Youth Empowered Society
MISSION & VISION
Youth Empowered Society (YES) prevents and eliminates youth homelessness through powerful collaborations between youth, peers, and allies. Our vision is a Baltimore where every young person can easily access supportive services and stable housing, empowering them to thrive and shape their futures.
Cultivating secure spaces where youth can heal, grow, and thrive.
Honoring the inherent worth and unique journey of every individual.
Ensuring transparency, reliability, and accountability in every interaction.
Prioritizing holistic health—physical, emotional, and mental.
Centering youth voices and lived experiences through collaborative decision-making.
Actively dismantling systemic barriers and advocating for equitable change.
From Youth Leaders to Empowered Futures: The YES Story
The story of Youth Empowered Society (YES) begins with the courage and resilience of young people who have experienced homelessness firsthand. In 2009, the Baltimore Homeless Youth Initiative (BHYI) Youth Leaders, a coalition of youth and their dedicated allies, recognized a critical need: a safe, supportive, and youth-driven space in Baltimore. Their vision came to life in October 2012 with the opening of YES’s first drop-in center—a transformative moment in the effort to combat youth homelessness.
A Decade of Holistic, Youth-Driven Support
For nearly a decade, YES served as a vital hub of support, where young people found nourishment, dignity, and guidance. Our dedicated team of peer and ally case managers collaborated directly with youth, empowering them to develop personalized action plans and pursue their own goals. Beyond addressing immediate needs like food and shelter, YES provided a comprehensive array of supportive services, including:
YES’s holistic approach has supported hundreds of youth in building stable, independent lives based on their aspirations.
Resilience in the Face of Change
Between fall 2021 and the end of 2022, YES faced a challenging transition, scaling back in-person services and temporarily closing its physical space. This period became an opportunity for reflection and renewal. In 2023, driven by youth voices, staff insights, and community collaboration, YES embarked on a comprehensive strategic planning process to innovate and realign our services with our core mission and values.
By late 2023, YES reintroduced targeted housing-focused case management, expanded the team, strengthened its board, and deepened its partnerships, setting the foundation for a powerful and purposeful return.
A New Chapter in 2024
In late 2024, YES proudly reopened a newly revitalized drop-in center designed with direct input from young people. This welcoming and functional space at yesdropincenter.org marked a fresh beginning, reflecting YES’s renewed commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment where Baltimore’s youth can thrive.
A COMMUNITY CALLING
With our doors open once more, YES is committed to deepening our impact and invites partners, neighbors, volunteers, and allies to join us. Whether through youth-led programming, policy advocacy, or direct support services, every young person deserves dignity, support, and the opportunity to shape their future.
Stay updated on our journey and consider becoming part of our story by visiting our Get Involved page to support YES’s continued resurgence.
Youth Empowered Society stands as a testament to the power of lived experience, youth leadership, and community solidarity—and we’re just getting started.