DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — A group of young leaders in Decatur is working to create more opportunities, safer spaces, and stronger connections for youth and young adults.
Young Adults Moving 4 Success, or YAMS, is a community-driven organization focused on building positive experiences for people ages 21 and up, while also creating inclusive events for youth and families.
“It's a community-driven organization, dedicated to creating a safe, positive, and engaging environment for youth and young adults,” said Brittani Lane, one of the group’s founders. “We started it just because you have a lot of organizations that help women and children, seniors, but what about the young adults?”
The idea for YAMS started with a simple conversation among friends.
“We were out one day… and we were like, ‘let’s meet up… and brainstorm some things together, see what our community needs,’” said Christopher S. Young.
That brainstorming session turned into action in April 2024. Since then, the group has hosted events aimed at bringing people together and offering alternatives to negative influences.
Their first major event this year was a teen night at Skywalker Gym. The group said it exceeded expectations.
“We had more kids out than we expected… no bad things happened. And that’s what we try to continue for our community,” Young said.
YAMS leaders said their mission is rooted in unity and growth.
“Our mission is… to bring people together through events, through mentorship, through opportunities… to inspire growth, unity and success,” Young said.
That mission comes in response to what they see as a lack of safe, engaging activities in Decatur, especially for young people.
“There’s not a lot to do… so we are just trying to create some space for fun things to happen… where youth can be youth and gather without violence or negativity,” Young said.
Beyond entertainment, the group is also stepping in to support families in meaningful ways.
Lane said YAMS has provided school supplies to more than 500 kids during a back-to-school bash and has helped community members with food and bills when needed.
“Any way that people try to get in contact with us, we try to help them the best way that we can,” Lane said.
Organizers said mentorship is a key part of their work, especially for young people who may not have strong support systems at home.
“A lot of kids do grow up without having a two-parent home… so we just wanted to reach out… and give them a little bit more life,” Young said.
YAMS also focuses on creating lasting memories and positive influences.
“We want them to look back and be like, ‘yeah, I enjoyed going to an event, making things better,’” said member Myrenna Manley.
Looking ahead, the group has several events planned, including a summer kickball league.
Organizers said their long-term goals include building partnerships with community leaders, supporting entrepreneurship, and continuing to provide safe, engaging opportunities.
“We want to provide safe and exciting events … and highlight local talent in music, sports, arts, and entrepreneurship,” said TJ Randle.
YAMS leaders are also encouraging the community to get involved, whether by attending events, volunteering, or donating. The group can be found on social media, where they regularly post upcoming events and ways to get involved.
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