Non-Profits & Organizations
When Richard Jankov and his wife Margie lived in Arizona, they noticed a weekly rhythm in their neighborhood: kids skateboarding unsupervised after school with nowhere to go. Neighbors were concerned about vandalism and safety, but Richard saw it differently: He knew these kids needed to hear the Gospel.
On Friday nights, Richard and his family started hosting neighborhood kids so they could have a safe space to have fun and learn about God. In 1997, Richard felt called to leave his corporate job to enter ministry full time. The family moved to Ohio to join a church plant and formalize their youth ministry, officially launching Upward Bound Youth.
In 2011, UBY expanded to create Legacy Bible Institute, lowering the barriers for young adults interested in attending a Bible school. Today, UBY continues to teach truth and equip youth and families through Christ-centered programming, mentoring relationships, holistic care, community events and Gospel partnerships. The original mission of serving kids to strengthen families still guides UBY today, but we broadened our initiatives to support even more families by offering community events, mentoring opportunities, and partnering with local and global organizations that are aligned with our mission.
Together with our network of community partners, we’re just as passionate today about teaching truth and equipping youth as we were in 1997.