About
“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”
Mission Statement
Through our guidance and support, we aspire to transform young men from being recipients of assistance into pillars of support within their communities. When they reach this milestone, we envision them proudly proclaiming, “Yep, It’s Me!” -a testament to their personal growth, resilience, and newfound ability to contribute positively to their communities.
“YIM -Yep It’s Me” is a nonprofit organization with a strong dedication to empowering and uplifting young men who have found themselves within the foster care, mental health, and societal systems, often with limited or no support.
Our primary objective is to establish a solid foundation of support, enabling us to provide assistance to several individuals. Over the next five years, we aim to recruit 100 young men who will join us on this journey, sharing their personal stories of resilience and transformation, despite the stigma they may have encountered.
Together, recognized as the YIM100, we commit to equipping other young individuals with the encouragement and mentorship they need to navigate life’s challenges, especially those we encounter during their transitional phases. Our commitment is to assist them in uncovering their full potential, even in the face of significant hardships. Our ultimate goal is to instill in them not just the belief but the firm knowledge that, even in the midst of adversity within their communities, they can rely on us to guide them towards recognizing not only the positive aspects in challenging situations but also the comforting truth that they are not alone.
Mrs. Bernitta Curtis
Founder of YEP IT’S ME
I’m genuinely passionate about helping young men in my community to become self-sufficient because I understand the challenges, they face all too well. Growing up in a city filled with lost souls, I’ve witnessed firsthand the struggles and hardships that many of them endure. It’s heart-wrenching to see these young individuals who so desperately want and need help, yet often have no idea where to turn or who to ask.
I’ve often thought about the idea of taking them into my own home, providing immediate relief and comfort. However, I believe in the saying: “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” This philosophy supports my approach to helping these young men. While providing temporary assistance can be valuable, it’s even more helpful to assist them with the skills, knowledge, and self-confidence to stand on their own two feet.
My own experiences in a city of lost souls have left a mark on me. I know what it’s like to feel lost, to face adversity, and to yearn for guidance and support. It’s painful to witness these young men cope with similar feelings and challenges, but it’s also what drives my commitment to make a difference in their lives.
“While providing temporary assistance can be valuable, it’s even more helpful to assist them with the skills, knowledge, and self-confidence to stand on their own two feet.”
-Mrs.Bernitta Curtis
My dedication to this cause comes from a deep desire to break the cycle of adversity and offer these young men a chance for a better future. I want to be there to guide them, mentor them, and instill in them the belief that they have the power to overcome challenges and create a path towards success. I believe that by helping them become self-sufficient, we can create a ripple effect of positive change in our community, giving them the tools, they need to not just survive but to thrive and contribute to the well-being of those around them.