From Vulnerable Youth to Community Leaders
We Build Confidence Every Way We Can
Everything we do is designed to build confidence through a variety of outlets like the arts and storytelling. Through our partnerships with strong and inspiring members of our community, we empower youth and teens to rise above the challenges they face on a daily basis.
Urban Warriors
Urban Warriors provides a structured curriculum-based program that pairs experienced veterans with youth exposed to violence. Together, they discuss and process their experiences with violence, develop and share coping skills, and identify the strengths they have developed. