In 1995, Tom began Stay Off the Streets, Inc., a non-profit program whose aim is to rescue forgotten children from the dangers of the streets, troubled homes, and negative role models.  Every day in Western Pennsylvania, children are victims of abusive parents, gangs, and drugs. For years, Tom Yankello’s Stay Off the Streets Program has served as a sanctuary of opportunity that equips our youth with the tools necessary to survive, not only in the boxing ring, but in real life.
 
Yankello’s Gym is a growing family, where children are instilled with discipline, self-esteem, work ethic, and the competitive spirit necessary to succeed in all walks of life.  Tom’s program is designed to turn underprivileged children into responsible young adults that become active members of the community, and in some cases, World Champions. As Tom states himself, “Sure I want to provide professional boxing training and help them learn to become good boxers, but more than anything I want them to be good people.”
 
For many of the at-risk youth in Beaver County, those ages 7-18 have a bright opportunity to shift their paths, and avoid the pitfalls found on the streets. For over 25 years, Stay Off the Streets, Inc. (SOS),  has been providing a guiding light to young people in need, through youth programming and mentorship. Through Tom's efforts, numerous youth have gained valuable life experiences, and achieved goals they may have previously been told they could not achieve. Through available programming and mentorship, SOS strives to:
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      -    Help prevent the rise in youth crimes and community deterioration
      -    Help underprivileged youth to build relationships with others in the community
      -    Give youngsters a safe place to occupy their time in a positive way
      -    Provide youth with a place to study their academics
      -    Teach youngsters a healthy life-style through fitness and nutrition
      -    Provide career counseling and job training opportunities
 
SOS depends upon volunteers, community members, and businesses to support the programming necessary to provide our youth a strong chance at a bright future. Your support means infrastructure, a fully equipped gym, academic assistance, opportunities for work experience, housing, general life skills, and classes offered at the gym, in addition to other needs demonstrated by those enrolled. Youth participating in the SOS program do so completely free of charge and 100% of all funds raised go back to the youth. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration, and we sincerely hope that you will consider supporting the youth of our community and their futures by making a donation to “Stay Off the Streets, Inc.”