"We Don't Know How Much Longer We Can Hang On" Local Nonprofit in Danger of Closing

A small nonprofit bringing hope to underprivileged children is in danger of foundering, due to waning financial support—an offspring of the foul economy that marred 2011.

 Hosea “Hat Cat” Mills, the founder and director of Yes You Can! Young Lady-Young Man, hopes that better times will accompany the new year, but said he isn’t sure.

 The nonprofit was incorporated in Prince William County in 2004 and opened its doors in Manassas Park five years ago.

The group awards college scholarships and sponsors small talent shows for the young people it serves, so they can have an arena for displaying their creativity and building their self esteem.

Yes You Can! is also a after-school program and a safe place children can go to do their homework, play games, read and socialize.

In the summer, the youths participate in the Life Cycle Program which teaches etiquette, resume writing and banking skills.

But still, more is needed. 

“Because of the economy we’re just not able to do as much as we have in the past,” Mills said. “Sadly, I don’t know how much longer we can hang on financially.”

Things got so tough, he had to sell the van the organization used to transport the children to events, Mills said.

“I’ve had to pick the kids up in my personal car,” he said. “With the van, if they wanted to go to the school football game or something, I’ll pick them up; pay their way in and buy them a little hot dog or something.”

Sometimes I think I’ll have to close down, and I’m on the verge of it right now,” Mills said of Yes You Can! which has helped some 300 children.

The nonprofit comes, “highly recommended” and has the support of both the Manassas Park and the Manassas City mayors, Mills said.  It was nominated for the PWC Community Service Award and is the recipient of certificates of appreciation from Manassas Park police and fire departments and the Prince William County chapter of the NAACP.

“I say, 'God I know you are going to give me the resources needed to keep the foundation up and running,’” he said.

Just two or three people work with Yes You Can! They once had an administrative assistant that helped out part time, but things got rough financially, and so they had to let her go, Mills said.  The organization desperately needs volunteers and a grant writer. Until that happens, the small team carries on with who and what they have.

“I’m surrounded by some wonderful people,” Mills said.

Yes You Can! has been the rich beneficiary of generous donations in the past, he said.

The nonprofit's modest office space facing Euclid Avenue in the Conner Center   was donated by local businessman Doug Woodward, Mills said.

Woodward also pays the utilities on the parcel.

 With limited resources, Yes You Can! still managed to throw a Christmas party in December for the children and give them gifts and book bags stuffed with school supplies.

Mills said he’s been working with children since the 1970s and 1980s in San Francisco and Los Angeles.   Big Brothers, Big Sisters named him Big Brother of the Year in LA in 1990.

It was the California influence that earned Mills the nickname, “Hat Cat.”

“When I came from California, I always wore the stylish hats,” Mills musingly said.

“It was something catchy, so I decided to take advantage of it.”

 He was given the White Hat Award in 1999 by Big Brothers, Big Sisters of LA.

“I just love life, and I’m loved by people,” the 65-year-old said. “It’s my responsibility and my obligation from God to give back … I’m not well off financially, but I do what I can.”