Meet “Building Belonging” The youth named their project Building Belonging, and they didn’t just talk about what they could do, they made it happen. The teens designed and distributed 175 free wellness kits filled with mental health and wellness resources, activities, and information from local community partners. They also created…
What should the future Franklin Gateway park look like? The people who call this neighborhood home are helping answer that question—and YELLS teens are making sure their voices are part of the conversation! Recently, YELLS teens brought parents, neighbors, and fellow youth together for a community meeting focused on the…
Josue first started attending YELLS as a ninth grader who hadn’t quite figured out who he was yet. Now, as he enters his senior year, he has grown into a confident young leader, community advocate, and changemaker who is helping shape the future of the neighborhood he calls home. Over…
Longtime YELLS supporter Cliff Kelker has had a front row seat to the impact of investing in young people. Today, he is helping continue that legacy through the Rotary Club of Marietta. The Rotary Club of Marietta has generously supported both YELLS and our Franklin Gateway community for years. They…
Over a dozen YELLS youth were present in Marietta City Council Chambers for the big announcement on March 19. After months of advocacy and showing up for their neighborhood, our young leaders eagerly awaited the details of the deal that would shape the future of their Franklin Gateway community. Our…
When Chidubem joined YELLS last year, he brought his vibrant personality, full of positive energy and enthusiasm. At first, his eagerness sometimes made listening and following directions a challenge. He was so full of excitement he could hardly sit still. Chidubem has since turned those very traits into strengths, becoming…
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…
YELLS is blessed to have the support of incredible corporate partners like GDS Associates, Inc. Their team knows we are stronger together, and they share their time and gifts with us year after year, rolling up their sleeves to clean and transform our site each fall, providing holiday gifts for…
Read through and watch the videos for the following “YELLSy” experiential activity ideas. Marble Pipeline Objective: Work as a team to get a series of marbles from one side of the room to the other using only pieces of pipe cut in half Tic-Tac-Toe Relay Team Snakes Team snakes uses…
Help Design Fair Oaks’ New Youth Program! / Ayuda a Diseñar el Futuro Programa para Jóvenes de Fair Oaks Parent Survey / Encuesta para Padres Parent Survey – English Encuesta para Padres – Español Teen Survey / Encuesta para Jóvenes Teen Survey – English Encuesta para Jóvenes – Español YELLS…
