In the world that we live in today, filled with isolation and individuals, YES Institute extends community and communication.”— Cali McKenzie

Contribute to our work with families on Give Miami Day!

Donate Here: https://www.givemiamiday.org/yesinstitute

The mission of YES Institute is to prevent suicide and ensure the healthy development of all youth through powerful communication and education on gender and orientation. Our dialogues and education focus on parents, professionals, and communities who care for and nurture youth. 

Cali McKenzie, returning intern and Youth Advisory Leadership Council member, shares about the beneficial impact of our work.

“Dear friends, the first time I walked into the YES Institute I was greeted with kind and warm faces; ones that I knew would welcome me in and allow me to learn about this world and myself. I was still nervous about walking into a room even

though I knew they would help me. I was nervous because I didn’t know what support looked like. I didn’t quite understand myself, who I was, or who I could be. At the time, I was in high school–tremendously lost with no community that I fit into. I hid myself in the

rooms I walked into, trying to fade into the background with all my might and push down the sparkling life inside of me. I didn’t know then that YES Institute’s tools would allow me to flourish and blossom like the flowers in spring, pulled out of the cold and dark-encompassing winter.

I will forever be grateful for the environment that YES Institute creates. It is one of growth, peace, overcoming personal challenges, and learning. To me, it has always been a place that I know I can come home to. For me, they are like a beacon in a lighthouse. YES Institute’s courses and training are knowledge that I will forever carry with me in life – helping me interpersonally, professionally, and individually.

Five years ago, I never would have imagined that I would be graduating from college. I never would have pictured my world filled with such joy and love–or with such peace. Quite frankly, I never really did much imagining then. The YES Institute didn’t just teach me, or help me, they gave me a way to imagine my future–a way to look forward to the rest of the days to come.

I keep returning to YES Institute because of the community; it’s the way that they lovingly encourage me to be me. Whoever, whatever, and however I am, I will always have a space there. There is an unconditionality to the space that YES creates. If you need them, they will be there; they will hear you.

This year, we have reached more than 5,100 people in educational dialogues and courses across North America. Requests for resources and referrals from families and youth have increased 63% from last year. YES Institute invests 87% of every dollar directly into our educational programs. Our finances are audited annually, and we hold a Gold Transparency rating with Candid/Guidestar.

Please share with your community and remember to save the dates: November 13 – 16, 2023 for Give Miami Day!