Yes I Can, International (YIC) was formed in 2001 in response to a need expressed by the faith community for training in the area of working with people with special needs. Yes I Can conducts informal training for places of worship and community organizations concerning the inclusion of people with special needs. YIC facilitates the merger of places of worship and qualified professionals such as certified special educators, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech/language pathologists, disability advocates, nurses, geneticists, sign language interpreters, parents and disability ministry leaders. The training provided by YIC begins with an initial contact by a parent, advocate, place of worship, or community organization. An assessment is taken to determine what the specific needs of the organization will be. These needs vary by organization but have included informal training in the areas of disability awareness, therapeutic issues, advocacy, inclusion techniques and sign language interpretation training for the hearing impaired. Each trainee receives a personalized binder with information relating to their specific needs. Each training is categorized into areas such as disability awareness/advocacy, therapeutic techniques, disability ministry, and inclusion techniques. Many of the materials presented are provided with permission by Christ Church for the Handicapped (Knoxville, Tennessee). The remaining materials are produced by each therapy team from personal industry knowledge and information.

Each year YIC partners with First Apostolic Faith Church and Toys for Tots to provide toy donations to inner city children with special needs. In 2003, this partnership resulted in more than 150 toys for children with special needs. In 2006, YIC surpassed this number by providing over 450 toys for children with special needs in the city of Baltimore. In spring 2006 YIC honored the special educators at an inner city school specifically for children with special needs. The William S. Baer school has been serving the needs of children with special needs since 1930. Currently, they provide education in a multi-therapeutic environment for over 300 students ranging in age from 3-18. YIC provided a full day of fun and relaxation free of charge for over 150 educators, therapists, and nurses. YIC presented personalized appreciation certificates, gift bags, hand massages, catered breakfast and lunch, and a book signing.

Between the fall of 2005 and the spring of 2006, YIC provided volunteer service hours at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore. The Kennedy Krieger Institute has been a resource and a beacon of hope for families with members who have special needs around the world. YIC volunteered and provided service at in the form of craft nights, a variety of holiday celebrations, hosted family movie nights, and the donation of holiday toys. From 2002 to 2005 YIC volunteered at the Johns Hopkins Children’s House (JHCH). The JHCH provides a place for families to stay who have children with long term medical needs. YIC sponsored many free brunches and dinners for the families with children under Johns Hopkins care. YIC also provided holiday toys and caroling for the residents in 2004 and 2005.

YIC is run entirely by volunteers that sacrifice their time to help others. The YIC office and training space is located at 20 South Caroline Street and open by appointment only during normal business hours. The space is donated based on need from the First Apostolic Faith Church in Baltimore, MD.