“YES allowed me to be around people I can relate and connect to without being judged. Osborne is the definition of making the best of a tricky situation. I want to show the world that just because our parents made a mistake that doesn't mean that we shall follow.
- Kahlil Hill, YES member
Who We Are
This program is part of The Osborne Association’s Children and Youth Services Unit where we provide an array of services to and advocate on behalf of children with a currently or formerly incarcerated parent. By offering a strengths-based, non-judgmental, child-friendly environment, along with support, various services, and resources tailored to these children’s unique needs and perspectives, we help them overcome the stigma and isolation they often face.
What We Offer
Youth Experience Success! (YES!) provides weekly group workshops to increase knowledge and self-awareness, build skills and encourage behavior change that will allow participants to meet the four program goals. Each goal is addressed through workshops that include being the child of an incarcerated parent, financial literacy, job readiness, sexual health, legal rights, loss and identity, fear of failure and fear of success, and the college selection and application process. All workshops are delivered within the context of these young people’s unique family situations, and provide opportunities for them to discuss their parent’s incarceration with their peers. YES! also includes two community service projects to strengthen awareness of community issues and to promote personal growth and self-esteem. YES! is an afterschool program for youth who have experienced parental incarceration at some point in their lives. YES! focuses on the following components:
- Leadership Development: Over the course of the program, members receive a safe space for self-expression, leadership training and advocacy workshops to help them achieve their professional and personal goals.
- Advocacy: Members identify pressing issues facing children of incarcerated parents (witnessing a parent’s arrest and experiences with visiting a parent), develop advocacy skills in order to influence change.
- Enrichment: YES! hosts a variety of activities including: Team Building exercises, Visioning exercises, Writing and Advocacy workshops, Community service projects, Martial Arts and Yoga, Know Your Rights workshops, Etiquette and Manners workshops, Healthy Relationship Training Academy and more…
Contact Us
Youth between the ages of 13 and 16 years old are eligible to join Youth Experience Success! if their parent is, or has been, incarcerated. Members must also be committed, motivated, and interested in being part of a fun and dynamic team.
Expectations of YES members include:
- Commitment: YES! members must attend regular meetings and demonstrate meaningful participation. The YES! lasts from September to May and meetings are 2 hours in length. Members must occasionally attend additional events/projects as created.
- Engagement: YES! members must stay in good academic standing to further their education.
For more information about the YES, to join, or to refer potential youth for membership, contact:
Diana Archer
CYS Coordinator
718-637-6582
The Osborne Association
Brooklyn Office
175 Remsen Street, 8th Floor
Take the 2,3,4,5 or R train to Borough Hall or take the A,C,F to Jay Street stop