Mission Statement
The mission of The Yay Foundation is to empower and uplift individuals who have been negatively impacted by mental health issues such as addictions, suicides, depression, and a sense of hopelessness. Through the transformative power of art (comedy, humor, and storytelling), we aim to bring hope, strength, and healing to these individuals, enabling them to overcome adversity and thrive.
The Yay Foundation hopes to achieve this through…
Empowerment training focused on building confidence and improving self-worth through research-backed tools and strategies.
Connecting clients with trained facilitators for mentorship and resources for success and wellness.
Inspiring empowered thinkers to encourage hope, optimism, and positive mindsets with the goal of impacting community mindsets
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Core Programs
The Art of Being YAY! Joy Journey Project: A transformative comedy-writing adventure for LGBTQ individuals, young adults, people of color, and those seeking self-expression. Participants share personal experiences on stage, fostering empowerment, boosting confidence, and strengthening community bonds.
The Art of Being YAY! Workshop: Utilizing stand-up comedy and storytelling, this program explores personal values, emotional management, and self-talk. Participants gain clarity, self-awareness, and effective strategies for personal growth.
YAY! Comedy for a Cause: Collaborating with organizations such as Project Q and the LGBT Center, we produce purpose-driven comedy shows that entertain, raise awareness, and support important causes. These shows highlight diverse voices, encourage community engagement, and contribute to overall well-being.
Partnership and Expansion: Collaborating with other organizations and community groups, the YAY Foundation expands its reach and impact in addressing mental health challenges. By partnering with local agencies, schools, and businesses, the foundation works to tailor its programs to specific communities and provide targeted support to individuals in need.
Why YAY! is Needed
Many individuals from all walks of life face feelings of shame, isolation, and hopelessness on a daily basis. The worst thing in the world is to feel alone in one’s pain and to feel powerless to change the circumstances which are driving the pain.
When an individual has a traumatic experience or are in an unwanted life circumstance which they feel powerless to change, they can develop a base self-concept of shame. Too many people are in this painful cycle, which often times leave them feeling like they must suffer alone. When this happens, individuals feel helpless, unwanted, and alone in isolation. This can lead to anxiety, illness, addictions, depression and in some cases death.
How We Help!
The YAY Foundation is dedicated to making health and difficult conversations fun, approachable, and exciting. Our programs place a special emphasis on allowing individuals to connect with other like-minded individuals, fostering a sense of community and support.
At the soul of our foundation lies personal storytelling and the sharing of vulnerabilities in a safe and fun environment. When individuals engage in this process, it creates a bonding experience between participants and audiences alike. Individuals feel less alone in their experiences and are encouraged to share and be vulnerable, fostering a sense of connection and understanding.
Through our efforts, we provide:
Mental health programming that integrates research-backed tools with lived experiences and personal anecdotes shared in a light-hearted and engaging manner.
Mental health comedy events specifically crafted to tackle challenging and often stigmatized topics in a safe and approachable environment. Additionally, we offer resource tables at all our events, ensuring attendees have access to ongoing support if needed.
Training sessions aimed at equipping individuals with the skills to express themselves effectively through storytelling and comedy. By fostering these abilities, we empower individuals to share their stories and navigate difficult experiences with greater comfort and confidence.