High school students serving on YEP 2.Pro, an advanced grantmaking committee within the DeKalb County Community Foundation’s Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) program, recently awarded a $2,500 grant to Family Service Agency (FSA) to support its Roots to Rise youth housing initiative.

This year’s student-led committee focused on two key concerns affecting youth in DeKalb County:

1. Lack of strong support systems
2. Substance abuse

YEP 2.Pro Committee Chair Saige Ruback announces a $2,500 grant to Family Service Agency for its Roots to Rise youth housing initiative.

Representatives from FSA presented at the March 2025 YEP 2. Pro committee meeting, sharing how the organization would use the grant to address these pressing youth issues.

“After thoughtful consideration, our committee determined that supporting Family Service Agency would have the most significant impact on the issues we aimed to address at the beginning of the year,” said Saige Ruback, 2025-26 YEP 2.Pro chair. “FSA will use its awarded funds to support youth experiencing housing instability, youth recovering from substance abuse, and others in need of a safe place and supportive community. We are proud to support their mission to enhance the well-being of youth in DeKalb County.”

YEP 2.Pro is a subcommittee of the DeKalb County Community Foundation’s Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) program. The committee researches current youth issues in DeKalb County, selects areas of focus, and identifies ways to create meaningful change through grantmaking. The group is entirely youth-led and supported by Foundation staff advisors.

Funding for YEP 2.Pro Grants comes primarily from the YEP Horizons Unlimited Fund. Established in 2021 through a generous gift from Nancy D. Castle and her children, the Fund supports YEP’s proactive grantmaking efforts and empowers young people to make decisions that directly impact their peers. Additional contributions are made by donors through Give DeKalb County, further supporting YEP’s mission.

YEP aims to improve the quality of life for youth in the community. The program is open to all high school students in DeKalb County and provides hands-on experience in grantmaking, nonprofit engagement, and leadership development. Members learn about philanthropy and discover the power of their voice in shaping a stronger future.