About YBL

Youth Becoming Leaders was founded by Freeport resident, Matt Gargano, as a grass roots organization. Matt was so disturbed by the growing number of at-risk youth within his community that he felt compelled to act; thus creating YBL.

(c) 2006. Matt Gargano

YBL is a 501c3 nonprofit organization established to reclaim our lost youth, initially within Freeport Illinois and greater Stephenson County. Matt's vision is to create a national model so that unclaimed youth across the country can be offered the hope, love, and direction they so rightly deserve, but not given.

Matt incorporated his organization in 2002, while working full time. It took a while as he did it on his own. After a community needs assessment, Gargano worked on getting his nonprofit its 501c3 status, which came in 2004. Then in 2005, YBL began formally accepting referrals, and officially began offering services in January 2006. It has been (and continues to be) an incredible journey.

To learn more about Matt, visit www.mattslanding.com

 

 

 
  
 
 
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