East Liberty nonprofit Youth Enrichment Services Named 2019 Champion in Action
“Trib Total Media recognizes the power of the mentorship provided to young people in the Pittsburgh region by Youth Enrichment Services.”
— Jennifer Bertetto, Trib Total Media President and CEO
By Courier Editor, March 4, 2019
The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that Youth Enrichment Services (YES), a nonprofit providing socially and economically at-risk youth the opportunity to achieve success through participation in mentorship, education and enrichment programs, has been named a 2019 Champion in Action in the category of Youth Leadership. The award, announced jointly by Citizens Bank, WPXI-TV, Trib Total Media and Pittsburgh Cares, includes $35,000 in unrestricted funding as well as promotional and volunteer support for the organization’s outstanding work, according to a release.
Youth Enrichment Services (YES) provides empowerment, experiential opportunities, academic enrichment and summer employment as positive pathways to future success. YES partners with local organizations to create synergy and generates transformative stories, national accolades and positive research outcomes.
DENNIS F. JONES, PHD (he, him, his)
Executive Director
Dr. Jones is the Executive Director and visionary of Youth Enrichment Services (YES). As both the progenitor and senior leader, Dr. Jones is charting the organization’s strategic direction and fostering its role as a vital community asset.
After three decades of engaging in youth development focused work and serving nearly 5,000 young people and families living on the margins, Dr. Jones remains committed to YES’ core mission and vision of empowering youth and their communities to become their own best resource - with agency and power in all aspects of their lives. Like YES’ ethos, Dr. Jones believes there are no throw away kids; to him, everyone has value, and everyone matters. These fundamental principles have guided Dr. Jones over YES’ 30-year journey. According to Dr. Jones, leading YES continues to be a labor of love, challenge, and joy.
Dr. Jones sits in partnership with YES’ volunteer Board of Directors whose sacrifice and commitment are unparalleled, along with staff who have shaped the contours of YES’ mission to make it relevant and applicable to young generations who have become successful college graduates and community leaders. As a scholar practitioner, Dr. Jones lives on the edge, pushing new science-based innovations to equip YES’ young children for their future successes.
Outside of his YES tenure, Dr. Jones is a former Associate Professor in the College of Physical Activity and Sports Sciences, Department of Sport Studies where he taught a variety of courses to both undergraduate and graduate students for more than 30 years. He is also a member of Leadership Pittsburgh where he continues to grow YES’ list of stakeholders, funders, partner agencies, and well-meaning donors who all share in YES’ journey and success.