WE ARE ON A
WE ARE
Elevate Youth acknowledges the land we utilize as part of the ancestral homelands of Massachusett, Pawtucket, Naumkeag, & Wampanoag tribes, who suffered traumatic disease, attacks, and displacement on this land We pay respect to elders past, present, and future and understand the land holds immense significance for its original stewards. We commit to making the outdoors accessible and educating young people about the land they're on. This acknowledgement is a starting point toward better relations with Indigenous neighbors and their understandings of land stewardship.
Dear Elevate Youth Crew,
2024 unfolded as a Year of Possibility As I reflect on what we’ve accomplished together, I’m filled with deep gratitude - and envision reaching new heights - while we move forward with purpose to break down barriers for youth in underserved neighborhoods to access nature and outdoor recreation alongside compassionate mentors
That spirit of possibility was alive in every first-time explorer who carried more than just a pack; they carried confidence and courage. It showed up when a young person tried surfing for the first time at Nahant Beach, beaming with pride at standing up on the board, and when our mountain bikers leveled up, embracing more challenging and dynamic terrain to match their determination. Our E.A.T. program continued to deepen our connection to sustainable farming practices, local produce, and to each other through shared cooking lessons, not to mention all the wide array of conservation-focused FishOn! experiences.
When I started as the Executive Director in May, the opportunities that lay ahead broadened my own horizons, and I realized new possibilities for myself I never imagined a profession that blends my passion for the outdoors with my commitment to education Transformation isn’t just something we talk about with youth it’s something we live, too
Of course, like any small nonprofit, we faced our share of challenges With your support, our dedicated volunteers, partners, and outgoing school liaisons, we recognized the obstacles as opportunities As a community team, we problem solved when a new-to-skiing adolescent couldn’t access necessary equipment, pivoted to offer more summer outings with Camp Elevate, and improved access to green spaces in the city for families with ‘open-to-everyone,’ inclusive activities.
We’re diving into 2025, investing in our core programs and continuing to elevate leadership skills with our EY friends. While we’re always working to expand and reach more and more youth, we’re also focused on going deeper through strong, trusting relationships to make a lasting impact.
Thank you for continuing to Elevate Youth with us. We’re putting in the work behind the scenes to bring our collective impact to the forefront. We’re grateful that you choose to walk, paddle, ski, roll and climb alongside us on our mission.
With gratitude,
Chaya Harris Executive Director of Elevate Youth
ELEVATING THE NEXT GENERATION OF DIVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDS
SOPHIE GOULD
Director of Programming & Operations
Watching youth’s eyes shine after finally completing a ski turn or a difficult climbing route keeps me inspired! Their teamwork and dedication to challenging themselves encourages me to bring it into my own work every day.
Sophie’s Primary Responsibilities:
Develop, implement and evaluate programs to create high impact experiences for youth
Build relationships with partners, outfitters and families
Prevent and manage risk, along with executing emergency response protocols
Supervise Instructor Team, including curriculum development
Recruit and train Outdoor Mentors and volunteers
Design fundraising campaigns and create marketing material
Grant writing and development support
WADDY STRYKER
Outdoor Instructor and Special Projects Manager
I strive to actively listen to and encourage youth to experience nature in their own unique way. The most rewarding part of my job is the students' smiles, especially after their initial nervousness, and hearing them ask, "When are we doing it again?"
Waddy’s Primary Responsibilities:
Design, facilitate and debrief outdoor experiences and after school enrichment for 100+ youth each year
Lead EY’s dynamic FishOn program that includes hands-on experiential conservation, science and social emotional learning
Support and communicate with families and p
Maintain, organize and coordinate all gear and equipment
Website design and maintenance
Create content and media for social channels
MISSION
Our mission is to empower youth to explore the outdoors alongside mentors, sharing awe and the richness of our natural world.
VISION
We aim to spark a lifelong love of the outdoors through equitable access and routine immersion in nature as a way to foster agency and lead holistic, healthy lifestyles. We work alongside our youth to elevate their voices as the next generation of diverse environmental stewards.
SAFETY
OUR VALUES LEADERSHIP
Our #1 priority is creating a safe space (emotionally & physically) for our youth to thrive
We equip our young people with the skills necessary to become leaders in their community
Our outings teach responsibility and respect for the environment ACCOUNTABILITY
INCLUSIVITY
We pride ourselves in valuing the diversity of everyone’s background
YOUTH
We want all young people to know their voices matters and to further their sense of agency
89% 20 24
BY THE NUMBERS
146
202 18 14 6% Transgender, Non-binary or not reported of EY youth
600+
Hoursspent outside
Active volunteers
Activeoutdoor mentors of EY youth identify as people of color
Youth who attended 2+ trips
39% Girls
DEMOGRAPHICS
Hispanic or Latino
OUR IMPACT
CARING MENTORSHIP
I feel supported by positive adult mentors on outdoor trips.
