Youth & Families Determined to Succeed

                                          Youth and Family Development Services (YFDS) 

PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS AND HEALTHIER LIFESTYLES

 

Our mission is to enrich the lives and wellbeing of youth and families through innovative programs in health, wellness, and youth development—addressing health disparities and opportunity gaps in under-resourced communities of color.

Who We Are                                                                                                                                                                                     YFDS is a community-based nonprofit committed to advancing health equity, family wellness, and youth achievement. For over 25 years, YFDS has produced meaningful results, sustained family engagement, and achieved outstanding outcomes in leadership, health, and athletics. Founded: 1999   |    Headquarters: North Minneapolis   |   Wellness Fitness Center: New Hope 

Core Programs

Families4Health (F4H)

• Launched in 2010, F4H is a comprehensive, evidence-based health and wellness program.
• Serves youth and families referred primarily by physicians for health restoration.
• Over 350 families supported; 70% physician-referred.
• Helps families address obesity, diabetes, and heart disease through fitness, nutrition, and mental wellbeing.

Youth Leadership of Change (YLC)

• Holistic youth development model addressing mental health, academic underachievement, and equity disparities.
• Blends personal development, fitness, nutrition education, and track & field to build resilience and leadership.

Track Minnesota Elite (TME)

• A nationally recognized track and field and athletic development program.
• Uses sport as a catalyst for character development, academic growth, and healthy lifestyle habits.
• Promotes family engagement and post-secondary readiness for youth athletes.

Our Impact

• 400+ youth served annually
• 200+ families engaged each year
• 25+ years of community service and program innovation
• Participants: 70% African American, 12% African immigrant, 12% White, 3% Hispanic, 3% Asian Pacific Islander

Our Approach

YFDS integrates health, family, and youth development into a unified model that:

• Builds lifelong wellness habits
• Strengthens family connections
• Reduces health disparities
• Create pathways to higher education and long-term success