Youth Enrichment Services (YES), a nonprofit organization committed to providing impactful and rewarding outdoor experiences to thousands of young people throughout Boston since 1968, celebrated the groundbreaking of its future headquarters in Jamaica Plain on January 29, 2025. Youth Enrichment Services’ Yawkey Youth Development Center will be a 16,000 square-foot, state-of-the art facility complete with a rock climbing wall, ski shop, classroom space and more to support year-round outdoor and leadership experiences for Boston’s youth ages 7-18. 

Set to open in 2026, the new three-story facility at 267 Amory Street will enable YES to expand its reach and support an even greater number of city youth eager to participate in its programs. The completion of the new headquarters will allow YES to serve over 500 more Boston youth in its first three years of operation and 700 more in five years. Currently, YES serves more than 1,200 children and teens annually primarily from Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan and Jamaica Plain.

“YES creates life-changing experiences for Boston youth — building confidence, inspiring leadership and equipping our young people with the skills they need to navigate challenges,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Every young person in the city of Boston should have access to enriching outdoor opportunities. I’m grateful for organizations like Youth Enrichment Services that are positively impacting thousands of lives through their programming every day. I’m thrilled for their new headquarters in Jamaica Plain which will support their work in connecting our young people with more vital services.”

”Our new headquarters will enhance our programs and allow us to inspire and empower even more Boston youth to experience exciting outdoor adventures and transformative leadership activities,” said Bryan Van Dorpe, Executive Director of Youth Enrichment Services. “By expanding our programming and home, we will be able to create more transformative opportunities for thousands of kids. Today is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Youth Enrichment Services and all of the young people we serve throughout Boston.”

For more than 56 years, YES has provided low- to moderate-income children and teens throughout Boston with the opportunity to learn how to ski – many of whom might not have the opportunity to enjoy New England’s mountains. YES was founded in 1968 by the late Richard Williams, whose goal was to “give youth a chance.” Williams had a passion for skiing and drew inspiration from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his call to dream of possibilities. He also benefited from youth mentorship programs. Over the years, YES has grown to include other outdoor activities such as snowboarding, rock climbing, biking, and track and field. The organization empowers Boston youth to reach their full potential through outdoor experiences and leadership opportunities that build confidence and prepare them to face life’s challenges

The Capital Campaign for Youth Enrichment Services’ Yawkey Youth Development Center is nearing 60 percent of its $10.4 million fundraising goal. The project continues to progress with donations from philanthropic organizations, public support and the anticipated sale of its current home at 412 Mass Ave. in the South End, which went on the market today. The project team completing the new building includes YES’s Project Manager, VVA Project & Cost Managers, with architect design by Embarc and construction management by Timberline Construction.

“For more than 20 years, the Yawkey Foundation has witnessed the many benefits and positive outcomes made possible by Youth Enrichment Services (YES) and its mission of providing affordable sports-based experiences, outdoor adventure activities, and leadership development opportunities to Boston youth,” said Alicia Verity, CEO of the Yawkey Foundation. “Today’s groundbreaking of  the Yawkey Youth Development Center represents a pivotal moment in our organizations’ shared commitment to empowering youth, continuing the legacy of Jean and Tom Yawkey and perpetuating the values that were so important to them – sportsmanship, personal growth, character building, and meaningful community connection.”

This season, YES youth will ski at the Blue Hills Ski Area, Butternut Ski Area, Crotched Mountain, Loon Mountain, Mount Sunapee, Pats Peak, Pico Mountain Ski Resort, Stratton Mountain Resort, Sugarloaf Mountain, Tenney Mountain, Wachusett Mountain, Waterville Valley, the Weston Ski Track and Whaleback Mountain.

“YES’s ski program doesn’t just teach skiing –  it teaches resilience,” said Vanesa Morales, a YES volunteer whose children and grandchildren have participated in the program. “It shows kids how to face challenges, fall down, and get back up – again and again. It connects them to others, fosters teamwork, and helps them realize they can achieve more than they thought possible. Skiing has given these kids something more than a skill –  it’s given them belief in themselves.”

For more information on YES’s new building and their Capital Campaign to raise funds for the project, please visit https://yeskids.org/the-future-of-yes/