On Wednesday, February 28th, yli expanded our offices for the first time in 14 years! This expansion celebrated the incredible work of yli’s youth, communities, and staff over our 27 years to include youth voice in local decision-making. The strength of our youth leadership programs in the San Francisco Bay Area and Fresno County have paved the way for healthy growth to new regions like Merced, where there is a need for more youth programming. Close ties with the Merced community through our Fresno office, and Training and Consulting Services made the city an ideal site for expansion.
Programs, serving youth ages 14-24, will include Boys & Men of Color, Joven Noble and Girls and Womyn of Color, focusing on leadership development, healing and advocacy for young people of color in Merced.