About YIPA

  • YIPA is short for the Youth Intervention Programs Association. We offer three key services to our members: exceptional training, relentless advocacy, and a diverse youth work community.
  • Established in 1984, we are a nonprofit association that now unites youth-serving agencies throughout the United States, and internationally, in all youth work disciplines such as education, mental health, probation, mentoring, and more.
  • For decades, we have provided exceptional training for anyone who cares about the well-being of our young people, because the data is clear: better-trained youth workers produce better outcomes for young people. And we deeply care about young people.

Our Team

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Yedidya Ergue
Operations Associate
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I ensure our members get timely and thorough help when it’s needed. I love answering your questions and sharing genuine moments of connection in our interactions.
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Joanne Rice
Member Satisfaction Specialist
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I help our agency and individual members access their LMS and maximize their membership. I ensure our incredible members have everything they need to support their team and young people!
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Gaonu Yang
Gaonu Yang
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I work with our grantee members to ensure access to their customized LMS. My goal is to help make your learning experience easy and exceptional!
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Jade Shleif
Training Director
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I curate all our learning opportunities, working closely with trainers and designing interactive courses. I'm proud to fuel our members' passion for lifelong learning and growth.
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Barbara Van Deinse
Operations Director
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I ensure every training course lives up to our standard of excellence for you. I want you to enjoy learning with YIPA!
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Paul Meunier
Executive Director
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I work to ensure that our team feels supported so they can excel in their work supporting you. Nothing makes me happier than seeing a team member succeed.
We don’t just talk about values, we let them shine through everything we do!
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In every interaction with us, you’ll feel valued, supported, and respected because we do genuinely care about you.
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Your work can be difficult at times so we’re here to support you. You can rely on our friendly, responsive, and sincere service.
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It’s not all work and no fun. Just like the young people you serve, we appreciate a playful attitude and a good sense of humor.
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Through open and honest communication, being transparent, and building authentic relationships, we strive to earn your trust and loyalty.
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Belonging is about building community that reflects diversity, ensures equity, and welcomes all to participate, engage, and collaborate.
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YIPA is powered by people who share your passion for serving young people. Like you, our hearts are 100% invested in helping young people positively develop their skills and talents.
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We courageously challenge the status quo and develop innovative approaches for your benefit.
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You’ll appreciate our commitment to excellence because your programs deserve nothing less than our best.
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Pictured is the entire YIPA team, employees and board members

Our Just Cause

We work to make it possible for every young person, without exception, to receive all the support, love, and guidance they need to reach their full potential.

More than a mission statement or set of goals, our just cause is the north star that guides everything we do, ensuring our actions align with striving for the greatest outcome we could imagine for young people.

It offers a powerful and inspiring vision for collective responsibility and committed action. It is meant to be idealistic. We know it may never be fully realized, but it is a worthy aim and we pursue it wholeheartedly.