Thomas L. Jeffers, Founder and Chairman of the Board, Emeritus

Ohio State University, M.S., Education
Ohio State University, B.S., Secondary Education

In 1975, Mr. Jeffers founded Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. (YAP) in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Mr. Jeffers' original vision has evolved into the agency's current mission, which is to provide individuals who are, have been or may be subject to compulsory care with the opportunity to develop, contribute and be valued as assets. This plan of action provides communities with safe, proven effective and economical alternatives to institutional placement.

Mr. Jeffers has amassed more than 40 years of experience working in the social service industry. During the late 1960's and early 1970's, Mr. Jeffers was directly involved with D. Jerome Miller in deinstitutionalizing the juvenile justice system in Massachusetts, now known as the Massachusetts Experiment. In Illinois, he was involved with the successful return of 600 Cook County youth from out-of-state placements.