About Us

Mission

Launched in 1990 with 28 young people in a church basement, YBB was the first replication of the YouthBuild model outside of New York. The mission of YouthBuild Boston Inc. (YBB) is to improve opportunities for young people of Boston by teaching skills that will equip them to support themselves and help develop personal and neighborhood responsibility. The guiding principle of YBB is "Youth or young adults, when treated as valuable resources, will realize that they can be partners in rebuilding their community". YBB realizes that the difficulties that young people face must be overcome by addressing the terrible and overwhelming lack of empowerment that they often feel. These feelings are reinforced by a society that views them as part of the problem, and not the solution. YBB recognizes that these individuals are capable of and vital to improving their lives and the condition of their community.

YBB has been successful since its inception. YBB, along with other agencies has contributed to the vibrancy of the community. Consistent funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, AmeriCorps, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, YouthBuild USA, the private foundation community, corporations, and individuals, has enabled us to serve Boston youth. We do this through the operation of four programs.

YouthBuild Boston Philosophy

We recognize that a young people, we are one of the greatest resources available to the survival of our community. Therefore, we stand ready, willing and hereby pledge our commitment:

1. To rebuild and improve the quality of life in our community through collective work, responsibility and cooperative economics;
2. To educate, elevate and raise the consciousness of ourselves and others along the way;
3. To develop our potential as leaders and positive role models so we can proactively pursue justice, equality and peace for all.

All this we do with appreciation, love, dignity, respect and faith that the collective will of the community is the greatest force conceivable.