Advancing systems change

Thanks to countless individuals and nonprofit partners, our five decades of work have advanced a community-based continuum of care that is reducing the reliance on youth incarceration and residential care. Founded in 1975 and now in 35 states and Washington, D.C., YAP delivers and advocates for community-based alternatives to residential care and incarceration that empower individuals, families, and neighborhoods to thrive. More recently, combining our signature wraparound services with public health community violence intervention approaches, our model is also helping cities enhance neighborhood safety. In honor of Youth Advocate Programs (YAP™), Inc.’s 50^th anniversary in November 2025, we will invite you to join us as we convene national and global changemakers whose work is reforming youth justice, criminal justice/re-entry, child welfare, behavioral health, public safety, and other interconnected systems.

On Nov. 6, 2025, we will host our inaugural national YAP™ Making Change Happen Summit and Awards Gala in Philadelphia, PA. The daylong event will elevate and celebrate the evolving collective energy that has fueled our work over the past five decades. Two days later, on Nov. 8, 2025, at our national headquarters in Harrisburg, PA, we’ll continue the celebration with our 50th Anniversary YAP™ Making Change Happen 5k, Walk and Food Truck Brunch.

We invite you to check periodically on the YAP 50th Anniversary website page to learn how you can be a part of these events as a participant, panelist or sponsor.

The YAP team works hard to expand our reach to give more individuals, families, and neighborhoods opportunities to thrive.

Gary Ivory

President and CEO

Young People Facing Employment Barriers Gained Valuable Work Experience through YAP Summer Jobs Programs

Eighteen-year-old MaKayla’s job as a summer camp counselor gave her a chance to encourage and support kids participating in gym, art class, canoeing, and other activities. Her interactions with young people and co-workers also helped her work through personal communication challenges she faces like stuttering when she feels anxious.

“Everything is about exposure,” said Rick Perez, CEO at the Olivet Boys and Girls Club of Reading & Berks County, where MaKayla gained valuable job experience as part of Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. (YAP™)’s partnership with Pennsylvania’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), My Work. “Things aren’t so cut and dry when you’re working with kids,” he added.

MaKayla

The YAP OVR program, now in its fourth year, has placed more than 280 young people with disabilities or who face other employment barriers — those in rural communities, and/or have been justice system involved — in paid work experiences across Pennsylvania this season.