Our Mission
"YELLS empowers youth to rise as active, healthy, and productive servant-leaders within their communities."
Our Vision
YELLS envisions communities where youth have voice and value and ensures they possess the leadership skills, confidence, character, and collaborative networks needed to shape their world.
Our Story
YELLS, Inc. was founded in 2008 by Laura Keefe, a dedicated Marietta High School teacher who saw the potential in the youth of the Franklin Gateway community. What began as a small mentoring initiative has grown into a comprehensive youth development organization serving hundreds of young people each year.
Located in Marietta, Georgia, YELLS operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, providing mentoring, afterschool programming, and workforce development opportunities to youth from elementary school through young adulthood.
Our name captures our purpose: Youth Empowerment through Learning, Leading, & Serving. We believe that when young people are given the tools, support, and opportunities they need, they can transform not only their own lives but their entire community.
Our Team
Laura Keefe
Founder & Executive Director
Kevin Keefe
Program Director
Maria Bailey
Program Coordinator
Lorena Beltran
Youth Services
George O'Donnell
Program Staff
Gregory Taylor
Program Staff
Ruthie Yow
Program Staff
Monica
Program Staff
Our Partners & Funders
We are grateful for the support of our community partners who make our work possible.
