Since 1990, Youth Professional Development Incorporated, YPD has successfully provided intervention and prevention services for youth residing in Prince George's County.
Founded by Richard and Josie Bowen, YPD is a private, non-profit volunteer-based organization that helps adolescent parents stay in school, develop leadership training and job skills. We promote healthy decision making, as well as develop parenting skills by providing life skills training, support groups, career placement for the summer and provide at-risk teens with a mentor.
YPD began service delivery through a contract with Prince George's County Department of Social Services' Foster Care Program in 1990. During that time YPD facilitated the Independent Living Program for the Adolescent Foster Care Unit within the Department of Social Services. YPD has also worked successfully with the Maryland Tomorrows Program, local 4-H Clubs and other organizations in the metropolitan area. YPD provided limited services to at-risk students in the community from 1994 to 1998. During this time, YPD collaborated with Plans Into Action, Inc. and local PTA's to sponsor over-night leadership retreats and skill-building workshops for troubled youth throughout Prince George's County. In 1999, YPD expanded its services to include the Job Development and Work Experience Project.