Our History

Youth Empowerment Services (YES) was founded on March 3, 2003 to serve the at-risk youth of New Brunswick, NJ. YES is a non-profit, volunteer oriented organization having only three staff personnel. A twelve member Board of Directors was established to guide the Founders in the development of the programming and direct the financial role of the organization.

As of 2010, YES services approximately 250 youth a year through all of its eight programs, utilizing the skills of approximately 180 volunteers in different capacities. New opportunities continue to arise to reach out to the needs of the community that YES is expanding towards.

Providing educational assistance, prevention and intervention programs for at-risk youth to assist them in reaching their highest potential is the core of our mission.

Seeing kids struggle as they grow through adolescence, the three founders of Youth Empowerment Services felt compelled to create opportunities for young people to grow. With more than 50 years of combined experience working with young people, Barry Smith, Jeff Hayes, and Michael Shields launched Y.E.S. in March 2003 to help teens navigate the road to adulthood.

Learn more about our goals and commitment for our youth >>