About the Y.o.u.t.h. Friendship Foundation
Who We Are
The Y.O.U.T.H. Friendship Foundation, Inc. is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2005 to fund and develop comprehensive youth enrichment programs focused on education, character development, leadership, and community empowerment.
Our organization was created to address educational disparities and provide youth with opportunities for academic, personal, and professional growth.
Serving Madison and Limestone Counties in Alabama, YFF partners with schools, churches, community organizations, and local businesses to create programs that help youth succeed in school, discover their talents, and develop into confident leaders.
From scholarships and mentoring programs to leadership development and performing arts initiatives, YFF focuses on providing holistic support that helps young people build strong futures.
Empowering Youth to Lead, Achieve, and Transform Their Communities
Building the Next Generation of Leaders
Through mentorship, scholarships, leadership programs, and community partnerships, the Y.O.U.T.H. Friendship Foundation helps youth in Madison and Limestone Counties develop the confidence and skills to succeed.
Building Stronger Communities Together
At Y.O.U.T.H. Friendship Foundation, we believe real change happens when communities come together to invest in the next generation. Our programs are designed to nurture leadership, academic success, creativity, and service so young people can thrive and give back to their communities.
OUR MISSION
The Y.O.U.T.H. Friendship Foundation, Inc. will provide (fund and develop) comprehensive youth enrichment programs focused on education, character, and leadership development to ensure Madison and Limestone Counties youth are served in the following areas: STEAM, Health, Education, and Leadership.
Our programs focus on developing young leaders through initiatives in:
STEAM Education
Health & Wellness
Academic Support
Leadership Development
OUR VISION
Our vision is to build a strong network of partnerships between schools, nonprofits, businesses, churches, and community leaders to expand opportunities for youth through.
Mentorship programs
Scholarships and academic support
Financial literacy education
Leadership development programs
Community engagement initiatives
Voter registration and civic awareness
Through collaboration and service, we aim to strengthen communities while preparing youth to become future leaders.
The Values That Guide Our Work
Our Core Values
At Y.O.U.T.H. Friendship Foundation, our programs are built on principles that empower youth and strengthen communities.
EDUCATION
We believe education is the foundation for opportunity, leadership, and long-term success.
LEADERSHIP
Our programs develop confident young leaders prepared to serve their communities and shape their futures.
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
Integrity, responsibility, and discipline are core traits we instill in every program participant.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
We partner with local organizations to uplift communities and create pathways for youth development.
MENTORSHIP
Guidance from mentors helps youth navigate challenges and reach their full potential.
SERVICE
We encourage youth to actively serve their communities and become agents of positive change.
OUR SERVICES
Y.O.U.T.H. Development Programs That Make a Difference
The Y.O.U.T.H. Friendship Foundation offers several programs designed to support academic achievement, leadership development, and community engagement for youth in Alabama.
Scholarship Program
The YFF Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to students pursuing higher education.
Since its founding, the organization has awarded over $472,000 in scholarships to graduating high school students in Madison and Limestone Counties.
Scholarship programs help remove financial barriers and provide deserving students with opportunities to continue their education and pursue their career goals.
Scholarship Application Period:
February 1 – March 15, 2026
Talent Hunt Program
The YFF Talent Hunt Program encourages high school students in grades 9 through 12 to showcase their artistic abilities in performing arts such as:
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Music
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Dance
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Drama
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Spoken Word
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Instrumental Performance
This program promotes creativity, confidence, and cultural expression while rewarding outstanding talent among youth in our community.
Project Manhood Mentoring Program
The Project Manhood Mentoring Program focuses on developing young men into responsible leaders through mentorship, education, and community engagement.
Participants receive guidance and support in areas such as:
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Leadership development
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Academic excellence
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Personal responsibility
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Community service
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Positive male mentorship
This initiative helps young men build strong character and develop the skills needed to become productive leaders in their communities.
Gold Standard Program
The Gold Standard Program is a Y.O.U.T.H. mentorship initiative focused on developing young males into responsible leaders and productive citizens.
This program is aligned with the Project Manhood Mentoring Program, established through the Fatherhood and Mentoring Initiative by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
The program focuses on:
• Leadership development
• Character building
• Academic support
• Mentorship from positive male role models
• Community service and civic engagement
Through mentorship and structured programming, participants gain guidance, discipline, and leadership skills that prepare them for success in school, career, and life.
