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About Us

At Youth Empowerment Shelter (YES), our mission is to provide youth in crisis a place of physical and emotional safety while assisting them to build positive relationships and develop their individual potential.

Giving Youth A Safe Space

YES was founded in 2014 by a dedicated group of volunteers who saw a gap in resources for youth in crisis in the mid-Columbia River region who were in need of a safe and secure place to stay. 

Led by Gary and Linda Casady, YES set out to find a physical location to establish a year-round, 24-hour shelter for youth 10-17 years old. 

Today, YES provides youth in crisis with physical and emotional safety through the YES House. We also provide a wide range of other supports that help youth and families live healthy, productive lives. 

We are a public benefit nonprofit organization registered in the state of Oregon. We serve youth of the mid-Columbia Gorge region, including six counties on both sides of the Columbia River: Wasco, Hood River, Sherman, Gilliam, Klickitat and Skamania. 

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Meet Our Team

Our dedicated staff and volunteers are committed to improving the lives of youth in the mid-Columbia Gorge region.

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> Meet Our Founders