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 "Spring for Hope" at www.yai.org/bfs.  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 Alyssa Franklin at 212-273-6551 or alyssa.franklin@yai.org. 

 Brighter Future Society Members:

Alexis Trudel, Allison Reis, Amy Goodman, Ashley Blossom, Cara Grider, Charles Marsh, Cindy Gevarter, Daniel Amir, Emily Murphy, Emily Persar, Eras Chong, Erica Pitman, Erin Smith, Frederica McLean, Gordon Chang, Hyla Altneu, Ian Martin, Jackie Lee, Jennifer Cali, Jenny Carey, Joe Sacks, Josh Rubin, Kala Harinarayanan, Karen Bardavid, Kerin Nadler, Lauren Davidson, Lauren Hubbell, Lisa Pigeon, Lisa Reyes, Marissa Goldstein, Maisie Hughes, Max Martinelli, Melinda Mcfadden, Melissa Smith, Michele Wolfenstein, Minkie Lee, Monika Schule, Moriah Britt, Natalie Sandy, Nicole Aubry, Nicole Pursel, Noah Wenger, Papa Baffour-Awuah, Rachel Chubinsky, Rachel Stubins, Randy Nozik, Robert Guido, Sabrina Hartzog, Sarah Baier, Sarah Greer, Scott Stelk, Seth Moskowitz, Shilpn Patel, Staci Giove, Stephanie Norris, Susan Long, Sylvia Davila, Ting Ji, Vince Werling, Whitney Horton.