National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP)

"...we believe that all children and families deserve to live a purposeful and happy life with hope for the future. One of the most crucial steps in achieving this vision is preventing Abusive Head Trauma (AHT), also known as Shaken Baby Syndrome. This devastating form of child abuse occurs when an infant or young child is shaken violently, leading to severe and often irreversible consequences." Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gjbAMruZ Become a foster parent: nyap.org/fostercare

"Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, nurturing environment—yet too many families face challenges that put their well-being at risk. April is Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month, a time for communities nationwide to come together and take action to support strong families, thriving children, and healthier communities." Throughout the month of April, we will be sharing valuable resources to help educate the community with the hopes of eliminating the likelihood of child abuse and neglect one family at a time. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gt5ScGY Learn more about our programs at nyap.org

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. "...'Together We Act, United We Change' highlights the importance of working together to address and prevent sexual abuse, assault, and harassment... Education is the first step to action, empowering our communities to be part of the solution." Watch: https://lnkd.in/gHaZCSY4 Join or team to help empower survivors: nyap.org/careers

Join the #NYAPFAMILY by learning more about our current open positions where you can help make a tremendous impact on the lives of others. We are hiring passionate individuals. Apply today! Visit nyap.org/careers

Team NYAP, as we celebrate National Social Work Month, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering dedication, compassion, and hard work. Every day, you make a profound difference in the lives of the children, youth, and families we serve by offering hope, stability, and support to those who need it most. This year’s theme is “Compassion + Action,” it goes without saying that we truly embody this at NYAP. Join our amazing team! Visit nyap.org/careers

"The transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans, which operated between the fifteenth and late nineteenth centuries, involved the horrific trafficking of millions of women, men and children, mostly from West Africa to the Americas." Read more: https://lnkd.in/gVJN7Vs3 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gfYXkNMa

NYAP Recognized in the TOP 100 of America’s Best Midsize Employers 2025 by Forbes "We’re proud to announce that National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP) is included in this year’s renowned ranking of America’s Best Employers 2025 by Forbes, a well-known global media company focusing on business, investing, technology, entrepreneurship, leadership, and lifestyle and noted for its lists and rankings of individuals, companies, and other notable figures..." Read more: https://lnkd.in/g6dWRfAg

"Every March, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) and its partners collaborate to lead Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM). The annual campaign highlights how people with and without disabilities come together to form strong communities. NACDD’s 2025 theme, We’re Here All Year, emphasizing that community, accessibility, and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities should be recognized and championed every day—not just in March. " Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gzCSk9r5 Join our team: nyap.org/careers

NYAP was founded in 1978 by Mubarak Awad, a peace activist and visionary who held profound respect and admiration for his mother, sisters, teachers, and the women who cared for him in the orphanage where he was raised. Due to his life circumstances, he learned early on about the strength, courage, and resilience of women, even in the face of war, famine, and physical and emotional devastation. As NYAP grew, Mubarak prioritized hiring women for key positions. He recognized a pronounced tendency in women to communicate, collaborate, cooperate, and nurture one another more effectively—skills essential for forging positive relationships with the children, youth, and families served by the organization. One of the women Mubarak hired and mentored was Marvena Twigg, our current and second CEO. He saw in her the qualities that still guide and define her leadership today, which underpin our organization's commitment to Caring for People, Connecting Communities, and Promoting Peace. Marvena's dedication to empowering women and acknowledging their influence is reflected in various aspects of our organization, including our demographic profile. As of January 30 this year, 81% of NYAP's 3,045 employees identify as female, with 15 out of our 16 executive directors being women. Since our inception, strong female leadership has also characterized our board of directors, which currently includes eight women and four men. While Women's History Month provides an excellent opportunity to celebrate the incredible women who strengthen our communities every day, at NYAP, we recognize, appreciate, and value the contributions of women throughout the year. We are grateful for everything they do and their unwavering dedication to the children, youth, families, and communities we serve. As we observe Women's History Month throughout March, let us remember that each of us has the chance to build on the past and create a stronger, more equitable society where women and men unite to help everyone thrive. Our children, grandchildren, and communities are counting on us.

Happy International Women's Day from NYAP! Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women everywhere. At National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP), we are proud to honor the women who inspire, lead, and make a difference every day. As we reflect on their contributions, we also commit to supporting and empowering the women and girls we serve, helping them reach their full potential. Together, we can create a more just and equal world for all. Join our team: nyap.org/careers Help empower others by becoming a foster parent: nyap.org/fostercare