Our Story

Knowing that God was calling him to minister to inner-city kids, Founder and President Bill Hobbs left his professional golf career in 1988 to work with at-risk youth in Palm Beach County. In 1997, he took another step of faith by starting Urban Youth Impact.

Urban Youth Impact began simply. Bill would load up his car with sports equipment, find an empty lot in the inner-city of West Palm Beach, and invite the neighborhood boys to play ball. As time passed, Bill found himself with the same 25 boys every week. Pick-up games led to camping trips and home visits, and many opportunities to share the love of Christ. Because of his consistent compassion for the community, Bill became a trusted friend and father figure to the residents of Tamarind Avenue. He has been ministering in the inner-city for 20 years.

Because of Bill's fervor and God's faithfulness, UYI has grown into a reputable, faith-based non-profit organization. Multiple community programs and events make an impact on 350 inner-city kids every week and 5,000 youth and families every year. In 2006, Mayor Lois Frankel of West Palm Beach named Urban Youth Impact the city's best Faith-Based/Non-Profit Outreach.