Meeting Youth Where They Are
Building safer, stronger communities since 1996.
For decades, we’ve provided free trauma-responsive mental health services, advocacy, and violence prevention support to young people and families across Boston.
Founded in 1996, we’ve become a nationally recognized collaboration between clinical social workers and the Boston Police Department.
What makes us different
Our Unique Model
We provide a free combination of prevention, intervention, and mental health care within the communities most impacted by violence and systemic inequities. Licensed clinical social workers are embedded in police districts and specialized citywide units, allowing for rapid referrals and sustained engagement with youth and families.
Unlike traditional intervention systems, our services are voluntary, free, family-centered, and rooted in long-term relationship building. We work holistically to address trauma, safety concerns, mental health needs, housing instability, educational barriers, and family stressors — helping young people build safer and more hopeful futures.
Our Reach
Who We Serve
600+
youth (ages 10–24) annually
1,300+
of their family members annually
96%
people of color
100%
from limited-income households
A new chapter
Independence Story
After decades as a sub-program of Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, YouthConnect started a new chapter as an independent nonprofit organization.
This transition reflects the organization’s growth, impact, and long-term vision for sustainability. Independence will allow YouthConnect to deepen investments in youth mental health, strengthen partnerships, expand fundraising capacity, and build a dedicated governance structure focused entirely on violence prevention and family-centered care.
Our people
YouthConnect Leadership
Kevan Barton, LICSW
YouthConnect Executive Director
Kevan brings more than two decades of experience working with young people across Boston, and a MSW from Boston University to the YouthConnect team.
Joshua A. Klevens
YouthConnect Board Chair
Josh is the Chair of the Board of Directors and brings valuable business experience and connections to YouthConnect from his work as COO of Charlesbank Capital Partners.
Governance
Board of Directors
In Memoriam – Ronald Ansin, Chair Emeritus
Laurence S. Chud, MD
Felipe Colon
Mayur Desai, Treasurer
Alexa Driscoll
Mike Gass
Kelly Gross Douglas
Weston “Tony” Howland III
Keyla Jackson
Lauren Joullian
Joshua A. Klevens, Chair
Jill Reilly, Clerk
Tracy Richmond, MD
Elizabeth Silverman
Donald K. Stern
Gregg Stone
Robert Sweet
George Varghese