New 16,000 SF Headquarters Addressing Boston’s Youth Program Access Challenge

Youth Enrichment Services (YES) officially broke ground in January on transformative new headquarters at 267 Amory Street in Jamaica Plain. The three-story, 16,000 SF facility will expand the nonprofit’s reach while staying deeply connected to its mission of equity in youth programming. The project team includes Youth Enrichment Services, EMBARC, Timberline Construction, and H+O Structural Engineering. Opening is targeted for 2026.

Growing to Meet Youth Demand

For more than 56 years, YES eliminated barriers to outdoor recreation—introducing Boston youth to skiing, rock climbing, biking, and leadership development. Today, the nonprofit serves 1,200 children each year, primarily from Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan, and Jamaica Plain.

The new headquarters is designed to nearly double YES’s reach, with a goal of serving approximately 1,900 youth annually within five years of opening. The Jamaica Plain site, located near public transit, ensures programs remain accessible to the communities who need them most.

Program Spaces Driving Design

Every element of the new building supports YES’s mission.

• Rooftop: Designed solar-ready, allowing YES to incorporate renewable energy in the future.
• First floor: A ski shop, bike storage, lockers, and winter gear space—plus a rock-climbing wall—will serve as the launching point for ski trips bringing up to 130 students to the slopes in a single morning.
• Second floor: Administrative offices, conference rooms, and staff areas provide the backbone for operations, giving the YES team the resources they need to sustain growth.
• Third floor: A 2,400-square-foot multipurpose room will host leadership workshops, college prep, and career exploration programming.

Community Impact

The non profits impact extends well beyond the new building.

YES Executive Director, Bryan Van Dorpe explained:

“With expanded space and resources, we will inspire even more Boston youth to explore outdoor adventures, while developing leadership skills to reach their full potential.”

Mayor Michelle Wu echoed this vision:

“Every young person in the city of Boston should have access to enriching outdoor opportunities. I’m thrilled for their new headquarters in Jamaica Plain, which will support their work in connecting our young people with more vital services.”

Construction Progress

Following the January 2025 groundbreaking, the project team is pushing toward a 2026 opening. In addition, The Compliance Mentor Group (TCMG) is collaborating with YES to engage Boston youth directly in the construction process—introducing them to careers in architecture, engineering, and construction. By connecting the build itself to YES’s mission, the project demonstrates how physical space can become a tool for education and empowerment.

Turning Mission into Measurable Impact

The new YES headquarters is more than a building—it’s a platform for equity, access, and opportunity. By expanding their footprint in Jamaica Plain, the team is creating space for Boston’s youth to thrive today and lead tomorrow.

Want to make your next mission-driven development go further?  Don’t waste financial resources on excess structure you don’t need. Contact H+O to for cost-informed structural design to lower cost, reduce risk, and help your project deliver lasting impact.