According to post trip evaluations, EY youth report... 90% 82% 88% 89% SENSE OF BELONGING 20 24 of EY youth live in our most vulnerable neighborhoods of Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, Jamaica Plain, AllstonBrighton and East Boston. 100%
I feel more connected to the other kidswe worked together today.
OVERCOMING ADVERSITY
I try my best even when something seems hard.
SELF CONFIDENCE
I feel more encouraged to take on new challenges!
ODYSSEY PROGRAM
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Elevate Youth helps empower communities through year-round outdoor experiences and mentorship that foster leadership, resilience, and a lifelong connection to nature in young people from historically marginalized communities. Working in close partnership with schools, local organizations and families, we offer a mentorship experience that combines group and individual support through outdoor recreation. Adolescents are able to thrive and envision themselves as environmental stewards and leaders in their communities.
OVERALL VALUE PROPOSITION
Through our programs, Elevate Youth aims to foster strong, lifelong friendships, enhanced self confidence, resourcefulness and resilience, and offer a chance to try new activities, learn new skills, and enhance connection to the outdoors.
INTENDED OUTCOMES
Self confidence
Comfort in the outdoors
Connection to adult outdoor
mentors and volunteers
Literacy around outdoor
recreation and conservation
Leadership qualities seen in program, at school, and at home
Emotional regulation
Overall psychological wellness
Time spent indoors and use of tech devices
Emotional dysregulation
Negative interactions with peers and adults
Harmful self and peer-to-peer talk
Anxiety and discomfort in outdoor spaces
Stress
TRUST
GROUP IDROLES & RESPONSIBILITY
OUTDOOR ROCK CLIMBING
PATIENCE PATIENCE/EARTHDAY FISHING
CONFIDENCE
HOUTDOORCOOKING EALTH&WELLNESS
CHALLENGES BALANCE&FORTITUDE SKATEBOARDING
EXPLORATION DISCOVERY/AUTONOMY PHOTOGRAPHYHIKE
TRIPS GOALS/TOPICS
PROBLEMSOLVING
PERSEVERANCE
YOUTH VOICE & REFLECTION
ALPINE SKIING
ACADEMIC IMPACT
I heard about Elevate Youth's mission about two years ago, and knew that I had to get my students involved in the program!
Many of the students involved with Elevate Youth are English language learners. One of the many changes I have seen is the growth in confidence in their English language skills.
Nicole’s Favorite outdoor activity: Birding
I’ve heard from students’ teachers that participating in EY has improved their English skills far beyond what they learn in the classroom. Many of the students have gone on to FLEP out of the English Language Learner program, meaning they have achieved a certain level of English proficiency, measured in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
During our first year with EY, we went indoor rock climbing with my students on an indoor rock climbing trip. It was a very foreign activity to all of them, but they were very eager to try.
One student in particular was unsure and so quiet. I remember her getting on the bouldering walls and just crushing it! Seeing the smile on her face every time she made progress on a boulder was priceless. But the best part of the entire trip was walking back to the van with her when she told me that she wanted to ask her parents about going to the rock climbing gym for her birthday. It's something so small, just a passing comment, but has stuck with me 3 years later.
MENTOR IMPACT
I've been volunteering with Elevate Youth, since 2019.
I started as a flexible volunteer, and still love to be a flexible volunteer for some of the fun outing days, and recently became an Outdoor Mentor to help guide one designated cohort of kids for a year.
I have a very indoorsy family, and it took me until I was in college, surrounded by new influences, to learn to appreciate a nice view or a walk in the woods. When I first learned about EY, I couldn't help but wish my younger self had access to that kind of programming. I remember getting to the top of a ski lift with an EY kid, and seeing his eyes as he turned around and saw the view of the farms and towns from the top of Wachusett. The awe in his eyes said it all about why I stick around!
I think I've learned that grown ups don't play enough. I like to be there for the kids and give them these wonderful opportunities, but the truth is that every time I come out with EY, I feel better after, too. Teaching kids real life skills, experiencing wonder alongside them, and just helping them blow off steam, all make me as grateful for the experience as I know they are.
