Preventing youth
homelessness
in Baltimore.

MOVING FORWARD, STRENGTHENING OUR FOUNDATION

MISSION & VISION

YES is in a season of growth — and we’re building with intention.

Just as the young people we serve navigate moments of crisis on their journey toward stability, Youth Empowered Society has experienced its own period of transition and is now moving forward on a stronger, more sustainable foundation.
This period of stabilization has included relocating our operations, restructuring our staffing, and refocusing our resources on the core services that matter most: supporting young people experiencing housing insecurity and helping them move toward greater stability and independence.

Our mission remains unchanged. Young people are at the heart of all we do—and we are committed to serving them with greater focus, effectiveness, and fiscal responsibility. Our doors are open. Our drop-in-center continues to serve as a welcoming front door to housing stabilization, connection, and support for young people who need a safe place to begin their next chapter.

We are deeply grateful to our current partners, whose unwavering support has helped us navigate this transition. As we strengthen our foundation for the future, we welcome conversations with donors, community partners, and organizations interested in providing general operating support, resources, and strategic partnerships that can help sustain and expand this work. We are here! We are moving forward!

Safety
Dignity
Trustworthiness
Wellness
Youth, Peer & Ally Partnerships
Anti-Oppression

Abell Foundation 2024 Annual Report Feature

YES is recognized on page 16 of the Abell Foundation’s 2024 Annual Report as Baltimore’s first drop-in center focused on the needs of homeless youth, providing case management, peer support, and services designed in consultation with youth who have experienced homelessness. Abell awarded YES $67,000 in 2024.

Youth Empowered Society is recognized in the Abell Foundation’s 2024 Annual Report as Baltimore’s first youth-focused drop-in center — designed with youth input and delivering case management, peer support, and life-changing connections to services.

Public Report

GET INVOLVED

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Safe & Understood

“YES gave me a place where I finally feel safe and understood. I have people here who actually care about me.” – 19-year-old participant (2025 youth survey, shared with permission)

Safe & Understood

“YES gave me a place where I finally feel safe and understood. I have people here who actually care about me.” – 19-year-old participant (2025 youth survey, shared with permission)

Believe in Myself

“Since coming to YES, I got my ID back, a job, and even my own room to sleep in. They helped me believe in myself again.” – 22-year-old participant (2025... Read More >>

Believe in Myself

“Since coming to YES, I got my ID back, a job, and even my own room to sleep in. They helped me believe in myself again.” – 22-year-old participant (2025 youth survey, shared with permission)

 

Treated with Respect

“At YES, I’m treated with respect. They listened to what I wanted for my life and helped me get on my feet. It feels like family.” – 18-year-old participant (2025... Read More >>

Treated with Respect

“At YES, I’m treated with respect. They listened to what I wanted for my life and helped me get on my feet. It feels like family.” – 18-year-old participant (2025 youth survey, shared with permission)

 

Partnership has been Incredible

“Partnering with YES has been incredible. They don’t just talk about youth empowerment — they live it, every single day.” – Staff member, TurnAround Tuesday  

Partnership has been Incredible

“Partnering with YES has been incredible. They don’t just talk about youth empowerment — they live it, every single day.” – Staff member, TurnAround Tuesday

 

More than a Program

“As an alum, I keep coming back to YES because it’s more than a program — it’s my community.” – YES Alumni, age 26

More than a Program

“As an alum, I keep coming back to YES because it’s more than a program — it’s my community.” – YES Alumni, age 26

Each quote is from our anonymous 2025 Youth Satisfaction Survey and is used with the young person’s consent. These heartfelt testimonials highlight the trust and support YES provides, in the youths’ own words.

News

The Power of Community: Why Your Support Matters More Than Ever

The Power of Community: Why Your Support Matters More Than Ever

When I walk through the doors of the Youth Empowered Society (YES), I’m reminded that the heartbeat of our mission isn’t just the youth we serve—it’s the community that stands […]

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Youth Creativity Is Shaping Baltimore’s Narrative – Teen Vogue

Youth Creativity Is Shaping Baltimore’s Narrative – Teen Vogue

From pop-up restaurants to dirt-bike STEM and community podcasts, this feature spotlights Baltimore youth reshaping how the city sees them. Projects like B-360 STEM workshops and youth-run creative ventures align […]

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How Grassroots Leaders Are Building a Future for Baltimore’s Youth – Washington Post

How Grassroots Leaders Are Building a Future for Baltimore’s Youth – Washington Post

The founder of HeartSmiles shares how her grassroots youth development organization is breaking the cycle of generational poverty — through career training, mentorship, and peer-led programs serving over 1,500 youth […]

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