professionals are trained to deliver individual and family support guided by principles of the nonprofit’s unique wraparound services model. The evidence-based YAPWRAP® model helps young people see and nurture their strengths and connects them and their families with individualized resources and support. For more information on YAP, visit yapinc.org.
All photos by Keystone Productions.
