November 1, 1958 – July 5, 2023

We mourn the loss and celebrate the incredible legacy of Jonathan D. Lewis, visionary entrepreneur, social equity leader, and philanthropist, who passed away on July 5,  2023. Through his foundation, Jonathan contributed nearly $650,000 over 20 years to the work of YES Institute. His remarkable generosity played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of our nonprofit mission. His contributions not only raised awareness but also significantly enhanced our community profile, particularly with regards to our programs focused on educating and preventing youth suicide.

Jonathan’s unwavering belief in the power and voice of young individuals, along with his deep understanding of the significance of prioritizing and investing in youth development and empowerment, stands as a cornerstone of our mission. His commitment to our vision of a world where youth are free of suicide, bullying, and discrimination remains a driving force in our work today.

Our board members and staff consider ourselves profoundly fortunate to have had the privilege of collaborating, working alongside, and seeking guidance from Jonathan for numerous years. Beyond his generous financial support, Jonathan lent his expertise, extensive network, strategic acumen, and invaluable wisdom to ensure the best outcomes for the youth, families, and communities we serve.

Jonathan’s contributions extended not only to YES Institute but also to innumerable other social causes and initiatives that championed the greater good. To explore the breadth of his extraordinary impact, we invite you to read his obituary, which vividly portrays his remarkable legacy at this link.