About
A little bit about us…
Youth Encouragement Services (YES) operates three youth centers that offer educational and recreational programs as alternatives for kids ages 6-18 during after school hours, weekends and summer break. The programs offered by YES effectively keep children living in the inner city off the street, giving them a safe place to go where they can engage in social, educational and cultural activities.
Take a second to meet our staff, learn about our facilities, and view our board members.
Meet our Staff

Keith Branson
Executive Director
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Daryl Elliott
Director, Lindsley Ave.
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David Estes
Director, YES St. Luke’s
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Samantha Johnson
Operations Manager
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Jan Andre’ Williams
Director, McIver Street
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Our Facilities

St. Luke’s Center
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The McIver Center
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The Lindsley Center
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2010 Board of Directors
Tricia Murray (ReMax Elite) - President
Joe Walkup (Innovative Business Products) - Co-President
Bard Ferguson (First Tennessee Bank) - Treasurer
Chad White (Brookdale Senior Living Inc.) - Secretary
Alfonzo Alexander (NASBA), Matt Butler (Bishop Street Advisors), Perri duGard Owens (PAOwer Team Consulting Group), Barry Elkins (Reszoom.com), Bari Harwell, Bill Higgins (Metro Government General Sessions Court), Bart Liddle (HCA), Joy Mangrum (Lo Jac), Rob McRay, Jr. (Donelson Church of Christ), Stephen “Bubba” Miller (Arrington Metals, LLC), Marie-Aimee Abizera (African Leadership), John Rutledge (JRD Development Corp), Judith Soffiantino (ImagineNew), Frank Stevenson (State of Tennessee), W. Kevin Watson (Bank of America)