CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst), one of the country's largest not-for-profit healthcare organizations, and the Baltimore Ravens announced today that Young Successful Leaders Inc. (YSLI) is the latest recipient of their joint grant program, Huddle Up for Health.
YSLI addresses health equity by tackling trauma, violence and systemic disparities through holistic mental health programs, including trauma-informed care and restorative and social-emotional learning. The organization will use the $50,000 grant to expand its youth development and community wellness programs, focusing on mental health, violence prevention, and workforce development. The funding will support program delivery, staffing, supplies and outreach in high-need neighborhoods.
Out of a pool of more than 160 applicants, YSLI was chosen for its commitment to fostering a safe, nurturing and empowering environment for youth while providing parents peace of mind. YSLI is aligned with Huddle Up for Health's vision of lifting organizations that address public health issues to achieve community health equity.
"Receiving the 2025 Huddle Up Grant from CareFirst and the Baltimore Ravens is a tremendous honor and a critical boost to our violence prevention and intervention efforts," said Brandon Clayton, executive director of YSLI. "This support will allow us to expand our community walks, de-escalation workshops and therapeutic mentorship programs — helping us create safer neighborhoods and healthier futures for Baltimore youth. With this investment, we can deepen our impact and ensure families have access to the vital resources they need to thrive."
YSLI utilizes trained Community Health Workers who connect families to essential behavioral and physical health services, and their Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program ensures youth with greater needs receive specialized support.
Beyond mental health, YSLI promotes long-term well-being with initiatives like the Share Podcast, entrepreneurship programs, workforce development and etiquette training. These efforts empower young people to break cycles of poverty and instability while fostering resilience, opportunity and equity in Baltimore's underserved communities.
"Strong communities start with access to care, good jobs and safe places to grow — but creating lasting change takes partnership," said Mack McGee, chief marketing officer at CareFirst. "Through our long-standing collaboration with the Baltimore Ravens, we're proud to support organizations like Young Successful Leaders Inc. that are out there every day making a real difference for Baltimore's youth. From mental health support to job training, together we can all break down barriers and help build healthier, more hopeful futures."
The Ravens and CareFirst will jointly recognize YSLI as the 2025 Huddle Up for Health grant recipient during the Houston Texans game on October 5, 2025.
"At the Ravens, we believe in building stronger communities by investing in our youth," Ravens director of community relations Kelly Tallant said. "Supporting Young Successful Leaders Inc. is about more than just funding programs — it's about empowering the next generation with the tools they need to thrive. Their commitment to mental health, violence prevention, and workforce development directly aligns with our mission to uplift Baltimore and create lasting change."
Designed to provide awareness and support to the community by addressing health disparities, Huddle Up for Health continues community wellness and health equity initiatives established by CareFirst and the Ravens, while broadening the focus to include other health challenges individuals face throughout Maryland.
Prior to this year, CareFirst and the Ravens announced Nexus-Woodbourne Family Healing (2023) and Roberta's House (2024) as the first two recipients of the Huddle Up for Health grant for Maryland-based mental health nonprofits.
To stay up to date on Huddle Up for Health and learn more about the Ravens' community initiatives and involvement, visit www.baltimoreravens.com/community. To learn more about CareFirst's community initiatives, visit www.carefirst.com/transformation.
