Rhode Island Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc. will soon celebrate two years of service. YAP serves as an alternative to out-of-home placements and partners with youth justice and family services agencies to support and empower individuals and families who are faced with complex needs and challenges.

Recruited from the neighborhoods of the individuals they serve, YAP Advocates are mentors and more who empower youth and families with individualized toolkits that help them identify, nurture and share their strengths. YAP’s Advocate mentors complete a nine-course accredited curriculum and work under the supervision of area directors. Collaborating with their teammates, these paid mentors also connect young people and families they serve with community resources to reinforce their foundation.

Over the summer, partner agencies joined Providence County-area YAP employees, youth and families at a special open house event. This video from the summer event chronicles the ceremony and success stories, as shared by program youth and advocates.

As National Mentoring Month comes to an end, YAP invites you to see and share the video which, particularly towards the end, highlights in a very personal way how YAP Advocates and staff in Rhode Island are empowering young people with tools they need as they transition into adulthood.