In Memory Of Michael B. Yanney

When we reflect on the origins of Partnership 4 Kids, we are reminded that meaningful change often begins with a simple decision: to care deeply and to act boldly.

In 1989, Mike Yanney and his wife, Dr. Gail Walling Yanney, launched a small mentoring initiative at McMillan Middle School called Yanney’s Kids. What began with just a few students and the Yanneys’ belief in their potential, grew into the comprehensive youth-development initiative that Partnership 4 Kids is known as today.

Looking back on those early days, Mike once shared, “It’s been one of the most heartwarming projects I’ve ever done in my life.”

That reflection says so much about the spirit behind the work. From the beginning, this effort was never about recognition — it was about relationships. It was about showing up consistently for young people and helping them see what was possible for their own lives.

 “My whole objective was to find out how we could change lives and how we could motivate them,” Mike said about the inspiration behind this 37-year journey.

That objective became the foundation for everything that followed. As Yanney’s Kids evolved into All Our Kids and later merged with Winners Circle in 2007 to form Partnership 4 Kids, the heart of the mission remains the same — to walk alongside students from early education through postsecondary pathways, offering mentorship, opportunity, and hope.

Mike once noted, “Anything we can do to eradicate poverty is going to make a long-term difference to the overall picture and happiness of our community.” That perspective reflects a deep understanding that supporting youth is not only about individual success — it strengthens families, neighborhoods, and the entire community.

Today, every student supported, every diploma earned, and every career launched carries forward the vision that Mike and Gail set in motion nearly four decades ago.

We are profoundly grateful for Mike’s leadership, generosity, and unwavering belief in young people. His legacy is not just found in the program’s early beginnings — it lives on in the confidence, hope, and opportunity experienced by every student Partnership 4 Kids serves.

Thank you, Mike, for leading with heart and reminding us what is possible when a community comes together and chooses to invest in its youth.