Youth Empowered Society (YES)

What Youth Empowered Society (YES) does

Youth Empowered Society (YES) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 85-0897913) headquartered at 1111 Park Ave, Suite A, Baltimore, MD, operating Baltimore's only youth-specific drop-in center for young people ages 14-25 experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Founded in October 2012 after the Baltimore Homeless Youth Initiative identified the gap, YES temporarily closed during the pandemic (fall 2021 through end of 2022) and reopened a newly revitalized drop-in center in late 2024 under a 2024-2027 Strategic Plan. The organization is led by Executive Director Allen Blackwell and Program Director Ciera Dunlap, with a 10-member Board of Directors.

YES delivers a portfolio of integrated social service programs organized around four core pillars: Drop-In Services (meals, hygiene supplies, clothing, showers, safe space), Supportive Services (trauma-informed case management, vital document recovery, benefits enrollment, employment coaching, education support, health referrals), Housing-Focused Services (Coordinated Entry navigation, rapid re-housing, rental assistance, landlord mediation), and Youth Advocacy & Leadership (Youth Advisory Council, voter registration, alumni network). Two supplemental programs are layered on: a Financial Education program delivered in partnership with SECU (twice-monthly workshops and 1:1 coaching on budgeting, banking, credit) and a YES Mentorship Program led by staff and alumni. The core operating technology is the trauma-informed, youth-centered service delivery model itself — software/AI is not a meaningful input.

Revenue is generated entirely from contributed income: individual donations (with tiered donation levels from $25 hygiene kits to $500+ operational support), foundation grants (Abell Foundation $67,000 in 2024; Annie E. Casey Foundation; T. Rowe Price Foundation; Greenlight Fund; Baltimore Community Foundation; Associated Black Charities), donor-advised fund grants (Fidelity Charitable, DAFgiving360, BNY Mellon Charitable), and in-kind contributions (food, clothing, hygiene products, gift cards). Service delivery is free to youth beneficiaries. YES operates as part of an ecosystem of 35+ named partners — Healthcare for the Homeless (on-site clinical services), Community Law Center (pro bono legal clinics), Turn Around Tuesday (employment readiness), Maryland Office of Homeless Services, Baltimore City Public Schools, Johns Hopkins, and others — which collectively deliver most non-core specialized services at or via the drop-in center. Reported 2025 outcomes include 124 youth served YTD, 20 housing placements, and 63 youth engaged in supportive services since reopening, against an annual target of 160 youth.

Name

Youth Empowered Society (YES)

Legal name

Youth Empowered Society

Website

https://yesdropincenter.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Youth Empowered Society (YES) operates Baltimore's only youth-specific drop-in center, serving youth ages 14-25 experiencing or at risk of homelessness through trauma-informed case management, housing navigation, basic needs, and youth advocacy programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Homelessness Services

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411), Community Housing Services (62422), Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth Housing, Foster Care & Wraparound Support (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Youth Mental Health, Counseling & Wellbeing (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAK), Homeless, Foster Care & Highly Mobile Youth Education Services (EDAJAEAG)

Keywords

• Youth homelessness services
• Drop-in center
• Housing stabilization
• Trauma-informed case management
• Youth advocacy

Headquarters

HQ city

Baltimore

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: One-time and recurring donations from individuals supporting youth homelessness services. Donations fund drop-in center operations, housing case management, youth leadership programs, and essential resources.
2. Foundation Grants: Grant funding from foundations including Abell Foundation ($67,000 in 2024), Annie E. Casey Foundation, T. Rowe Price Foundation, and Greenlight Fund supporting operational expansion and programming.
3. Donor-Advised Fund Grants: Accepts grants from Fidelity Charitable, DAFgiving360 (Schwab), and BNY Mellon Charitable through donor-advised fund recommendations.
4. In-Kind Donations: Accepts non-perishable food, clothing, hygiene products, household items, and gift cards to support youth needs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Youth Empowered Society operates a free drop-in center in Baltimore providing immediate basic needs (meals, hygiene supplies, clothing, showers, safe space) alongside trauma-informed case management, housing navigation, and rapid re-housing services for youth ages 14-25 experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The organization also runs youth advocacy and leadership development programming, plus financial education workshops delivered in partnership with SECU.

