About YPAB

The Young Parent Advisory Board (YPAB) aims to amplify the voices of young parents, ensuring their experiences and insights shape our programs and services. Our goal is to create a supportive environment where young parents can share their challenges and successes, and actively participate in shaping the future of JAMES Inc. and their communities.

Young parents often feel unheard and overlooked in decision-making processes that affect their lives. They face:

Lack of Representation

Few opportunities to influence policies and programs.

Marginalization

Feeling excluded from important conversations and decisions.

Need for Advocacy

Desire for a platform to advocate for their needs and those of their peers.

How We Help

The YPAB empowers young parents to take on leadership roles and advocate for their communities through a comprehensive, multifaceted approach:

Leadership Development

  • Training: Providing leadership and advocacy training to build confidence and skills. Our training programs cover public speaking, negotiation, conflict resolution, and strategic planning, equipping young parents with the tools they need to become effective leaders.
  • Opportunities: Offering platforms for young parents to share their stories and influence change. YPAB members have the chance to speak at conferences, participate in panel discussions, and contribute to media campaigns that highlight the realities and triumphs of young parenthood.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

  • Events: Organizing community events and forums to foster dialogue and collaboration. These events include town hall meetings, workshops, and family-friendly activities designed to bring young parents together with community leaders, educators, and service providers.
  • Projects: Leading initiatives that address the needs and concerns of young parents. YPAB members identify key issues facing their peers and spearhead projects that provide practical solutions, such as creating resource guides, launching support groups, or advocating for policy changes.

Skills Gained

YPAB members have developed a variety of professional skills through our projects and initiatives, including:

  • Budget Management: Effectively managing funds for events and donation drives.
  • Digital Organization: Utilizing digital tools to streamline project management and communication.
  • Project Management: Leading and overseeing the execution of multiple projects from start to finish.
  • Research Skills: Conducting thorough research to inform our presentations and community work.
  • Presentation & Public Speaking Skills: Delivering impactful presentations at major events like the Fatherhood Summit.
  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Working together toward shared goals with diverse skills and personalities.
  • Leadership Development: Learning to lead projects, organize events, and guide others toward successful outcomes.

    • Policy Influence

    Advocacy

    Engaging with policymakers to ensure the voices of young parents are heard. YPAB members receive training in advocacy techniques and are supported in meeting with local, state, and national legislators to discuss the needs and challenges of young parents.

    Representation

    Serving on committees and boards to represent the interests of young parents. YPAB members are encouraged to take on advisory roles within JAMES Inc. and other organizations, ensuring that young parent perspectives are included in decision-making processes.

    Impact

    At YPAB, we are proud to have successfully executed a wide range of impactful projects that contribute to our community and help us grow as young leaders. Below are some key accomplishments that showcase our dedication, skills, and passion for making a difference:

    FUNDRAISING INITIATIVES

  • Home Run Super Smash Brothers Ultimate Gaming Tournament: We organize and host a successful gaming tournament that brings together participants from the community, raising funds to support our goals at YPAB. This also provides us with valuable opportunities to apply and showcase the skills we have developed through our participation in YPAB

    • COMMUNITY DONATIONS

  • Strong Tomorrow’s Donation: We raised enough funds to donate essential items like children’s coats, books, and holiday gifts to young families during the holiday season.
  • Annual Pumpkin Patch Event: Our team helped raise funds and offered free access to a fun pumpkin patch event for local families. This is an annual event! Contact a JAMES Inc. employee for the date of our next Pumpkin Patch.
  • Nursing Home Bedding Donation: We coordinated a bedding donation for a local nursing home, ensuring comfort and care for the elderly residents.

    • PRESENTATIONS

  • Fatherhood Summit:We delivered a presentation at the Fatherhood Summit to raise awareness about advocacy for parents and their children in healthcare and education. We provided information on ASQ screenings, FERPA rights, and shared youth perspectives on fatherhood and family life.

    • Success Stories

    Our YPAB members have inspiring stories of resilience and leadership. Here are a few examples:

    • Maria’s Story: Maria joined YPAB after struggling to balance parenting and her education. With the support and training she received, she became a vocal advocate for young parents in her community, successfully lobbying for increased funding for childcare services at local colleges.
    • John’s Journey: John faced significant challenges as a young father, including financial instability and lack of support. Through YPAB, he gained the confidence and skills to start his own business, and now mentors other young fathers in entrepreneurship and financial literacy.

    About the Members

    The Young Parent Advisory Board (YPAB), curated by Alisa Bell, is a vibrant and motivated group of young parents committed to both personal and collective growth. United by a shared drive to uplift each other, these members collaborate to create meaningful change within their own lives and their communities. With diverse experiences and a passion for building brighter futures, the YPAB is focused on empowering young parents through leadership, advocacy, and skill-building. Together, they inspire progress and hope, not only for themselves but for the next generation.

    MEET THE MEMBERS

    • Ayane
    • Charley
    • Keshunna
    • Natalie

    Getting Started

    Make your voice heard and join a community of empowered young parents:

    Join YPAB

    Apply to become a member and lead with your experience. As a member, you’ll receive leadership training, participate in advocacy efforts, and contribute to meaningful projects that support young parents. To qualify, you must have been a JAMES Inc. client for at least 90 days. Applications are available at specific times of each year.

    Support YPAB

    Donate to support our advocacy efforts. Your contribution helps us provide training, resources, and opportunities for young parents to become leaders in their communities.

    Partner with Us

    Collaborate on projects and initiatives that benefit young parents. Whether you’re an organization, business, or individual, your partnership can help us create a brighter future for young parents and their families.

    By joining the YPAB, you’ll not only develop your own leadership skills but also make a lasting impact on the lives of young parents and their children. Together, we can create a community where young parents are heard, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential.

    Subscribe To Our Newsletter

    Join our mailing list to receive our organization's latest news and updates. 

    Choose the option that best describes you

    You have Successfully Subscribed!