Mission Statement
At Youth Empowering Society (Y.E.S.), our mission is to empower underserved young adults—especially those in urban communities—by providing access to life-changing resources, education, and support. We believe that every individual matters, and we are committed to serving as many young people as possible, regardless of their background, race, gender, or life circumstances.
Through financial literacy programs, life skills training, and community involvement initiatives, we aim to help youth between the ages of 18 and 24 gain the tools they need to lead more stable, fulfilling, and productive lives.
By focusing our services on those who face the greatest challenges, we strive to close the opportunity gap and build a stronger, more equitable future for all. At Y.E.S., we are more than a nonprofit—we are a movement for economic empowerment, personal growth, and positive change.
Educating Young Adults
Youth Empowering Society (Y.E.S) is a nonprofit organization focused on creating real change in underserved communities. We do this by offering educational programs and housing support that help people build better lives and brighter futures. At Y.E.S, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to succeed. Our programs are designed to break the cycle of poverty by teaching valuable life and job skills, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and helping individuals feel more connected to their communities. Our goal is to give people the tools they need to thrive—not just survive.
Founded by El Simpson, Y.E.S was created to support young adults as they face some of life’s biggest challenges. Whether it’s finding stable housing, finishing school, or preparing for a career, we’re here to help them make that transition with confidence and support. We take our work seriously and hold ourselves to high standards. That means running our programs with integrity, using best practices, and staying accountable to the people we serve. At the core of it all is our belief that every life matters—and that with the right support, every person has the potential to succeed.
Our team is made up of people who truly care. Many of our staff and volunteers come from the very areas we serve, so they understand the challenges firsthand. Our Board of Directors is also deeply committed, bringing a wide range of professional experience and a shared passion for making a difference.
At Y.E.S, we’re not just offering services—we’re building a community where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow.
Life Skills University: Preparing Young Adults for Real Life
At Youth Empowering Society (Y.E.S.), we’re working hard to create something powerful — a place where young adults can come to learn real-life skills, gain financial independence, and build a better future. We’re currently developing Life Skills University, a hands-on learning experience designed to help students take control of their lives and become leaders in their communities.
This program will focus on everything from financial literacy and business development to healthy living and community involvement — the things that really matter when you’re trying to build a stable, successful life.
What We’re Building
To make Life Skills University a reality, we’re looking for support to secure a facility that can serve as the heart of this program. We’re planning a space that includes:
- Housing for students
- Classrooms and learning labs
- Administrative offices
- A community garden
- This isn’t just about having a building — it’s about creating a safe, supportive environment where students can learn, grow, and feel at home.
Environmentally Responsible, Inside and Out
We care deeply about the health and well-being of our students — and that extends to the environment too. That’s why our future campus will use green energy and eco-friendly practices wherever possible. Not only will this help us reduce our environmental footprint, but it’ll also teach our students how to live sustainably and responsibly.
Who Can Apply
We work with young adults, ages 18–24, who are ready to make a positive change in their lives. Each applicant will meet with a member of our team for a short interview to talk about their background, goals, and whether this program is the right fit.
We’ll look at things like:
- Motivation and willingness to grow
- Attitude and respect for others
- Readiness to follow through with the program
- We will also partner with local schools, government programs, and community organizations to receive referrals and make sure we’re reaching the young people who need us most.
What Life Looks Like at Life Skills University
Once accepted, students will live on-site and follow a structured, supportive schedule that gives them a sense of purpose and routine. Here’s what a typical day might include:
- A healthy breakfast to start the day
- Interactive classes on topics like entrepreneurship, budgeting, and leadership
- Hands-on projects that teach practical life and career skills
- Free time in the evenings for homework, recreation, or community service
On weekends, students will have opportunities to relax, connect, and continue growing — both individually and as part of the larger community.
Learning by Living
We believe that responsibility is taught by doing. That’s why each student will help take care of their living space — through daily chores and shared responsibilities. These simple habits help build confidence and create a clean, safe, and respectful home environment.
We’ll provide everything students need to live comfortably and focus on learning, including meals, bedding, and essentials.
A Team That Cares
Every part of our program is led by people who care deeply about the work we do. Our staff is made up of experienced educators, mentors, and youth development professionals who bring both knowledge and compassion to the table. Each team member goes through a screening and interview process to make sure we’re creating the safest, most supportive environment possible.
El Simpson
Founder and Director
Youth Empowering Society
My Life Experience
Hello I am the founder of Youth Empowering Society (Y.E.S.). At its core, Y.E.S. is a gateway into Life Skills University—a transformative experience where we select 50 young people from nearby urban communities and give them the tools to thrive—not just survive—in today’s world.
This program is about more than just education; it’s about empowerment. We work with a mix of young men and women, providing housing, meals, clothing, and—most importantly—practical life skills that lead to financial independence and personal growth.
Participants learn everything from how to shop on a budget to preparing healthy meals for themselves. All three meals are served daily, made in the campus cafeteria—often by the students themselves, as part of their learning experience.
We also partner with local banks to help each student open checking and savings accounts (if they don’t already have them). These banks will also hold workshops on financial literacy to help our students understand how money works—from saving and budgeting to credit and investing.
The goal is to help these young people lay down a strong foundation—not just for themselves, but for their families and communities. It’s an innovative program because, while the approach is modern, we’re really just bringing back old-school values—one student at a time.
Cleveland, Ohio, is the pilot location for this initiative. As Y.E.S. continues to grow and succeed, we plan to bring the Life Skills University model to urban communities all over the world. Because every city has a neighborhood that could use a little more opportunity—and we’re building an army of financially savvy, community-minded young leaders to rise to the challenge.
Felicia M. Hood
Assistant Executive Director of Youth Empowering Society
Born 4/24/1970.
Mother of 2 Sons
Kara K. Tatum
Founder Of K.o.c.a organization.
karaktatum@outlook.com
I am a native of Cleveland, Ohio and have, resided here my entire life. I am the Founder Of K.o.c.a organization.
(Keep Our Children Alive), Pure Definition LLC, Veda Incorporated and Wom,en Networking With Women. I recently started a campaign called I am her & I am him so who are you? It’s a program designated to providing services to women, men, and teenagers. Our core areas of focus are education, domestic violence, homelessness’s, and various life topic’s. Our skills and areas of expertise include Business Development, Educational Programs and more. I am very passionate about charitable organizations and women empowerment. I also sit on different Boards and committees throughout the state of Ohio. My hobbies and interests include reading, sports, fashion and writing poetry.
A Word About Me
For over 20 years, El Simpson has been a driving force in mentoring and uplifting young adults from underserved urban communities. As a passionate community leader, educator, and mentor, El believes deeply in the power of knowledge, structure, and opportunity to transform lives.
In response to the critical need for leadership development and economic empowerment in urban neighborhoods, El founded Youth Empowering Society (Y.E.S.) and Life Skills University, Inc. These two groundbreaking programs are designed to bridge the gap between survival and success for disadvantaged youth.
At the core of Y.E.S. is a bold mission: to educate and empower young adults (ages 18–24) through a comprehensive four-year program. Through Life Skills University, participants receive far more than education — they gain access to safe housing, nutritious meals, clothing, and one-on-one mentorship. This holistic approach ensures students can focus fully on their growth and development, free from the pressures of basic survival.
The ultimate goal? To cultivate young leaders who return to their communities equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to create lasting change. Graduates of Life Skills University don’t just find jobs — they launch businesses, lead community initiatives, and uplift others, becoming powerful examples of resilience, success, and service.
