About the Founder
An Organization That Motivates, Inspires and Empowers
To Be All You Were Created To Be
"It is of the utmost importance that YGS participants are Honest, Integral and Loyal to the Mission and Philosophy of the organization
Denise L. Cosom Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Young Gents Society, Inc. conceived this vision when she met a young man at Brooklyn Hospital, who was being demeaned by the people in the emergency waiting area. Unknowingly, this young man had just "aged out" of the Juvenile Justice System.
Denise noticed the system neither adequately monitored his education, nor made it possible for him to develop effective and independent life skills. In 2004 while mentoring this young man she witnessed his daily struggles and began to understand the harsh realities of young men who are forced to make their own way through life with little to no support system.
She also became painfully aware of the significant gaps in service to support this disconnected population. Denise observed a disturbingly high percentage of young men which harbor negative behavioral characteristics; lack necessary life skills and character that serve as the foundation for a positive and independent lifestyle.
Thousands of youth are faced with similarly empty futures, without basic independent living skills. So, how could these young men obtain basic needs which so many people take for granted, such as food, clothing and shelter? Who do they turn to? Where do they go? How do they survive when no one has helped prepare them for their futures?
Since, 2009 Denise has mentored over 100's of incarcerated young men at New York City Riker Island, Crossroads Detention Center for juveniles, Goshen Detention Center(New York State Office of Children and Family Services) Metropolitan Detention Center - Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Denise continues to work selflessly and relentlessly to to help young men transition successfully to become an asset and contributing members of society.
