Youth Enrichment Services gets Boston kids outside — skiing, biking, kayaking, track & field, and leadership programs that build real confidence.
"Inspire youth through outdoor experiences and leadership opportunities that build confidence and prepare them to summit life's challenges."
Our Values
YES is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit focused on reaching low-to-moderate income youth in Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan, and Jamaica Plain — neighborhoods where access to outdoor experiences is most limited.
Downhill ski & snowboarding on the YETTI program model with personalized instruction. Cross-country skiing with Weston Ski Track. Transportation and gear provided. Sliding-scale fees from $15–$175.
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Kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, paddle boarding, and overnight stays at Swann Lodge in the Berkshires.
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Spring, Summer & Fall Cross Country. Free of charge. Moakley Park in South Boston & English High in Jamaica Plain. Compete in local meets.
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Saturdays on the Southwest Corridor. YES provides all gear. 5-week program at 1542 Columbus Ave.
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Kayaking, rock climbing, gardening, skateboarding. Build leadership skills coaching younger participants. Tuesdays 4–7 PM.
Join the corps →YES programs are structured as a progressive ladder — youth move through each tier as they grow, gaining new experiences, confidence, and leadership skills from elementary school through high school graduation.
Introductory experiences that open doors to the outdoors. Youth try activities they would never otherwise access — no experience required.
Seasonal programs build real skill and real confidence through repeated practice with consistent coaches and peers. Youth learn to push through challenges.
Teens become leaders themselves — coaching younger participants, developing decision-making skills, and preparing for success in college and beyond.
of Operation SnowSports youth report increased confidence to face a challenge after completing the program.
of Outdoor Adventure youth increased their confidence in trying new activities and taking on challenges.
of Leadership Corps teens report being confident in their leadership abilities after completing the program.
of YES Academy teens graduated high school and enrolled in college — year after year.
"YES has created a highly cost-effective program which has a significant measurable positive impact on the lives of urban youth." — Harvard Business School Study, 1997
Richard & Mary Williams
Founders of Youth Enrichment Services
YES youth in 1997 — the same energy, 27 years later.
COMING SOON
New YES Headquarters at 267 Amory Street, Jamaica Plain — now under construction. More space, more programs, more youth served.
YES volunteers are role-models who challenge and support youth through outdoor sports. You don't need to be an expert — just a caring adult who wants to make a difference.
YES is building a brand-new, state-of-the-art headquarters at 267 Amory Street in Jamaica Plain. The new facility will dramatically expand our capacity to serve Boston youth with more programs, more space, and greater impact.
Current: 412 Massachusetts Ave, Boston MA 02118
Future: 267 Amory Street, Jamaica Plain, MA
T: (617) 267-5877 · info@yeskids.orgYES is a 501(c)3 private nonprofit. All donations are tax-deductible. We rely on generous individuals, foundations, and corporations to serve 1,600+ Boston youth each year.
Fast, secure, encrypted. One-time or recurring donations welcome.
Many employers match donations — double or triple your impact. Contact your HR department for a matching gift form and mail to YES at 412 Massachusetts Ave.
Receive a tax deduction at fair market value while eliminating capital gains tax. YES Account at Charles Schwab: #4895-7854 · DTC# 0164. Contact giving@yeskids.org.
YES accepts prearranged donations of ski equipment and winter clothing. Contact us before bringing items due to space constraints.
YES's signature annual fundraising event celebrates the organization's mission and raises critical funds for youth programs. Contact giving@yeskids.org for sponsorship opportunities.
Partner with YES through corporate giving, event sponsorship, or group volunteering. Multiple tiers available — contact Victoria Baker, Special Events & Corporate Partnerships Manager.
YES has bibs available for the 2026 Rodman Ride — ride to support YES youth. Applications are open now. Apply here →
Jamie Burch, Senior Director of Development
giving@yeskids.org
jburch@yeskids.org
| Geoffrey Soper, President | Bank of America Merrill Lynch |
| Derek Fowler, Vice President | City of Boston, Fire Department |
| Phill Gross, Vice President | Adage Capital Management |
| Biria St. John, Vice President | CBRE |
| Kalli Catcott, Clerk | Mersana Therapeutics |
| Payson Swaffield, Treasurer | Eaton Vance (Retired) |
| Candace Burns | Dana Farber Cancer Institute |
| Marie Daniel | Boston University School of Public Health |
| Deniz Ferendeci | Boston Urban Places |
| David Fitzgerald | CBRE (Retired) |
| Chris Harris | Enanta Pharmaceuticals |
| Rashaun Martin | Boston Public Schools |
| Mark McKenna | Global Marketing Consultant |
| Wendi McKenna | |
| Christopher Peabody | Peabody Office |
| Ian Sanderson | Nimbus Therapeutics |
| Jess Williams | Morgan Stanley |
| Michael Abend | |
| Geraldine Aine | Chubb |
| Ron Arigo | AAA Northeast |
| Luis Barbosa | Arrow Mutual |
| Elizabeth Bartlett Pire | John Hancock |
| Matt Bell | Abrams Capital Management (Retired) |
| Nick Cayer | Great Hill Partners |
| Marisol Cooke | Baker Tilly |
| Johanna Fehrs | Ginkgo Bioworks |
| Ted Ligety | Olympic Gold Medalist |
| Tim Janicki | Brigham and Women's Hospital |
| Brian Lash | Target Logistics, Owls Nest Resort |
| Shawn Hurley | CrossHarbor Capital Partners |
| Katie Haffenreffer | Harvard Pilgrim Health Care |
| Kevin Hicks | KD Hicks Insurance Agency |
Full board roster updated 7/24/2025. View complete listing at yeskids.org