Welcome to the Youth Empowerment & Leadership (YEL) Program

The YEL Program cannot accept self referrals. Acceptable referral sources may consist of county and school based counselors, social workers, psychologists, care coordinators, case managers, youth program staff, juvenile probation officers, mental health clinicians, and other youth-serving professionals. YEL is structured, group setting, leadership focused program, serving TANF eligible youth, aged 13-18 living in Erie County, NY.

Funded by the Erie County Department of Mental Health and operated by the Family Help Center, YEL supports youth in becoming confident, compassionate, and capable leaders in their own lives and communities.

Where We’re Located

We typically meet at the Family Help Center (some programming occurs off-site):

60 Dingens Street, Buffalo, NY 14206

Limited transportation is available throughout within our service area in Erie County