Youth Development
Helping youth grow, lead, and thrive.
From the earliest years through the teen stage, our Youth Development programs guide young people toward success. We support parents in building strong foundations for their children’s growth and connect older youth with mentors who inspire confidence, life skills, and positive choices. Together, we help every child reach their full potential.
Be the reason a young person believes in themselves
Team Up pairs youth with mentors who show up, listen, and guide them toward their goals. We have an urgent need for male mentors to serve as positive role models for boys in our community. Your time and encouragement can open doors, build confidence, and change a life.
Our 2025 Impact
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Real Voices
Meet Eric Crowley—sergeant with the Suffolk Police Department, pastor at The Dwelling Place Ministries, and dedicated mentor with The Up Center’s Team Up Mentoring Prog
Meet Eric Crowley—sergeant with the Suffolk Police Department, pastor at The Dwelling Place Ministries, and dedicated mentor with The Up Center’s Team Up Mentoring Program.
Late in the summer of 2024, the Johnson family faced a terrifying domestic violence crisis that changed their lives in an instant. The children—two teenagers and their
Late in the summer of 2024, the Johnson family faced a terrifying domestic violence crisis that changed their lives in an instant. The children—two teenagers and their younger sister—witnessed an attack on their mother. When the teenage son tried to protect her, he was injured as well.
For months, Justin had been preparing for one of the most important moments of his life—the birth of his second child. A longtime participant in The Up Center’s Dad Eng
For months, Justin had been preparing for one of the most important moments of his life—the birth of his second child. A longtime participant in The Up Center’s Dad Engagement program, he had attended every group session, asked questions, and supported his high-risk fiancée with care and commitment. When complications arose near the due date, Justin stayed grounded, drawing on the tools and confidence he had gained through the program.
When Jayden was just nine years old, he was matched with his Team Up mentor, Marcus. Over the years, their bond grew strong—built on trust, encouragement, and countless
For Alana, a mother in the Parents as Teachers program, the journey had been long and filled with uncertainty. Her oldest child had been placed with a relative through
For Alana, a mother in the Parents as Teachers program, the journey had been long and filled with uncertainty. Her oldest child had been placed with a relative through foster care, and while she focused on raising her younger children, she never stopped working toward reunification. With the steady support of her home visitor, Alana built routines, strengthened her parenting skills, and completed every requirement the court asked of her.
When Terrence first joined The Up Center’s Dad 2 Dads group, he was struggling quietly. On the verge of divorce and feeling emotionally overwhelmed, he came to the sess
When Terrence first joined The Up Center’s Dad 2 Dads group, he was struggling quietly. On the verge of divorce and feeling emotionally overwhelmed, he came to the sessions unsure of what to expect—and completely closed off to the idea of therapy. He told himself he was just there to listen, not to share.
At The Up Center, doulas provide emotional, physical, and educational support so families never have to face pregnancy, birth, or postpartum alone.
At The Up Center, doulas provide emotional, physical, and educational support so families never have to face pregnancy, birth, or postpartum alone.
When Tyrell first joined The Up Center’s Dads Under Construction group, he was preparing for one of life’s biggest changes—becoming a father. He had been referred by a
When Tyrell first joined The Up Center’s Dads Under Construction group, he was preparing for one of life’s biggest changes—becoming a father. He had been referred by a home visitor who was already working with his partner through The Up Center’s early childhood home visiting program. Together, they entered their respective programs before their baby’s birth, both determined to give their child the best possible start.
When Keira joined The Up Center’s Healthy Families program two and a half years ago, she was a determined teen preparing for motherhood. She and her boyfriend, Dante, w
When Keira joined The Up Center’s Healthy Families program two and a half years ago, she was a determined teen preparing for motherhood. She and her boyfriend, Dante, were still in high school and living with their little boy in a busy multigenerational home. Together, they were learning what it meant to be parents while still figuring out who they were themselves.
For many new parents, the days after giving birth can feel overwhelming—filled with sleepless nights, new routines, and uncertainty. But for two families supported by T
For many new parents, the days after giving birth can feel overwhelming—filled with sleepless nights, new routines, and uncertainty. But for two families supported by The Up Center’s doula program in the spring, that transition home was met with confidence, calm, and care.
When Elena joined The Up Center’s Healthy Families program, her twin boys were just newborns. Over the years, she has built a close relationship with her Family Support
When Elena joined The Up Center’s Healthy Families program, her twin boys were just newborns. Over the years, she has built a close relationship with her Family Support Specialist, learning new ways to support her children’s growth and development. Recently, one of her twins mastered potty training with ease—while the other struggled.
When Lucia found out she was expecting her first child, she felt both excitement and uncertainty. As a single mother, she knew she would need extra support, but she was
When Lucia found out she was expecting her first child, she felt both excitement and uncertainty. As a single mother, she knew she would need extra support, but she wasn’t sure where to find it. That changed when she met one of The Up Center’s doulas, during a community outreach event.
Latoya, an expecting mother, now preparing to welcome her seventh child, has shown remarkable strength in the face of loss and uncertainty. After losing her sixth baby
Latoya, an expecting mother, now preparing to welcome her seventh child, has shown remarkable strength in the face of loss and uncertainty. After losing her sixth baby to RSV complications in the NICU, she is now navigating a new pregnancy with concerns about her baby’s heart health.
When Morgan opened her door for her Parents as Teachers home visit, the scene was beautifully chaotic. Toys scattered across the floor, babies babbling in chorus, and k
When Ariana joined The Up Center’s Healthy Families program in the beginning of the year, she was eight months pregnant with her first child and filled with both excite
When Ariana joined The Up Center’s Healthy Families program in the beginning of the year, she was eight months pregnant with her first child and filled with both excitement and anxiety. More than anything, she wanted to be a good mother—but she admitted that her biggest hope was for her baby to “be quiet and sleep through the night.” Like many first-time moms, Ariana longed for peace, unsure what to expect when her baby arrived.
When Carmen joined The Up Center’s Parents as Teachers (PAT) program, she was expecting her second child and hoping to build a better future for her growing family. Lif
When Carmen joined The Up Center’s Parents as Teachers (PAT) program, she was expecting her second child and hoping to build a better future for her growing family. Life had not been easy—between work, parenting, and navigating a language barrier, she often felt isolated from the world around her. But through the support and encouragement of her home visitor, Carmen began to see what was possible.