Product overview

Youth Empowered Society (YES) operates as a nonprofit drop-in center offering a portfolio of integrated social service programs for youth ages 14-25 experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Baltimore. The core offerings include: Drop-In Services providing immediate basic needs (meals, hygiene, clothing, safe space); Supportive Services delivering trauma-informed case management, employment coaching, education support, and health referrals; Housing-Focused Services offering navigation, rapid re-housing, and landlord mediation; and Youth Advocacy & Leadership programming for advisory councils, civic engagement, and alumni networks. Supplemental programs include a Financial Education partnership with SECU and a Mentorship Program. The programs are youth-centered and trauma-informed, designed to walk young people from crisis to stability.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Drop-In Services (Basic Needs) A safe, welcoming drop-in center providing immediate basic needs for youth ages 14-25, including hot meals, hygiene supplies, clothing, showers, storage, and a judgment-free community space.
• Supportive Services (Case Management and Wellness) One-on-one trauma-informed case management providing assistance with vital documents, public benefits, employment readiness, education support, health services, life skills workshops, and emergency supports for youth ages 14-25.
• Housing-Focused Services Comprehensive housing support including navigation through the Coordinated Entry system, intensive case management for housing stability, rapid re-housing and rental assistance, landlord and family mediation, and warm hand-offs to long-term housing for youth ages 14-25.
• Youth Advocacy and Leadership Youth-led advocacy and leadership development including a Youth Advisory Council, advocacy training, voter registration, civic engagement, and an alumni network for peer mentorship and employment opportunities for youth ages 14-25.
• Financial Education Program Free financial education workshops and one-on-one coaching sessions covering budgeting, saving, banking basics, and credit building, led by SECU financial educators twice monthly for YES participants and alumni ages 14-25.
• YES Mentorship Program Youth-directed monthly group mentorship sessions led by YES staff and alumni, covering themes including relationships, navigating challenges, and defining personal success for youth participants.

Quantifiable outcome

• 160 youth targeted for annual service delivery
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

32 partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and minor.

