In 2007, we began recruiting volunteers to help sexually exploited girls in the 6th and 7th grade who were being forced into prostitution in the Pittsburgh community of Atlanta.
For five years, we have dedicated ourselves to helping young people and families in crisis situations throughout the Greater Atlanta area.
In 2011, we opened the first federally-funded emergency youth shelter in DeKalb County, GA which serves homeless, runaway, abused, neglected and abandoned young people who have lost hope in their futures.
YPM is an innovative and creative organization, primarily because we value young people. We pride ourselves on being able to work with teenagers who trust us and over 90% of the youth we serve are self-referred. They find us and we find them.
"My mother left me in an apartment when I was 15. Just left and never came back. After a few days, the landlord changed the locks. I realized I was on my own. Without YPM and Ms. Joye, I would not be where I am today. Young People Matter took me in when no one else wanted to. They gave me a chance and today 7/10/12, I have a job and steady income, plus I have my own apartment! Thanks YPM."--Former resident and lifelong YPMer.
How YPM Helps YPM also provides caring adults, 24 hours a day who aid in their positive youth development, and assist them in transitioning to successful, self-sufficient adults. We provide weekly street outreach to find kids who are hungry, alone and need safety.
YPMers participate in all facets of the organization. They have created our name, our logo, share in our strategic development, program development and maintain our social media presence. YPMers also interview all candidates for employment and have a position on our board of directors.
