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Nonprofit Member
United Youth Empowerment Services
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Organization Overview
United Youth Empowerment Services (UnitedYES) is a BIPOC-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Lewiston, Maine, founded in 2016 by former Somali Bantu refugee youth. Our mission is to empower immigrant and refugee youth through culturally responsive programs that promote leadership, wellness, and community healing.
UnitedYES serves youth ages 3–25, particularly those from African immigrant communities. Our work began with multicultural media projects and evolved to include year-round youth development, recreation, trauma-informed support, and food access initiatives.
Core programs include:
Youth Recreation: Soccer and basketball leagues and clinics that encourage physical health, teamwork, and confidence.
Academic Support: After-school homework help and enrichment activities.
Media Literacy & Storytelling: Youth-led film, photography, and digital storytelling to amplify marginalized voices.
Community Healing: Trauma awareness workshops and mental health events in partnership with local professionals.
Food Access: Weekly culturally relevant produce distribution through partnerships with New Roots Cooperative and Isuken Farm.
UnitedYES is grounded in community organizing and movement building. We co-create with youth, centering their leadership and lived experiences to foster resilience and social transformation. Our services are available in Somali, Maay Maay, English, and other community languages, with over 50% of our board and staff identifying as Black or African.
UnitedYES serves youth ages 3–25, particularly those from African immigrant communities. Our work began with multicultural media projects and evolved to include year-round youth development, recreation, trauma-informed support, and food access initiatives.
Core programs include:
Youth Recreation: Soccer and basketball leagues and clinics that encourage physical health, teamwork, and confidence.
Academic Support: After-school homework help and enrichment activities.
Media Literacy & Storytelling: Youth-led film, photography, and digital storytelling to amplify marginalized voices.
Community Healing: Trauma awareness workshops and mental health events in partnership with local professionals.
Food Access: Weekly culturally relevant produce distribution through partnerships with New Roots Cooperative and Isuken Farm.
UnitedYES is grounded in community organizing and movement building. We co-create with youth, centering their leadership and lived experiences to foster resilience and social transformation. Our services are available in Somali, Maay Maay, English, and other community languages, with over 50% of our board and staff identifying as Black or African.
Nonprofit Member
What is your primary mission area?
Arts/ Cultural/ Humanities