• Turn Around Tuesday Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Award-winning job readiness program through BUILD. Provides employment workshops, job placement support, interviewing skills, apprenticeships, and workforce development for YES youth participants.
• SECU (State Employees Credit Union)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFinancial education partnership offering twice-monthly workshops and one-on-one coaching on budgeting, savings, banking basics, and credit building for YES participants and alumni ages 14-25.
• Healthcare for the HomelesscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOn-site counseling, wellness check-ups, basic medical care, HIV testing, and mental health services for youth at the drop-in center.
• Community Law CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPro bono legal clinics at drop-in center for expungement, resolving fines/warrants, tenant rights, family court, and foster care matters.
• Baltimore City Health DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment health agency partner providing resources and referrals for youth health services.
• Maryland Office of Homeless Services (MOHS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState government partner for housing advocacy and coordination of homeless services through Continuum of Care.
• The NEST Youth Shelter (HEBCAC)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorYouth-specific emergency shelter for individuals aged 18-24. YES refers youth and advocates for housing placements.
• Baltimore City Continuum of CarecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoordinating body for homeless services. YES collaborates with youth coordinators to prioritize young people for housing slots.
• Housing Authority of Baltimore CitysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublic housing authority providing housing placement opportunities and warm handoffs for YES youth.
• Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership for research, data, and public health expertise supporting youth homelessness programs.
• University of Maryland School of Social WorksupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner providing student interns and social work expertise.
• Mayor's Office of Employment DevelopmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity government workforce development partner providing job training programs and employment connections.
• Baltimore City Public SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchool system partner implementing strategies to identify and support students without stable housing.
• United Way of Central MarylandsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit federation supporting community resources and referrals for youth.
• Luxsor EntertainmentminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent partner for Community Open House at YES Drop-In Center.
• ThreadsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth development organization providing mentorship and support services.
• ROCAsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth development organization serving young people with mentoring and support.
• Mission FitminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFitness and wellness partner providing programming for youth.
• Art with a HeartminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArts education nonprofit providing creative programming for youth.
• Wide Angle Youth MediaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth media organization providing media arts education and storytelling opportunities.
• Baltimore Regional Housing PartnershipsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerHousing partnership providing resources and advocacy for youth housing.
• West North Avenue Development AuthorityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEconomic development authority supporting neighborhood revitalization.
• WellSpan HealthminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare provider partner for health services and referrals.
• NAMI BaltimoresupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMental health advocacy organization providing referrals and support resources.
• GaudenziasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSubstance abuse and mental health treatment provider for referrals.
• Bowie State UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHistorically Black university partner for educational opportunities.
• CoLab PartnersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorkforce development organization supporting employment opportunities.
• Baltimore Safe HavensupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerLGBTQ+ youth services organization for referrals and support.
• Helping Up MissionsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerHomeless services organization providing additional shelter and support resources.
• Project PLASEsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerHousing and services organization for people experiencing homelessness.
• Episcopal Housing CorporationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHousing development organization providing housing resources.
• Renew Mt. VernonsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity development organization and building landlord for YES headquarters.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• True Colors United: True Colors United is a national nonprofit working to prevent and end homelessness among LGBTQ youth through training, advocacy, and direct program support. Its mission intersects directly with YES's youth-homelessness focus and overlaps with YES's referral partnerships with Baltimore Safe Haven for LGBTQ youth.
• SchoolHouse Connection: SchoolHouse Connection is a national nonprofit organization working to improve educational outcomes for children and youth experiencing homelessness. It is a strong peer given YES's education-linked work with Baltimore City Public Schools and its EDAJAEAG-aligned mission for highly mobile youth.
• The Night Ministry: The Night Ministry is a Chicago-based nonprofit serving youth and young adults experiencing homelessness and poverty through outreach, drop-in services, housing, and supportive programs. Comparable to YES as a single-metro drop-in and housing-stabilization provider for youth.
• Point Source Youth: Point Source Youth is a national nonprofit focused on preventing and ending youth homelessness through advocacy, innovation, and direct support to young leaders and organizations. YES's Youth Advisory Council model and its named participation in the Point Source Youth Conference position this as a closely aligned peer.
• Larkin Street Youth Services: Larkin Street Youth Services is a San Francisco-based nonprofit providing housing, drop-in services, case management, education, and employment programs for youth ages 12-25 experiencing homelessness. It is the closest single-city direct peer to YES in mission, target population, and integrated service model.

Regional players

• Project PLASE: Project PLASE is a Baltimore nonprofit providing housing and supportive services to individuals experiencing homelessness, including young adults. It is a regional peer operating in YES's same geography and is listed as one of YES's strategic partners for housing resources.
• Helping Up Mission: Helping Up Mission is a Baltimore nonprofit providing holistic services to people experiencing homelessness, poverty, and addiction, with programs serving adults and youth. It is a regional peer in YES's Baltimore ecosystem and is listed as a referral and resource partner.
• The NEST Youth Shelter (HEBCAC): The NEST is a Baltimore emergency shelter for youth ages 18-24 operated by HEBCAC. It is a direct regional peer to YES operating in the same Baltimore catchment, and is in fact a referral partner of YES for youth needing emergency shelter placement.

Broad incumbents

• National Network for Youth (NN4Y): NN4Y is a national advocacy and membership organization advancing policy and practice to end youth homelessness. It is a broad peer to YES in target population and mission, with YES engaging in similar advocacy, systems coordination, and Continuum of Care work at the local level.
• Covenant House: Covenant House is the largest direct provider of youth homelessness services in the U.S. and Canada, operating shelter, housing, and supportive service programs for youth ages 16-24. It is the broad incumbent most directly comparable to YES at scale, with a similar drop-in and housing-stabilization mission applied across many cities.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses3 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/yesdropincenter
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/youth-empowered-society-yes
• Instagraminstagram.com/yesdropincenter

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Youth Empowered Society (YES)