Our Programs

Youth and Family Enrichment Services Inc. (YoFES) is in the business of changing and shaping lives. We make sure our partners are empowered by creating opportunities for individuals and communities.

Youth Programs

YoFestival

YoFestival is an annual event held by YoFES in honor of Haitian Mother's Day. Traditionally, it also marks the conclusion of Haitian Heritage Month festivities in Boston. Friends and supporters gather together to celebrate the strength, progress, and the thriving culture of the greater Boston Haitian community. Students perform to compete for prizes and to showcase their yearly musical development and audiences also enjoy appearances by YoFES Staff, local artists, and public figures.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, YoFES was unable to host an in-person event for YoFestival 2020. However, we were still able to create an exciting, vibrant virtual program! Check it out on the right!

OAMEC Music Program

The Open Access to Music Education for Children program provides the opportunity for a regular practice of musical self expression. Through weekly private lessons and ensemble work, our youth develop new musical skills, learn the value of dedication, and increase their own self confidence. To showcase the growth of our students, YoFES holds multiple concert events per year. Check out the Past Performances page and hear their incredible talent for yourself!

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Youth Builders After School Program

The After school Program provides the educational support which is missing, and necessary for kids children to succeed in finding their place in the world. Our support includes improving literacy, working to improve grades, leadership, and employment for the youth. They also learn the importance of self-care through nutrition, and a sense of pride in their heritage.

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Adult Programs

Parent University

Beginning in the fall of 2020, YoFES is partnering with Haitian American Public Health Initiatives (HAPHI) to conduct virtual Parent Education Programs to assist Haitian parents in navigating Boston Public Schools and other city and state resources in order to better support their children through the health and economic crises resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Known as "Parent University", these trainings will provide information to parents regarding BPS weekly updates, CDC health updates, and local city and state updates over the next 6 months. All classes will be conducted in Haitian Creole and course materials will be translated into Haitian Creole.

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Summer Program

Our summer enrichment program, YoFES Youth Builders Summer (YBS) Camp, is designed to provide Boston area children and youth with a safe, structured environment to explore their curiosity, be creative continuing engaging in the activities they love. This year (2020), YBS Camp presents a unique opportunity for participant to experience a wide variety of creative and performing arts. Our campers will immerse themselves in exciting activities such as singing, instrumental music, dance, and theatre, all of which will be lead by highly qualified teaching artists and professionals. We'll also host daily "Virtual Adventure Time" sessions, where students will gain scientific knowledge, explore creative writing and language arts, and discover new, amazing things about the world around them.

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Targeted Health Initiatives

YoFES has been in the forefront of offering evidence based model and best practice interventions to adolescents and young adults living in Metro Boston who may be at risk for STIs and HIV risk transmission and acquisition. YoFES, through its Boston Public Health Commission funded P & E program, conducts STIs and HIV/AIDS training for Haitian youth, particularly newcomer Haitian immigrants between the ages of 15 to 25, throughout the year. YoFES’s Enhanced Project SMART curriculum includes the following key components for our target group: Screening and risk assessments, behavioral skills practice; group discussions and lectures, and safer sex negotiation and communication skills. We trained more than 240 young Haitian Americans this past year.

Note: Project SMART activities are currently suspended due to the COVID-19 Pandemic