There are moments that remind us why community matters.
Moments where organizations, leaders, mentors, families, and advocates gather in one room with a shared purpose: creating brighter futures for young people. For YES!, April 16 was one of those moments.
We are proud to announce that YES! has officially received a Community Impact Grant award from the Atlanta Fulton County Recreation Authority (AFCRA). The award was presented during the first annual Play it Forward Champions Awards Reception, an evening dedicated to recognizing organizations that are making meaningful investments in youth sports, recreation, mentorship, and community development across Atlanta.
Representing YES! at the reception were Executive Director Samara Daise and Operations Manager Brendan, who accepted the award on behalf of the organization and the many youth, families, volunteers, and supporters who make this work possible every day.
But beyond the award itself, the evening represented something even greater: the power of community collaboration.
The Play it Forward Champions Awards Reception brought together more than 200 organizations from across Atlanta, each working in different ways to create safe spaces and meaningful opportunities for youth.
Some organizations focus on athletics. Others provide mentorship, educational enrichment, leadership development, wellness programming, or recreational opportunities. While each organization serves the community differently, everyone in attendance shared one common goal: helping young people thrive.
The atmosphere throughout the evening was filled with celebration, inspiration, and connection. Leaders exchanged stories about the challenges youth face today, while also sharing innovative ways communities are coming together to provide support, encouragement, and opportunity.
For YES!, it was both humbling and energizing to stand alongside so many organizations dedicated to youth growth and development.
Youth development does not happen in isolation.
Young people flourish when they are surrounded by environments that make them feel safe, seen, encouraged, and supported. Access to recreation, mentorship, leadership opportunities, and positive community experiences can shape confidence, emotional well-being, and lifelong success.
That is why investments like the AFCRA Community Impact Grant matter so deeply.
Support from organizations like AFCRA helps YES! continue creating programs and experiences where youth can learn new skills, build healthy relationships, explore their potential, and develop confidence in who they are becoming.
It also sends a powerful message to young people themselves: your community believes in you.
At YES!, we see every day how transformative that support can be.
We see it when youth step into leadership roles for the first time.
We see it when families find community and encouragement through programming.
We see it when young people discover new passions, talents, and opportunities that help shape their futures.
This grant allows us to continue expanding those moments of growth and impact.
Receiving this award is an incredible honor, but it is also a reminder of the responsibility we carry as an organization.
Every program, mentorship opportunity, event, and partnership is rooted in our commitment to empowering youth and strengthening communities. Recognition like this motivates us to continue showing up with purpose, compassion, and dedication.
The reception also served as an important reminder that meaningful impact happens through collaboration. No single organization can meet every need alone. Lasting change happens when communities work together, share resources, and invest collectively in the well-being of young people.
That spirit of partnership was evident throughout the evening.
YES! is grateful not only for the recognition from AFCRA, but also for the opportunity to connect with so many organizations working toward similar goals. Building relationships within the community helps strengthen the network of support available to youth and families across Atlanta.
We want to extend our sincere gratitude to the Atlanta Fulton County Recreation Authority for recognizing the work of YES! and for investing in organizations committed to youth empowerment and community impact.
