Brighter Futures Society

Make a Difference!

The YAI Network’s Brighter Futures Society (BFS) is a group of motivated young professionals, ages 21-40, who are committed to helping people with developmental disabilities achieve independence and lead dignified, fulfilling lives. By raising much-needed funds and cultivating relationships, the Brighter Futures Society works hard to support the mission of YAI Network.

BFS members have a wide range of backgrounds in finance, publicity, design and media, the arts, hotels and hospitality and more. The common thread of this diverse society is quite simple: Members really want to make a difference and give back to society.

The BFS offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for members to get involved with the people we serve, including:

• Arts and crafts, basketball, bowling and other recreational activities
• Social events such as holiday parties, museum trips, concert outings and other events
• Networking with other young professionals who share a passion for building stronger communities

Every spring, the BFS hosts an exciting event including fabulous cocktails, gourmet hors d’oeuvres and exciting entertainment. Proceeds from this event directly fund YAI programs to benefit the people we serve. The event attracts hundreds of New York City’s young leaders. We hope you will join us for a good time while supporting a worthy cause and spreading awareness about developmental disabilities at this year's event "Hope on the Hudson."  View photos from our 2009 event or 2008 event.

The BFS Camp Scholarship Fund is our most successful initiative yet! We support a wonderful YAI summer camp located in the Catskills in which children with disabilities join typically developing children in all camping activities. For families who cannot afford this program, a BFS Camp Scholarship provides a camping experience that fosters growth and enriches lives. Please support us now and send a kid to camp!

There are so many ways you can help to make a difference in the lives of people of all ages with disabilities. In these difficult times, your gifts of time and money mean more than ever before!

For more information on joining the Brighter Futures Society, contact Dario Mallerman at 212-273-6588 or support@yai.org. 

 Brighter Future Society Members:

Aileen Ruddy, Allison Reis, Amy Goodman, Arlae Castellanos, Cara Grider, Cindy Gevarter, Dana Rempell, Daniel Amir, Eras Chong, Erica Pitman, Gordon Levy, Hyla Altneu, Ian Martin, Jaime Frio, Josh Rubin, Kala Harinarayanan, Karen Bardavid, Kerin Nadler, Kimberly Perrier, Kristen Accordino, Lauren Davidson, Lauren Hubbell, Lisa Pigeon, Maisie Hughes, Marissa Goldstein, Max Martenelli, Melinda Mcfadden, Michele Wolfenstein, Mike Simanovsky, Monika Schule, Moriah Britt, Nicole Aubry, Papa Baffour-Awuah, Rachel Chubinsky, Rachel Stubins, Rebecca Wilson, Robert Guido, Rosemarie Mannix, Sabrina Hartzog, Samantha Behringer, Sarah Baier, Seth Moskowitz, Steve Covello, Susan Long, Sylvia Davila, Ting Ji, Todd Medland, Vince Werling, Whitney Horton