Community Initiatives & Events
Y.O.U.T.H. Friendship Foundation actively hosts programs and events that promote youth development, mental health awareness, and community engagement.
Upcoming initiatives include:
Gold Standard Program Meetings
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March 7, March 17, and April 25, 2026
Talent Hunt Event
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TBD
Caribbean Carnival Mental Health Awareness 5K
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May 16, 2026
YFF also established the first community-wide mental health fair in Huntsville and launched the city’s first mental health awareness 5K run/walk event, demonstrating its commitment to improving the well-being of youth and families.
Celebrate Culture. Champion Wellness. Build Community.
2026 Caribbean Qarnival Mental Health Fair and Mental Health Awareness 5K
Join the Y.O.U.T.H. Friendship Foundation for the 2026 Caribbean Qarnival Mental Health Fair and Mental Health Awareness 5K a signature community wellness event designed to raise awareness, promote mental health education, and bring people together through movement, culture, and celebration.
📅 Saturday, May 16, 2026
📍 Big Spring Park — Downtown Huntsville, Alabama
Participants will enjoy a vibrant experience that blends the energy of a professionally organized 5K race with the sights, sounds, and spirit of Caribbean carnival culture.
Download our sponsorship package.
yff Upcoming events
Upcoming Events and Community Initiatives
Throughout the year, the Y.O.U.T.H. Friendship Foundation hosts events and initiatives designed to inspire youth, strengthen families, and bring the community together around education, leadership, and wellness.
From leadership summits and mentorship meetings to performing arts competitions and community wellness events, these gatherings provide opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and connect with mentors and community leaders.
Gallery
Moments That Matter
A glimpse into the moments, programs, and community partnerships shaping the next generation of leaders.
Make an Impact Today
The Y.O.U.T.H. Friendship Foundation thrives because of supporters who believe in the power of youth development. There are many ways you can help expand opportunities for young people in our community.
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Our Team
Our Board Members
James Reed
President
Contracting Officer
Army Contracting Command
O'Shea White
Vice President
Control Systems Analyst
Herb Thompson
Treasurer
Assistant Program Manager
Program Executive Office -
Intelligence, Electronic Warfare & Sensors
Louis McMillian
Secretary
Director, Intelligence, & Security USAAMCOM
Dr. Nate Johnson
Basileus Psi Kappa Kappa
Operations Analyst
U.S. Space & Missile Defense Command
Michael Mathis
Board Member
Program Executive Office –
Missiles and Space
Cary Hale, II
Board Member
Missile Defense Agency
Tony Hodge
Board Member
Allstate Insurance Company
Lawrence McRae
Board Member
Colonel (Retired)
Patrick Buford
Board Member
Scholarship/ Essay
Richard Garner, Jr.
Board Member
Lead
AFC, APNT/S CFT, T2S Solutions
Testimonials
Voices That Matter
Anthony Peterson
"Youth Friendship Foundation is doing incredible work in our community. The programs they provide give young people opportunities to grow, learn leadership skills, and build confidence. It's inspiring to see the positive impact they are making in the lives of students and families."
— Community Supporter
Brandon Lumas
"The mentorship and leadership opportunities provided through Youth Friendship Foundation truly make a difference. Their commitment to supporting youth and strengthening the community is evident in every program and event they host."
— Program Participant Family
Have Questions for us? Read below.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can support YFF by donating, volunteering, or partnering with us to expand youth development programs.
To enroll a young man in the Gold Standard Program (GSP), please complete the online application. View above.
The Gold Standard Program serves youth ages 10 to 18 years old.
Scholarship applications open February 1, 2026 and close March 15, 2026.
Organizations interested in becoming sponsors for the Caribbean Carnival Mental Health Awareness 5K can access sponsorship information through our sponsorship materials. Register here
Organizations focused on mental health services may contact:
Mike Mathis
rhino72011@gmail.comPlease include your organization website and primary contact information.
Youth Friendship Foundation, Inc.
Attn: Board of Directors
P.O. Box 1364
Madison, AL 35758