YALD Testimonials

"The purpose of YALD is to strip down the layers of comfort that keep us from being where we are called to be in the world. As sculptures of God, this program handed us chisels of faith and we lovingly chipped each other down." (2008)

"The Quaker focus was pivotal to my spiritual development. I needed clarity about a variety of Quaker topics and I needed to better understand how my Quaker faith can be grounded and more intentional." (2008)

"I'm a Quaker, but before YALD I couldn't tell you a lot about the faith. I can now." (2008)

"The YALD program challenges young people to live radical lives and to grab life by the horns. It also teaches us to be better communicators, especially when it comes to listening. We also had the opportunity to be creative in addressing our problems and different community issues. I like that we are encouraged to find our own voice and to claim it." (2008)

"This is a program that will make you laugh and cry, stretch your limits, stress you out and change your life for the better." (2008)

"I was hoping for a program that fostered my spiritual and intellectual growth, a place where I would be exposed to new things, a place to reflect and continue developing my beliefs and gain skills, and a place where I felt comfortable expressing myself – and I found all of these things here." (2007)

"I cannot convey how impactful, how transformative this program has been – not even to myself. I will remember and celebrate this experience for life." (2007)

"Recognizing a 'small voice' inside of me is a testament to what has happened to me while in the YALD program... a life-affirming and transformative experience."

"YALD gave me the chance to stop, breathe, be silent, put my hand in soil, re-claim my creativity, and see results of enjoyable wor

"I couldn't have chosen a better way to spend the summer after graduation! I now feel ready to tackle all life's challenge

"This summer has been incredible. I do not view the world in the same way at all. Interacting with homeless children has shown me what's important in life. I've never felt so much anger and love at the same time before."