2023 IMPACT report
A LETTER FROM Alec A LETTER FROM Alec
Dear Elevate Youth Family,
As we approach the close of another remarkable year, I am filled with gratitude and excitement as I reflect on the incredible journey we have undertaken together at Elevate Youth. As the Executive Director, I am honored to share with you the impact and accomplishments that your unwavering support has made possible.
Our flagship programs, Odyssey & Community, reached new heights, fostering a sense of adventure, resilience, and leadership in the next generation. Through summer camp, environmental education initiatives, and adventure outings, we have empowered over 200 young individuals to connect with nature, discover their strengths, and develop skills that will serve them for a lifetime.
One of the highlights of this year was the successful launch of our Leaders Program. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we were able to expand our reach and offer more opportunities for our older youth to experience the benefits of outdoor leadership.
None of these achievements would have been possible without the steadfast support of our community. Whether through financial contributions, volunteer/mentor hours, or advocacy efforts, your commitment has propelled us forward and fueled our mission. Your belief in the importance of breaking down barriers of access to nature for underserved youth inspires us to dream bigger and reach further.
In closing, I extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who has contributed to the success of Elevate Youth in 2023. Together, we have created lasting memories, forged meaningful connections, and ignited a passion for the outdoors in the hearts of the next generation.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season and H N Y fill d with hope, adventure, and continued growth.
With Gratitude,
Alec Griswold Founder & Executive Director
Staff Staff
ALEC GRISWOLD Founder &Executive Director
Favorite Outdoor Activity: Fishing
SOPHIE GOULD Director of Programming & Operations
Favorite Outdoor Activity: Hiking
Waddy stryker
Outdoor Instructor
Favorite Outdoor Activity: Kayaking
Number of Number of outdoor outdoor mentors & mentors & Volunteers Volunteers
Board of Board of directors directors
Mary Tuck Welch VP, Audax Group
Emily Sacala
Outdoor Instructor
John murphy Director, Platform Services/ Solutions, AthenaHealth
Nicole davis Teacher, Milton Public Schools
Robin bose Head of Business Operations, Vimeo
ben jackson EVP North America Sales, BC Platforms
Favorite Outdoor Activity: Hiking
advisory advisory board board
andy bernstein
kira rey
Jason cordeiro
mike connolly
cam regan
susan gladstone
joe gugino
Chaya harris Former National Program Director, Outdoor Afro
Greg hErrema CEO, Discovery Life Sciences
alexander reyes EY parent/School Police Unit, BPD
sam kornstein VP of Strategy & Analytics, Cartesian
julia jeffries Associate, McKinsey & Company
205 205
After school program Days
Youth served
of participants identify as BIPOC 93% 93% identify As Female 45% 45% 92% 92% are ‘high-needs’ according to Boston public schools 90% 90% felt happier after being outside with Elevate youth
felt supported by adult mentors
How we spent our time outside this year:
Kids' favorite trips this year were alpine skiing and visits to a cranberry bog
thank you to our 2023 outfitting partners
Wachusett Mountain
Weston Ski Track
Mass Audubon Drumlin Farm
MA Department of fish & Wildlife
Outward Bound Thompson Island
Codman Community Farm
Paddle Boston
Wah-tut-Cah Reservation Camps
Piers Park Sailing
ROckspot boston
Blue Hills Trailside Museum
Crossroads Camp Wing
Bouldering Project Somerville
RockSpot
In 2023, We are grateful to have received over $20,000 of in kind support from our Outfitting partners
Age 11
Kenny School - 6th grade
Joined EY Fall 2022
Participated in 46 outings
“I love EY and want to have outdoor trips everyday!”
“I believe these experiences are going to have such a great impact on him in t future. We got him a camera because of his exposure to photography in Eleva Youth, now he wants to apply to the Boston Arts Academy with his portfolio - Micah’s Mom
In our Post trip Evaluations,
Fish on!
2023 Fish on! Initiative
Connected kids with nature through fishing. Together we learned patience, perseverance, and passion. Oh and we caught (& released) a lot of fish!
Locations
Brookline Reservoir
Scarborough Pond
yOUTH LEADERs
created a Sustainability project
14 TRIPS
109 ATTENDED
Partnered with DFW AND Dcr
Graduates of our EY programming worked together to promote the reduction of single-use plastics and implement effective strategies to maintain the cleanliness of green spaces in local areas.
1O INauGUrAL MEMBERS
mONTHLY MEETINGs
participating AS YOUTH LEADERS DURING EY OUTINGS
Road
Walked across America
Matt & Grace (& Foxi & Nemo) walked the entirety of the East Coast Greenway- from Maine to Florida- while raising money & awareness for Elevate Youth!
Raised over $100,000
wALKED 3,000 miles
VisteD & walked with eY Students
