Letter from our Executive Director

Dear Elevate Youth Family,

I hope that you and your loved ones continue to remain safe and in good health. Yes, 2021 was a year full of surprises and unknowns; however, our community and youth have shown incredible resilience, innovation, and flexibility. As the year comes to a close, this seems like the perfect time to reflect on the journey we have taken, and outline the plans we have in store for the year ahead.

Highlights by the numbers in 2021:

  • 280 kids served (from 6 youth organizations & 2 school partners)

  • 183 outdoor & enrichment outings (Including: Hiking, Sailing, Kayaking, Horseback Riding, Fishing, XC Skiing, Snowshoeing, Ice Skating, Orienteering, Virtual Cooking, Indoor Climbing, Outdoor Climbing, Survival Games, School/Local Parks Enrichment)

  • 36 Outdoor Mentors

  • 550 EAT meal boxes delivered

  • 9 virtual cooking classes

  • 2 New Outdoor Instructors

As we look ahead to 2022, we will continue to make incremental changes to better serve our youth & families as well as uphold our organization’s values: safety, youth choice/voice, inclusivity, accountability, leadership, and sustainability.

Priorities for 2022:

  • Working towards an embedded school model.

  • Continued commitment to DEI.

  • A focus on sustainability, both internally and through our programming. 

  • Enhancing our services through our E.A.T. initiative. 

  • Creating a space in the community at EY’s new headquarters in Dorchester. 

We are grateful for the support of our community and will advance our mission to empower youth to explore the outdoors alongside mentors, sharing awe and the richness of our natural world.  


Yours in Service,

Alec Griswold

Founder & Executive Director



Alec Griswold