Our Story

We are cultivators of “Aha!” moments and  believers in natural curiosity.

Since its inception in 2004, Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U) has provided inspiring experiences for local youth. We believe that youth represent amazing untapped potential, and the key to realizing this potential is leveraging their natural curiosity about the world around them.

Founded in 2003 as Trips for Kids, the mission was to broaden youth perspectives through transformative experiences. Our founders recognized the need for guidance, support, and experiential learning beyond the home and classroom, and so with a few bikes, a renovation and determination, Trips for Kids began!

Our home base since inception has been the historic Victory Park Warming House on Brock Ave., and our playground is wherever our bikes and imaginations can take us! Despite inhabiting an area of impressive natural and cultural abundance, many children don’t often experience the bounty and beauty of our city. We thus began in the early days with bike rides around the peninsula, exploring Fort Taber, and playing at the old “Poor Farm,”[where people with no other options worked on the farm and lived in the “Alms House.”]

From the outset, we’ve dedicated ourselves to creating opportunities that respond to youth interest.  So when participants began requesting to use bike tools in the evenings, “Bike Maintenance & Repair Shop” came to be!  Then one rainy day and a few smoothies later, our “Food for Thought” cooking program was born. Even our Children’s Garden was born of an interesting story, beginning with guerilla gardening and the tomato-induced exclamation, “Let’s plant some!”

After 12 years of successful operations, a change of name to Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.) provided a more accurate portrayal of our work.  From bikes and kayaks to our imaginations and our own two feet, these are the tools of exploration, discovery and adventure at Y.O.U. Whether it’s summertime or after-school, indoors or outside, Y.O.U. is empowering local youth to explore and learn. 

What we do continually evolves in response to our community,, but we remain dedicated to our how and why!  We are a small non-profit making a big impact in the lives of New Bedford youth.  

Whether you see us out cycling or you pass by the Warming House, say hello, get to know us and become a part of our story.