Favorite outdoor activity: Rock climbing
YOUTH IMPACT
I've been growing with Elevate Youth going on three years, with the Boys and Girls Club and then Youth Leaders. I am a student at Madison Park.
Favorite outdoor activity: Swimming
I love the diversity of Elevate Youth and how they are very inclusive to everyone, no matter what. When I first joined, I felt welcomed and like I could be myself. My favorite trip was the overnight camping field adventure last year - it was great and very fun! I made new friends that I never knew I would make.
Elevate Youth has impacted me by being more open to talk to people and make new friends and connections. It’s easier to connect with adults. My career and professional interests are to be a college swimmer and a HVAC-R technician because I’m in a vocational school and in the HVAC trade.
If money and time weren’t issues, I would love to become a fulltime worker for our Youth Leaders program because EY offers so much flexibility and knowledge to share. They also offer trips that I would never go on, or think about, if it wasn’t for Elevate Youth.
Overall, I love Elevate Youth and how they organize everything and make sure that we are all doing everything right. For kids that don’t get it, they make sure everyone has fun.
E.A.T.
FISHON!
Educate. Access. Thrive.
First introduced in 2020, our Health & Wellness initiative is now enhancing our consistent outdoor programs.
Seasonal cooking classes with Chef Tamika from Food and Folklore
E A T families receive pantry boxes with fresh, locally sourced produce and ingredients
Healthy meal and snack options on all outings
YOUTH LEADERS
Special thanks to Gay Crowley who funds and coordinates our E A T Initiative
FISHON!
Connecting Boston Youth to Local Waters
This year, Elevate Youth’s FishOn! Program led 15 fishing trips across the Greater Boston area.
Participants not only built fishing skills, but also explored conservation and ecology through experiences like a fly fishing trip with Boston Trout Unlimited and a habitat assessment with the Charles River Watershed Association. A highlight of the season was a community fishing day with Friends of the Blue Hills, where families joined youth for a day of connection in nature. Be on the lookout for the 2025 date!
Youth Leaders
Older EY adventurers, our Youth Leaders, explore the next level of outdoor challenges, mentor kids, and complete a service project.
Youth ages 13+ participate as Youth Leaders during EY outings
Youth Leaders enjoyed ice skating, fishing, skiing, and mountain biking as a cohort.
Youth Leaders served as assistant bike instructors at the Kite and Bike Fest in Franklin Park
CHAYA HARRIS Executive Director
Favorite Outdoor Activity: Kayaking
STAFF
SOPHIE GOULD Director of Programming & Operations
Hiking
ADVISORY BOARD
ANDY BERNSTEIN
KIRA REY
MIKE CONNOLLY
MARY TUCK WELCH VP, Audax Group
JOHN MURPHY Director, Platform Services/ Solutions, AthenaHealth
JASON CORDEIDO Chief Operating and Innovation Officer, MassBio
LIAM CRANE Estate Attorney, Holland & Knight
SUSAN GLADSTONE
JOE GUGINO
CAM REGAN
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ALEC GRISWOLD Founder of Elevate Youth
BEN JACKSON EVP North America Sales, BC Platforms
GREG HERREMA CEO, Discovery Life Sciences
B. KIMMERMAN Chief of Staff, City of Cambridge
NOAH HOSHINO FRANCISCA LAMINI
ALEXANDER REYES EY parent/School Police Unit, BPD
SAM KORNSTEIN VP of Strategy & Analytics, Cartesian
JULIA JEFFRIES Associate, McKinsey & Company
RAJ GADHIA Emergency Room Doctor
NUMBER OF OUTDOOR MENTORS & VOLUNTEERS
Fishing SHAWNA MULVIHILL
OUR PARTNERS
SCHOOL PARTNERS
James W Hennigan School
JFK School
Thomas Edison School
Thomas J Kenny School
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Crossroads - Camp Wing
BCYF Leahy-Holloran Center
Boys & Girls Clubs Dorchester
Friends of the Blue Hills
Harlem Lacrosse
Mass Fish and Wildlife
OUTFITTING PARTNERS
Bouldering Project Boston
Codman Community Farm
Paddle Boston
Piers Park Sailing
Wachusett Mountain
Weston Ski Track
Drumlin Farm
RockSpot
Food & Folklore
Guineafowl Adventures
REACHING GOALS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Celebrate with us! We're excited to share that we became the first Carbon-Neutral Non-Profit in Massachusetts! By using carbon offsets, we're adding no Greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. We've partnered with eco-conscious organizations and worked with Emerger Strategies to calculate our carbon footprint, paving the way to carbon neutrality. Our aim is to educate and act on environmental issues, and we're committed to reducing carbon emissions to reach our carbon net zero goal.
