Location
Newark
Leader
Tara Augustine, CEO
Origin
Founded in 1918, YCS began as a safe haven for orphaned children and women in crisis after World War I and the Spanish flu. More than 100 years later, YCS has grown into a statewide leader in behavioral health and social services, empowering individuals with special needs through compassionate, comprehensive care.
Mission/vision
YCS partners with at-risk children who have special needs and adults with developmental disabilities to build happier, healthier, more hopeful lives within their families and communities.
Key programs
YCS operates over 60 programs across 16 counties in New Jersey, serving individuals from birth to adulthood in three main areas: therapeutic group homes, special education schools and in-home/ community-based mental health services.
Biggest event/fundraiser
The YCS Foundation Holiday Giving Campaign invites supporters to bring joy to children and young adults in their programs by fulfilling wish-list gifts, donating gift cards for independent shopping, sponsoring festive holiday parties or hosting drives for general items and winter wear. The YCS Secret Santa/Holiday Appeal is open now through Jan. 9, 2026: e.givesmart.com/events/Lwt/.
Supporters/donors
The YCS Foundation is sustained by a generous community of supporters — individuals who give from the heart, corporate sponsors and partners who invest time and resources and philanthropic foundations that help expand life-changing programs. Together, they make it possible for children, youth and families across New Jersey to access the therapeutic care, stability and compassion they deserve.
One more thing
The YCS Institute was New Jersey’s first licensed clinic dedicated to infant mental health, pioneering services for young children, their caregivers and the professionals who support them. Today, it continues to lead the field by operating the state’s only American Psychological Association-accredited doctoral internship specializing in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health within a community-based organization, training the next generation of clinicians to serve diverse, high-need families.
How to support
Donations can be made at www.ycs.org/index.php/donate/.
To contribute to the YCS Secret Santa/Holiday Appeal, please visit e.givesmart.com/events/Lwt/.
