We’re so pleased to feature United YES , the winner of our Youth Organization Award at the 2025 Champions for Children Giraffe Awards Luncheon.
✨ United YES will be recognized at the 2025 Giraffe Awards Luncheon. Join us for a morning of celebration, community, and joy!
📅 Tuesday, November 18 | 11:00 AM
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Maple Hill Farm Inn & Conference Center, Hallowell
🎟 Tickets and sponsorships are available now—tap the link below to snag 'em!
2025 Champions for Children- Sponsorship & Ticket Sales by Maine Children's Alliance
"United Youth Empowerment Services (United YES) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Lewiston, Maine. Founded in 2016 by immigrant and refugee youth, United YES empowers young people through recreation, arts, education, and leadership programs. Each year, the organization engages over 250 youth in soccer and basketball leagues, after-school support, media literacy workshops, and cultural events that foster belonging, resilience, and self-expression. United YES also partners with local farms to increase access to fresh, culturally relevant foods for immigrant families. Rooted in advocacy and healing, United YES is building a stronger, more inclusive future for Maine’s youth and families."
We recently caught up with Omar Hassan, Executive Director of UnitedYES, to learn more about him and the incredible program he’s built.
Originally from Somalia, Omar Hassan became a Mainer in 2005 at the age of thirteen. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine at Presque Isle and is currently pursuing a master’s in organizational leadership online through the University of Maine.
Today, as Director of United YES, Omar leads a dedicated team of staff, college interns, and dozens of volunteers. He credits partnerships with the cities and school districts of Lewiston and Auburn, local mosques, Bates College, and Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services (MEIRS) as key to the organization’s success and sustainability.
At United YES, youth can receive one-on-one mentoring, play sports, get homework help, and express themselves creatively in the Creators’ Space. Programming is especially vital during the summer months, when school is out and kids need a safe, welcoming place to learn and grow.
Omar firmly believes that investing in youth is prevention —for gun violence, substance use, and more. He sees United YES as a pillar of stability and safety, helping young people build confidence, connection, and leadership skills. Flexibility is central to the organization’s mission: following the 2023 Lewiston shootings, United YES quickly organized an event for children and families to process, grieve, and begin to heal together. In the face of tragedy, United YES continues to embody the very best of community.
Omar’s favorite part of his work is watching youth grow into themselves and discover their own potential. A proud father of five, he enjoys playing soccer and spending time with his family outside of work.
Thank you, Omar and United YES, for all you do for Maine kids. We’re so grateful for your service and leadership.