EY GAMES
Elevate Youth’s fourth annual Elevate Games took place this year at Cisco Brewers in the Seaport, drawing supporters and partner organizations from across New England. The highlight of the event was an exciting cornhole tournament, with Jeff Titus and Brian Ferraro taking home the championship title after a competitive final round. Once again, Cisco Brewers helped set the scene with their signature food and drinks, adding to an evening filled with great conversation and a strong sense of community. The standout moment of the night was the recognition of Benjamin Boardman as Volunteer of the Year, honoring his outstanding commitment and lasting impact on Elevate Youth’s mission.
LOUD POW - ATOMIC COFFEE ROASTERS
For the past 2 years, Atomic Coffee Roasters has partnered with Elevate Youth, donating a portion of proceeds from their annual "Loud Pow" coffee blend. This collaboration has raised more than $5,000 for Elevate Youth. This has helped to provide free skiing opportunities to Boston youth. Atomic's consistent support extends beyond this annual fundraiser, including other financial contributions, silent auction tours and coffee games attendees
$237,458 $97,817 $42,751
SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT
THANKS TO THE JACK MURPHY FOUNDATION, MORE AND MORE TEENS CAN ACCESS LIFECHANGING EXPERIENCES IN THE OUTDOORS AND BUILD RELATIONSHIPS THAT SHAPE THEIR VIEWS ON LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY.
In honor of their son Jack, Doug and Jeanine Murphy are generous advocates for youth development and outdoor recreation. Our shared values accessibility to nature, inclusivity, and making positive choices allow us to create a deeper, more lasting impact. Together, we’ve expanded opportunities for youth who might not otherwise have these experiences, and we’re proud to now collaborate with even more schools and community partners to offer impactful outdoor experiences at no cost to families
Because of the Jack Murphy Foundation, we’re able to offer monthly outdoor opportunities for students starting high school, alongside peer and adult mentors. Teens also engage in community service and implement a sustainability project. In 2025, Youth Leaders will learn first aid skills, and push their limits on challenging outdoor adventures.
Elevate Youth is deeply grateful for the Jack Murphy Foundation’s unwavering support, which continues to expand access to transformative outdoor experiences for youth and families. Their commitment and personal involvement helps shape our next generation of environmental stewards.
IN-KIND SUPPORTERS
In 2024, we were grateful to receive more than $56,000 in non-cash gifts from the supporters below.
$20,000+
HILL FOUNDATION ANONYMOUS
PERSHING ADVISOR SOLUTIONS LLC
$5,000+
$1,500+
DONALD C. MCGRAW FOUNDATION FANCY
ALL SUPPORTERS FOR HELPING US MAKE AN IMPACT!
$15,000+
Greg Herrema
Jeffrey Titus
Justin Gonsalves
Gay & Gene Crowley
Daniel Vickers
Alec Griswold
Jack Murphy Foundation
Fancy Hill Foundation
ClifBar Family Foundation
Cummings Foundation
National Recreation Foundation
Comeau Family Foundation
Audax Charitable Foundation
City of Boston: Youth Development Fund
$5000+
Forest Foundation
Anne Gifford (Gifford Foundation)
Gifford Family Foundation
Jeremy Cusimano
Alec Griswold
Jeffrey Titus
Martin Richard Foundation
Northern Trust Charitable Giving
Program - Carol Caperchi
Dick's Sporting Goods Foundation
$1000+
Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester
Nina Kornstein
Justin Gonsalves
Greater Horizons
GenCon
Donald C. McGraw Foundation
Greg Herrema
Laura Pease
Seed Corporation
Mrs and Mr
Doe & Fawn
Dave Bisceglia
Daniel Vickers
David Young
Susan Gladstone David Delong
$1000+, cont.
