Youth Expressions, Inc.

"Raising the Standards with Purpose"

Youth Expressions, Inc. is a community-based program providing youth peer-to-peer mentoring, tutoring, cultural enrichment, research-based education, and sports fundamentals.

Youth Expressions comes together in collaboration with other community agencies in helping our youth to discover how to:

  • Be resilient and confident.

  • Approve of themselves and not long for approval and acceptance from others.

  • Respond to situations instead of reacting from the way things are.

  • Live with integrity so that their word is law.

Our Partners 

  • Motivate the participant to do well in school

  • Empower the participant with useful roles in the community

  • Improve their planning and decision-making skills

  • Improve their ability to resist negative peer pressure

Our Mission

Our Goals

To creatively provide innovative programs for youth and families that will improve their lives and encourage them to achieve their greatest potential.

We're making a difference in the lives of those we serve...

My experience with Youth Expressions has always been positive. From teaching classes, chaperoning field trips, or helping to organize programs, I have grown at so many levels. I was afforded the opportunity to work with children and youth from different socioeconomic backgrounds. I was especially pleased to see those from rural areas involved in activities that they would not normally be involved in had it not been for Youth Expressions. Driving the church van with loads of children and youth excited about where they were going and what they would be doing was rewarding to me. Ms. Cassandra planted the seeds, while we were able to nurture and watch the seeds grow. Youth Expressions provide life-long lessons that will enable children to grow spiritually, academically, and socially. We need more programs like Youth Expressions to address the growing problems of our children today. Barbara B.

Since being involved with Youth Expressions, I have been given guidance and support allowing me to make informed decisions to reach my goals. Ms. Finley’s enthusiasm and passion for helping others is inspiring. I consider her to be a great mentor and motivator who encourages me to reach my full potential and achieve my goals. I'm grateful for her support. Thank you for guiding me toward my dreams, you're helping me grow into a man who is embracing what I really want in life. Irvin F.

In middle school, I got involved with Youth Expressions through my church. What I appreciate the most is how the program helped me to think deeper and understand how things impact my life. I loved the dance teams, conferences and the different workshops that I attended. They helped me to work on my leadership skills and apply what I learned in my own life. I have been able to make better decisions and lead others in a positive direction. The program has helped me to develop a better understanding of how to approach different situations. I have gained a great deal of knowledge and have grown as a person. Imani N.

I started with Youth Expressions in middle school, not realizing the impact that it would have on my life long term. Ms. Cassandra with YE took us in and treated us as if we were her own. YE showed us what it meant to keep an open mind and maintain a positive attitude and outlook on life, as well as the consequences of our actions whether good or bad. Some of my most memorable moments with YE were participating in plays (which meant stepping out of my comfort zone), attending youth conferences, and my first Christian concert, all of which allowed me to develop spiritually and mentally. The lessons learned are definitely those that I have incorporated into my life as an adult and have continued to sow into my children. Showing empathy and compassion while providing the tools for success is what YE did for me. What an excellent program to have been a part of! KeSha R.

Our programs

  • Summer Fun Enrichment - Academic reinforcement, structured indoor and outdoor recreational and sports activities

  • Annual POWER Within Youth and Family Conference (Middle/High Students)

  • Positive Vibes - Poetry and more

  • Project Impact - Youth and Facilitators don't learn "why not" to drink and drive, they practice it

  • Pathways to Success ASP - Building strong character through education and positive reinforcement (10-18)

  • Youth Expressions Leadership Program (YELP) - Teens Turning Peer Pressure Into Peer Support (12-18)

  • Cultural Enrichment - Discovering and encouraging the talent in our youth

  • Family Enrichment - Family Matters, Bridging the Gap between parent and child

Thank you for being a part of making a difference in our youth’s future. For more information, you may contact us at, youthelp@gmail.com

Cassandra Finley, Founder Executive Director

Those who teach and mentor are change-makers. So, what happens to student learning when mentors have proper training? Adequate funding can help our mentors develop the skills needed to make a difference.

Upcoming Sports Camps & Clinics

Basketball Program

See what exciting basketball programs are happening in your area. Take your game to the next level with coaches Chasity Bowman, Jarrod Clark, and Michael Foster.

Building our youth's dreams

Youth Highlight of the Month!

”Every day, they strive to improve their program to the students by developing the right blend of technology and creativity to make sure every job done is done as efficiently as possible.”

- Clarice Turner

”Every day, they strive to improve their service to the students by developing the right blend of technology and creativity to make sure every job done is done as efficiently as possible.”

- Brian Moten

”Every day, they strive to improve their service to the students by developing the right blend of technology and creativity to make sure every job done is done as efficiently as possible.”

- Joyce Gould

”Every day, they strive to improve their service to the students by developing the right blend of technology and creativity to make sure every job done is done as efficiently as possible.”

- Sharon Roddy

Here's what our community says

Your help is instrumental in providing our youth access to the programs they deserve