Check out our 2024-2025 Impact Report and get inspired by the ways that together we have made a measurable difference for the youth and families of our shared community. Thank you for your investment and faith in YELLS that makes all of this possible. Our work is collaborative and our results draw on the youth + parents + neighbors + staff + partners + advocates + donors who open their hearts and share their gifts to create a stronger community along with us. The YELLS Family is truly powerful, as demonstrated by the many people who came together over this last year to uplift our work:
We’re proud to share the amazing achievements from the 2024-2025 school year, made possible by the hard work and dedication of so many. We hope you’ll read the full report, but here are just a few highlights to celebrate from the 2024-2025 school year:
- 100% of YELLS seniors graduated this year – and for the past 6 years!
- 98% (106/108 with end of year data) of YELLS youth were promoted on grade level
- 93% of YELLS youth reported that YELLS had helped them learn five or more soft skills.
- 86% of YELLS youth reported that they feel good about themselves.
- 94% of YELLS teens reported that they believed they have made a positive impact on their community.
- 90% of parents reported that the YELLS program helps them feel more connected to their community.
- 91% of parents of elementary youth learned 3+ strategies to support their child at home.
This impact is possible because so many draw from their own gifts and strengths to pour into our Franklin Gateway and Fair Oaks communities. Our asset-based and people-powered model places faith in youth and their families as the drivers of community transformation. When we come together and share our gifts in the spirit of servant leadership, we shape a powerful vision of what’s possible for our community and our world.
Even more powerful than the numbers, are the words of our families. Our YELLS youth and parents share what YELLS has meant to them and how together we are helping youth and families thrive, while building a stronger, more connected community:
“YELLS helps us believe we matter and that we can actually make a difference right here where we live.” – Jevyn, Community Action Café Senior
YELLS has not only given me stronger communication, leadership and networking skills, it has also given me a second home to think about my future goals and career.” – Antonio, Community Action Café Junior
“It’s not just schoolwork. At YELLS, I’m learning how to run a business, lead my team, and actually do something real in my community.” – Community Action Café Junior
“YELLS has taught me how to be patient with others, how to work with people, and how to have good communication skills. YELLS has improved my leadership skills and has deepened my commitment to serving the community. I have grown into a wonderful, self-motivated and engaged individual making meaningful impact in the world.” – Patricia, Community Action Café Sophomore
“YELLS has helped me come out of my comfort zone. I have enjoyed feeling the impact that I have on my community and the connections that I have made. The staff have been very important on my whole development. I have been welcomed in with amazing open arms and I feel so grateful and love when I’m at YELLS each and every day.” – Community Action Café Sophomore
“I used to hate reading out loud because I would mess up and kids would laugh at me, but now I have gotten better at reading out loud and feeling much better.” – Imani, YELLS Afterschool Program 5th Grader
“When I get upset now, I stop and breathe instead of reacting. That’s something I’ve learned at YELLS.” – CJ, YELLS Afterschool Program 1st Grader
“I lift up others now.” – Jose, Fair Oaks YELLS 3rd Grader
“YELLS gave me a community.” – Erica, Fair Oaks YELLS 3rd Grader
“[YELLS helped me] know how to choose better things.” – Nohelia, Fair Oaks YELLS 1st Grader
“YELLS has helped me feel more connected to my community by creating a space where families, youth, and staff truly feel like a village. It’s made me more aware of the positive things happening right here in our neighborhood. Because of our family’s participation in YELLS, I’ve become more personally involved. YELLS has reminded me that community isn’t just about where you live it’s about who you show up for and who shows up for you.” – YELLS Parent
“YELLS has taken the worry away concerning after school care, helps with food, homework, community activities. YELLS is a place where we have found a community that make[s] us feel more like we belong.” – YELLS Parent
“My son loves coming to YELLS, and I’m so grateful that we found this amazing program. Since joining, he hasn’t stopped talking about all the fun experiences, the awesome staff, and the great friends he’s made. This year has been full of ‘firsts’ for him, thanks to YELLS. He had the opportunity to meet the Mayor of Marietta, go on field trips, and attend both soccer and Braves games, experiences he’ll remember for a lifetime. YELLS has opened doors for him, built his confidence, and given him a safe space to grow and thrive. I truly appreciate everything this program has done for our family.” – YELLS Parent
“YELLS has been a home away from home for my son, Jevyn, for years. Jevyn has grown into a respectful, responsible young man through their guidance and mentorship. His professionalism and maturity are a direct reflection of the values instilled in him at YELLS. Because of YELLS, my son is not only graduating but heading off to college, and for that, I will always be thankful.” – YELLS Parent
