Fellows Spotlight
Richard Yarbough
2018 Flinn-Brown Fellow
President
Pilgrim Rest Foundation, Inc.
Since 1996, Richard Yarbough has had the pleasure of serving at Pilgrim Rest Foundation. His early work focused on real estate acquisition, site plan development, construction, and financing of the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church campus. It was a dynamic period of growth, during which he led efforts to expand both the staff and the organization’s programming. What began as a team of four has grown to over 30 professionals providing services across human services, education, financial literacy, legal advocacy, and wellness.
Yarbough finds his work both challenging and incredibly fulfilling. He partners with a team of passionate and gifted individuals who are committed to serving the community through comprehensive wrap-around services. Each week, Pilgrim Rest serves nearly 200 families seeking rental, utility, and transportation assistance. The monthly mobile food pantry serves more than 1,000 individuals. Still, the need far outweighs available resources. The organization can currently assist only about 20% of those who apply.
Through a partnership with Arizona State University, the Pilgrim Rest Foundation offers innovative education for Pre-K through eighth grade. ASU Preparatory Academy Pilgrim Rest was the first elementary school in the United States to build a Dreamscape Immersive pod, allowing students to use virtual reality to explore the life sciences and other subjects.
A 2018 Flinn-Brown Fellow, Yarbough recognizes the critical role public policy plays in the foundation’s ability to serve the community — from funding and education standards to housing and food equity. Thoughtful public policy is essential to sustaining and expanding their work. For example, most students who attend ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest qualify as Title I students and rely on subsidized meals. Yarbough is now concerned that recent federal budget cuts could jeopardize their nutritional support.
A signed poster in his office from one of his mentors, Dr. Harry Edwards, bears a powerful message that continues to guide him:
“We men and boys will never be everything that we ought to be until women and girls can be everything that they can be. We are not going anywhere that women and girls do not go as full, equal, respected, and contributing partners.”
Edwards made this statement at University of California, Berkeley in 1984 and gifted the signed quote to Yarbough in 2020. He embraces this philosophy wholeheartedly in both his personal and professional life. It serves as a constant reminder of the importance of equity, inclusion, and shared leadership.
Yarbough is deeply rooted in the love and support of his family and church community. Originally from Massachusetts, he moved to Los Angeles to attend the University of Southern California, then relocated to Arizona four decades ago, later earning his master’s degree from ASU. He proudly considers himself an “adopted native.”
Outside of work, he finds joy in travel and music, especially jazz. He enjoys live performances at The Nash, where he also serves on the board of directors, and often invites others to join him there or for a Sunday morning at Pilgrim Rest.
Richard considers the Fellows Network invaluable, with connections that have grown into both intentional and organic collaborations. He has partnered with many Fellows in his work, including Talonya Adams, J.D.,Jaime Dempsey, Tomás León, and Claire Louge, among others. These relationships have enriched his perspective, expanded the foundation’s reach, and deepened his commitment to service.
He believes one of the greatest strengths of the Flinn-Brown Network lies in its ability to unite diverse perspectives in pursuit of shared understanding.
“In an increasingly divided nation,” Richard said, “the Network offers a unique space for meaningful dialogue where relationships transcend differing viewpoints, and common ground can be cultivated.”
He sees Flinn-Brown Fellows as having a critical role to play in modeling civic engagement that is respectful, informed, and solutions oriented.
“By leveraging their influence and connections,” Yarbough asserts, “Fellows can address the complex issues facing Arizona and demonstrate what collaborative leadership can achieve.”
Book Recommendation
‘The Kidnapping Club’ by Jonathan Daniel Wells
“I am drawn to historical narratives that offer insights into present-day social, economic, and political dynamics. One book I highly recommend is ‘The Kidnapping Club’ by Jonathan Daniel Wells. Introduced to me through a book discussion led by Dr. Lois Brown of Arizona State University, the book examines the deep entanglement of slavery and capitalism, and the role of Wall Street in sustaining both. It is a powerful, well-researched account that challenges readers to confront the historical foundations of inequality that persist today.”
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