THE YAY! FOUNDATION!

Mission Statement

The mission of The Yay Foundation is to empower and uplift underserved young adults, aged 14-24, who have been negatively impacted by mental health issues such as addictions, suicides, depression, and a sense of hopelessness. Through the transformative power of art (comedy, humor, and storytelling), we aim to bring hope, strength, and healing to these individuals, enabling them to overcome adversity and thrive.

The Yay Foundation hopes to achieve this through…

  • Empowerment training focused on building confidence and improving self-worth through research-backed tools and strategies.

  • Connecting clients with trained facilitators for mentorship and resources for success and wellness.

  • Inspiring empowered thinkers to encourage hope, optimism, and positive mindsets with the goal of impacting community mindsets.

Core Programs

The Art of Being YAY! Joy Journey Project: A transformative comedy-writing adventure for LGBTQ individuals, young adults, people of color, and those seeking self-expression. Participants share personal experiences on stage, fostering empowerment, boosting confidence, and strengthening community bonds.

The Art of Being YAY! Workshop: Utilizing stand-up comedy and storytelling, this program explores personal values, emotional management, and self-talk. Participants gain clarity, self-awareness, and effective strategies for personal growth.

YAY! Comedy for a Cause: Collaborating with organizations such as Project Q and the LGBT Center, we produce purpose-driven comedy shows that entertain, raise awareness, and support important causes. These shows highlight diverse voices, encourage community engagement, and contribute to overall well-being.

Why YAY! is Needed

Many individuals from all walks of life face feelings of shame, isolation, and hopelessness on a daily basis. The worst thing in the world is to feel alone in one’s pain and to feel powerless to change the circumstances which are driving the pain.

When an individual has a traumatic experience or are in an unwanted life circumstance which they feel powerless to change, they can develop a base self-concept of shame. Too many people are in this painful cycle, which often times leave them feeling like they must suffer alone. When this happens, individuals feel helpless, unwanted, and alone in isolation. This can lead to anxiety, illness, addictions, depression and in some cases death.

How We Help!

We believe that healing starts with an improved mindset and experiencing a sense of genuine care by those around them. We hope to create a difference in the client'’ lives by:

  1. Offering training focussed on building confidence and improving self-worth through research-backed tools and strategies.

  2. Connecting clients with trained facilitators for mentorship.

  3. Creating localized communities of empowered thinkers to foster hope, optimism and empowered mindsets in