Transforming Lives, One Program at a Time
Through a variety of youth initiatives, YEDA supports young people across the Chicago Southland. These initiatives include mental health workshops, college tours, travel teams, technology and career readiness workshops, education initiatives, Big Brother Big Sister mentorship, and leadership development programs.
Together, these efforts transform lives by equipping youth with the resources they need to grow into confident leaders, active community members, and individuals who build meaningful connections.
Mentorship
Life-changing guidance for personal growth and leadership.
Education
Tools and opportunities to pave the way for success.
Fitness
Building strong bodies and minds through sports and wellness.
Community
Creating connections that foster lasting change.
Supporting Chicago Southland Youth Through Comprehensive Education, Mentorship, and Career Readiness Initiatives
YEDA’s mental health programming supports the emotional wellbeing of youth across the Chicago Southland. Mental health workshops are one of the required enrichment initiatives for youth enrolled in YEDA fitness programs, ensuring each child receives a well rounded experience. These workshops help young people manage stress, build confidence, and develop healthy coping skills that extend beyond the program and into everyday life.
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Help Fuel the Future
Change starts here. With your donation, you put real tools, mentors, and opportunities in the hands of young people who need them most. Make your gift today and fuel the future of our youth.​
All donations are processed securely through our platform partner, GiveLively. Contributions are tax-deductible and go directly toward supporting YEDA’s youth programs. We deeply appreciate your support.
YEDA Ain’t Just Sports: A Letter from the Founder
YEDA is NOT a sports organization. YEDA is a youth development organization. We simply use athletics as a gateway to attract the youth and their families into our programs, so we can introduce them to life-changing opportunities beyond the game.
Once we have their attention, we’re able to integrate health & wellness initiatives, education enrichment, mentorship through Big Brothers Big Sisters, community service, scholarship opportunities, college and career exposure programs, and leadership development tools that broaden their vision for the future.
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At YEDA, sports are a tool, not the goal. Through our athletics programs, we teach discipline, leadership, and resilience, the same qualities that drive success in school, careers, and life. While others see a game, we see a stepping stone to mentorship, education, and personal growth.
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The impact is real: before using sports as a entry tool, participation was low. Busy families didn't see the value in registering their child for a mental health workshop. After using sports as an entry tool, participation tripled. Families unaware of our vast programs simply register their children for a sports program, then learn how they are tapping into a vast network of resources, enrichment beyond the game, and life-changing mentorship.
This has turned many families who didn't realize the impact enrichment resources could have on their child, into youth-long YEDA participants; many parents of which begin volunteering with us to further the cause.
So while sports may be the glitter that draws families in, what keeps them year after year is the gold that YEDA offers the youth in our community, far beyond the court.
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YEDA isn’t about creating athletes, it’s about shaping future leaders.​
Impacted Youth Story
Sean McLaurin
Sean’s confidence has grown tremendously since joining YEDA, transforming from a nervous 6th grader into a self-assured leader amongst his peers. While basketball drew us to YEDA, as Sean loved playing it, what kept us coming back each year were the mentors who pushed him out of his comfort zone, helping him improve as a person, and an athlete. He now embraces challenges, handles tough situations with composure, and eagerly helps other kids when they seem unconfident. Through YEDA’s encouragement and focus on mentorship, Sean has found confidence in himself and his abilities. We’re grateful for YEDA’s role in Sean’s development and their dedication to his growth.
Impacted Youth Story
Vaasco Chestnut
YEDA has been a transformative experience for Vaasco, teaching him that success isn't about the glitz and glamor, it’s about effort, determination, and consistency. Growing up without a father, he's missed out on guidance only a man can provide. After joining YEDA, the male mentors who took him under their wings, and went out of their way to connect deeply with him, have made such a huge impact on how he handles conflict, values being a man of honor, and leads with integrity. I'm forever grateful for the incredible guidance he received that will serve him for a lifetime.
