Youth At Heart wins prestigious state recognition
Youth At Heart
Youth At Heart is a leader in providing programs in education, recreation and social development to youth living in Tulsa.
Since 1976, YAH has provided youth living in Tulsa’s socio-economically challenged neighborhoods a variety of after-school and summer programs that include tutoring, character training, youth mentoring, health and fitness training, sports leagues, career exploration, community service and summer camp. Each year, these programs reach over 3,000 children and teens, giving them an effective alternative to idleness, vandalism, drug use and gang activities that so often plague their communities.
Mission
The Youth At Heart's mission is to shape, support and encourage youth. To accomplish this, YAH provides youth learning opportunities through educational, recreational, and social experiences.
History
YAH was formed by the merger of two United Way agencies—Destination Discovery and Helping Hands of Tulsa. Destination Discovery was established in the summer of 1976, to provide educational and social programs for children living in low-income housing in Tulsa. Helping Hands of Tulsa was founded in October of 1984, to provide constructive and meaningful activities to children living in public housing through a Children’s Life Lessons Hour.
In 2003, at the urging of United Way, the two agencies consolidated to provide uniform programs in each of the 11 apartment communities they served. YAH now manages nine Tulsa Housing Authority community centers, and provides children and teen enrichment programs that include tutoring, crime prevention classes, life-skills training, character-building activities, and intramural sports.
Youth At Heart Communities:
- Apache Manor
- Comanche Park
- East Central Village
- Edenwood
- South Haven Manor
- Mohawk Manor
- Normandy Apartments
- Parkview Terrace
- Riverview Park
- Sandy Park
- Seminole Hills
