Our Story
A journey that started with a small initiative in 2005 — and continues to grow with the people of Sontek.
From a Small Local Initiative to Youth Advancement Sontek Society
The story of Youth Advancement Sontek Society (YASS) began around 2005, at a time when Sontek was still a developing community with limited access to organized social and community support services.
Our past gave us our foundation.
Our community gives us our purpose.
Our future is to build a stronger Sontek together.
Our Beginning
Our journey began through a small local initiative known as “ঢাকাস্থ সনটেক কল্যাণ সমিতি” (Dhakastha Sontek Kallyan Samity). It was established with a simple purpose: to bring local people together and support the welfare and development of the Sontek community. This early society became the foundation of the community-service spirit that continues through YASS today.
The Early Years
In those early years, Sontek was very different from the community we see today. Infrastructure and local services were limited, and many community needs were addressed through cooperation among residents, volunteers, well-wishers, and community leaders. Our earliest activities were therefore rooted in community welfare, mutual assistance, local problem-solving, and supporting people during times of need.
Growing With Sontek
What began with a small number of people gradually grew. As Sontek developed, the needs of its residents also became broader and more diverse. More volunteers, community members, professionals, and supporters became involved, allowing our activities to expand beyond the scope of the original initiative.
From Initiative to YASS
That growth ultimately shaped what is today known as Youth Advancement Sontek Society (YASS), publicly represented through Yasontec.
Our Work Today
Today, YASS supports Sontek residents through a range of community, family and youth-focused activities. Our work begins with resident intake and community outreach through the various public programs and activities we offer. Through these interactions, we learn about individual and family circumstances, identify needs and existing strengths, and help residents understand the support options available to them. Where social assistance or pension support may be relevant, our team also reviews individual circumstances, provides general eligibility guidance, and helps residents understand the documentation and next steps required to access appropriate benefits.
Based on identified needs, our team provides individual support planning, education and employment assistance, life-skills development, social assistance and pension guidance, and support for vulnerable individuals and families. Residents are matched with suitable YASS activities and community programs according to their circumstances, needs and program requirements. YASS also organizes and implements life-skills workshops, youth services and other community-based programs, with appropriate professional guidance or supervision where the nature of the activity requires it.
Where additional assistance is required, YASS helps residents access healthcare, housing, legal and financial support, childcare, transportation and other community resources through information, service navigation and referrals. We maintain contact with relevant healthcare providers, social service organizations and community partners when necessary to coordinate support, exchange relevant service information and obtain appropriate feedback regarding a resident's progress.
Our community work also includes emergency and crisis assistance, including immediate needs assessment, emergency referrals and helping residents locate appropriate temporary or emergency shelter services when required. We conduct resident follow-ups and progress reviews to understand whether support has been effective and whether further assistance, referral or adjustment to the support plan is necessary.
YASS also recruits, mobilizes and coordinates volunteers for community programs, outreach and emergency activities. Designated personnel supervise support workers and volunteers where applicable, provide activity guidance and coordinate their involvement in service delivery. Alongside these activities, we maintain program and service statistics, review community needs and program activities, and use this information to support service planning, program evaluation and community research.
From a modest local welfare initiative around 2005 to a growing network of community members and volunteers, our identity has evolved, but our connection to Sontek has remained at the heart of everything we do.