Special to the Gazette
On Wednesday, October 22, Youth Enrichment Services (YES), a nonprofit organization committed to providing impactful and rewarding outdoor experiences to thousands of young people throughout Boston, celebrated its future headquarters in Jamaica Plain with a beam raising ceremony. In recognition of a deep and longstanding partnership spanning 20 years, the Yawkey Foundation awarded a generous $1.5 million grant to name YES’s new headquarters in honor of its founder, the Richard Williams Youth Development Center.
“The YES story starts with Richard Williams. When he first came to Boston in 1968, there was little emphasis on youth opportunities. He had to start doing things in new ways. At age 29 he founded YES. Richard devoted his life to young people and expanded their understanding of what was possible in their lives,” said Mary Williams, wife of YES’s founder, Richard Williams, who also served as the organization’s executive director from 2002-2008.
The Richard Williams Youth Development Center, which is set to open in 2026 at 267 Amory Street, will be a 16,000 square-foot, state-of-the art facility complete with a rock climbing wall, ski shop, classroom space, multipurpose space, and more to support year-round outdoor and leadership experiences for Boston’s youth ages 7-18.
“It’s such an honor to the legacy of my father and my family to have this building named the ‘Richard Williams Youth Development Center,’” said Mark Williams, son of YES founder Richard Williams and YES Board of Trustee member. “This is the crowning achievement of my father’s life work. Honoring my father Richard Williams through the naming of this new facility ensures that the story of YES will forever center on the extraordinary commitment of a man whose vision built the foundation upon which YES continues to thrive.”
When the late Richard Williams founded YES in 1968, his mission was to give youth a chance. He wanted to provide young people with the opportunity to experience nature and outdoor activity, and to elevate their experiences beyond the confines of their city block. Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his call to dream of possibilities, Williams took his passion for skiing to Boston and created the Youth Activities Commission, later to be known as Youth Enrichment Services (YES). YES provides low- to moderate-income children and teens throughout Boston with the opportunity to learn how to ski, and has grown over the years to include other outdoor activities such as snowboarding, rock climbing, biking, and track and field. YES empowers youth to reach their full potential through outdoor experiences and leadership opportunities that build confidence and prepare them to face life’s challenges.
“Honoring Richard through the naming of this new facility ensures that the story of YES will forever celebrate his extraordinary vision and unwavering commitment to Boston’s young people,” said Alicia Verity, CEO of the Yawkey Foundation. “It’s a lasting tribute that will inspire and connect generations to his legacy.”
The new three-story facility will enable YES to expand its reach and support an even greater number of city youth eager to participate in its programs. The completion of the new headquarters will allow YES to serve over 500 more Boston youth in its first three years of operation and 700 more in five years. Currently, YES serves more than 1,200 children and teens annually primarily from Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan and Jamaica Plain.
The Capital Campaign for the Richard Williams Youth Development Center is nearing 80 percent of its $10.4 million fundraising goal, which includes $1 million donations from Phill and Liz Gross, and Brian Lash and Family.
“This new facility is going to help us provide hundreds more youth each year with leadership and outdoor enrichment opportunities in a location that better serves our families,” said Bryan Van Dorpe, Executive Director YES. “We are grateful for the Yawkey Foundation and their unwavering support, and are thrilled to carry on Richard’s legacy through our many programs and future headquarters. Our new home will offer even more experiences and activities for generations to come.”
The project continues to progress with donations from philanthropic organizations, public support and the anticipated sale of its current home at 412 Massachusetts Avenue in the South End, which went on the market earlier this year. The project team completing the new building includes YES’s Project Manager, Causeway Development, VVA Project & Cost Managers, with architect design by Embarc and construction management by Timberline Construction.
For more information visit YESKIDS.ORG.