Pine Grove Christian Fellowship

Executive Director, Allegheny Youth Development (AYD)

In 1994 Brian Foltz, a young man from rural Pennsylvania (right here in Russell) founded AYD, a Christian-based nonprofit organization in urban Pittsburgh that serves the educational and personal development needs of at-risk teenage boys through after-school and evening programs. Young men, especially inner-city teens, can't change their tough circumstances. But they can change themselves to become resilient to trouble and achieve success. 

Giving young men a spiritual edge to success defines the work at Allegheny Youth Development. At AYD the focus is on developing the practical traits of a Christian philosophy: A serious, goal-oriented attitude toward education. Great self-control. A more generous nature. Hope for the future.

By applying this philosophy, AYD produces measurable, substantial improvements in school grades and behavior. The young men work hard to build on these improvements, and have achieved a near-perfect high school graduation rate. Many of them return to AYD as volunteers and staff members.

The AYD Mission:  to educate, equip and empower our inner-city youth to reach their God-given intellectual, social, physical and spiritual potential. 

For a complete description of AYD, its members, its programs, its area of service, and its accomplishments in the lives of young inner-city men, go to www.AYD.org.