Ann & Teddy Lewis Giving Fund
Anthony Giaquinto
Santander Bank
Ravosa Marine Services LLC
OakPool
$200+
Alexander Ford
Melanie Adamson
Samuel Kornstein
Edward Hallen
Robert Pitt
David Robinson
Franne Rosenthal
Robert O'Neil
Alec Griswold
Barbara Schweizer
Cross Current Insurance
Jennie and Jeremy Redburn
Family Fund
King Mountain FoundationFidelity
YourCause- Santander bank
Cryder DiPietro
james serafin
Kyle Macaluso
Rowan McFeely
Russell Carlson
Howard Bluver
Mark Martello
John Galvin
Matthew Beninghof
Boston Police Detectives
Benevolent Society
Cheryl Alvarado
Debbie Zhuang
Donna Hill-Harris
Jane Licurse
Melissa Timmerman
Granvill Hills
Meghan Colgan
Karen Barlow
Notable Donors
Gay Crowley
Danny Cazalas
Jesse Harris
Liam Crane
Zoe Polk
Jesse Harris
Addie Black
Jared Lou
Jeff Goldenson
Judith Herrema
Benjamin Tuttman
Robert Charest
Richard Kleber
Cheryl Alvarado
Malcolm Perkins
Erika Gute
james tribble
Patrick Short
Colleen McGrory
Daniel Cordeiro
David Bisceglia
Devorah Patt
Lisa Cordeiro
Matt Polese
Raffi Mardirosian
Cheri Shigeno
Julia Jeffries
Sean McShane
Martha Hausman
Benjamin jackson
Cam Regan
Elizabeth Sanker
Robert Nielsen
David Fatula
Ed Laura
Itsuko Herrema
Melinda Giovengo
Sakeena Shearer
Courtney Chelo
Jen Shanahan
Mike Shanahan
Adrian Pforzheimer
Notable Donors, cont
Alex Davis
David Dangelo
David Dangelo
Robert Coughlin
Ankita Deshpande
Timothy DiPietro
Timothy DiPietro
Torie O'Toole
joseph bianco
Alexander Reyes
Aaron Holston
John Kwon
Susan Stone
Brian Mohler
Mary Belle Gentry
Scott Vane
Andrew Tran
Benjamin jackson
Catherine McCourt
Joshua E Sheldon
Laurie Star
Mark DiCristofaro
Matthew Kirsch
mikaela mccarthy
Akihiro Komatsu
Emily Jeffries
Adrian M Pforzheimer
Kathleen Cassidy
Mary Kennedy
Tamika Francis
Leroy De Andrade
Matthew Day
Maeve Diamond
Tuck Welch
Alexander Reyes
Robert Simeone
Jennifer Garrison
Cal Inguanti
Matt Forcier
Sheryl Bourbeau
Chris Nichols
Ethan Ow
Jing Zhu
Stephanie Arce
Jireh Ishaazi
Cody Litchfield
Michael Burke
Alexander Sun
Daniel Quigley
Cho Jyun-Ru
Forest Edson
Ya-Chun Hsu
Erik MacDonald
John Minkle
Miriam Tendler
Elizabeth Sanker
Samuel Kornstein
Daniel Nova, Jr.
Elyssa Anneser
Ewa Gnoinska
Fiona Dong
Heather Olafsson
Jason Grochowalski
Jeffrey P Andrade
Jenna Sigman
Jenny Liang
Jonathan Yu
Keith Huang
Lucas Baran
Milly Shueh
Peng-Lin Chen
Tarun Chakravarthi
Jennifer Rollins
Micaela Merryweather
Destiny Todd
JAYNE HATTERER
Jeffrey Walsh
Anya Piatrova
JAYNE HATTERER
Robin Whaley
Nanette and Paul Collette
LEE Murphy
Barbara Christie
Andrew Albornoz
Daniel Marhoom
Isabel Lau
matheus medina
Peter Kim
SOVATHYA SAR
Sydney Pesaturo
rasa sym
Matt Polese
Susan Fleischmann
Minja Velimirovic
Helena Turner
Lynne Kim
Sean H
Matt Jones Photography
Clifton Alrich
Elizabeth Harvey
Nancy Wind
Stephen Linn
Meredith Twigg
jill tufts
George Morgan IV
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR
RECURRING DONORS
Jill Tufts
Jennifer Sargeant
Liz Harvey
Katherine Chenail
Daniel Quigley
MaryTuck Welch
Shawn Graham
Nicole Davis
Valerie Sanderson
Craig Ziady
Christine Millard
Judy Donner
Emily vanSeventer
Jayne Hatterer
Christine Alrich
Nina Kornstein
Allison Field
Timothy DiPietro
Nanette & Paul Collette
Jennifer Rollins
Jennifer Hughes
Matt Jones
Robin Whaley
Irene Affatati
Mike Dacey
Amanda McDougall
Scott Segel
Sean Dew
Micaela Merryweather
Brenda Peluso
Clifton Palrich
Joseph Bianco
Helen Davis
Michelle Lapierre
Brad Royer
Alexandra Toren
Amy Bianco
Thomas Schaefer
Teresa Walker
