In 2024, YEAH Philly stood firm in our belief that when young people are seen, heard, and resourced, they lead the way to change—not just in their own lives, but across entire communities. This year, we deepened that commitment, growing in both impact and infrastructure, while remaining rooted in what has always mattered most: relationships, trust, and youth leadership.
We worked with over 500 teens and young adults across West and Southwest Philadelphia, providing support that was real, consistent, and grounded in love. From conflict resolution and mental health counseling to paid employment, leadership opportunities, and community-building events, every interaction was guided by the question: What do young people actually need and how do we show up to provide it?
One of our biggest milestones this year was the purchase of a warehouse in Southwest Philadelphia, which will become the future home of our Skills and Employment Hub. This space will be a powerful expansion of our existing programs—offering training in trades, creative arts, entrepreneurship, and more, all under one roof that young people helped design. It’s a vision that’s been years in the making, and now, with your support, it’s becoming a reality.
We also continued to lead the city in youth-led violence prevention, launching new initiatives that help young people resolve conflict safely, build community accountability, and access healing outside of systems that were never built for them.
And we did all of this without compromising who we are: a Black-led, community-rooted organization that listens first and centers the voices of those closest to the issues.
But the work is far from over. The challenges facing our youth and this work are still urgent—and the systems meant to support them continue to fall short. In 2025, we’re focused on building deeper, not just bigger. That means finishing the renovation of our new hub, expanding our staff with care, and continuing to fight for policies and practices that honor youth power and community solutions.
To our youth: thank you for trusting us and showing us what’s possible every single day.
To our supporters, partners, and neighbors: thank you for walking with us. Your investment is not just in a program—it’s in a generation, and in the future of our city.
With gratitude and commitment, Kendra Van de Water & James Aye Co-Founders, YEAH Philly
