YIELD International - Our History, Our Mission, Our Vision

The mission of YIELD International Outreach Programs (YIELD) is to improve the quality of life for children, youth and their families by creating multifunctional programs to stimulate, promote, and foster positive youth development.

Our Vision

YIELD envisions a time when all young people will have the exposure, training, opportunities and skill sets they need to successfully make the transition to adulthood and the workplace.

Our Intent

• Assure every child the opportunity for a healthy start in life.
• Promote healthy lifestyles and behaviors.
• To provide young people with opportunities for achievement, learning, contribution and service, and exposure to culture and diversity.
• To help adolescents expand their horizons, draw on their inner strength and learn life lessons vital to healthy mental, emotional, and physical growth.
• To reach youth who are very difficult to reach via more traditional-type programs.
• Increase the number of effective networks, coalitions, and partnerships to address organizational objectives.
• Improve communications and respect for diversity among various audiences to increase awareness and understanding of the problems confronting program participants.
• To provide positive alternatives for youth, to ensure their safety, and maximize their potential, allowing them to take advantage of available opportunities.
• To weave youth into the very core of the community's fabric.

Our History

The history of YIELD International Outreach Programs (YIELD) is embodied in its managerial leadership. The organization and its components are the brain child of its founder, Marie Frasure, who brings 25+ years of experience in effectively managing diverse not-for-profit programs, a lifetime of caring and empowering youth, and who has been operating the YIELD program for the past eight years. It was born out of her love for youth and passion to see them reach their greatest potential. She and the team of volunteers who have worked closely with her over the years are directly responsible for the success of hundreds of young people. She plays a pivotal role in her community, nationally and globally.

Our Rationale

YIELD International Outreach Programs holds the premise that if young people are provided opportunities and activities that will broaden their perceptions about life, (thereby increasing their levels of expectancy), they will lead more productive lives. They will become active participants as stewards of our society. If we are to empower the adults of tomorrow, we must invest in the youth of today.

There is a growing sense of hopelessness about our nation's ability to address key problems and rebuild America's communities. When facing such staggering problems as juvenile delinquency, drug usage, teen pregnancy, crime, racism, suicide, violence, poverty, and similar issues, it is critical to develop strategies for change that are based on logic, and also ensures that youth are an pivotal role in the process, and therefore of the community. Youth participation must be interwoven into the solution. It is for this very reason that YIELD participants and graduates are included in our board composition, not in a superficial manner but they are given a valuable voice and equal vote in the life of the organization.