Invest in Futures

One Year. One Youth. $217,517.00.

According to the Southern Poverty Law Center’s report, Only Young Once, as of FY 2023, Georgia spent $217,517.00 to incarcerate just one youth for one year. That is over eight times what it costs to imprison an adult in Georgia’s state prisons ($26,933). With over a 35% recidivism rate, the Department of Juvenile Justice serves as fodder for the state’s Department of Corrections.

Even more staggering—youth incarceration in Georgia costs more than three times the combined annual cost of attending the University of Georgia ($28,142), Georgia Tech ($28,584), and educating a child in Georgia’s K-12 public schools ($14,660).

A person is born into poverty in Atlanta has a 4% chance of escaping it, data shows – 11 Alive News (3:02 minutes)

Let that sink in.

For that same amount—$217,517.00 —Youth Enhancement Services (YES) can positively transform the lives of 20-25 young people, offering them mentorship, education, job training, and a path to living-wage success.

But we can’t do it without you.

Your donation today isn’t just charity—it’s a choice to invest in opportunity over incarceration. Visit our website to see real stories and outcomes made possible by people like you.

Your donations are tax deductible.

Give today. Change a life. Change the future.

Donate Today!

Thank you so much for positively impacting the lives of youth in our communities!

Get Involved

Donors • Sponsors • Community Partners

At Youth Enhancement Services (YES), we believe every young person deserves access to support, opportunity, and people who show up. When you get involved, you’re not just giving—you’re helping open doors for youth ages 16–24 as they build pathways toward stability, growth, and long-term success.

Whether you’re a Donor, Sponsor, or Community Partner, there’s a meaningful way for you to make an impact.

For Donors

Your generosity fuels mentorship, resources, and real opportunities. Give financially, in-kind, or through space and services—every contribution helps move a young person forward.

For Sponsors

Invest in youth, strengthen systems, and sustain the relationships that matter most. Sponsorship with YES aligns your support with clear outcomes and measurable impact.

For Community Partners

Partner with us to meet critical needs—housing, transportation, career services, food access, and more. Together, we create a stronger network of support for youth and families.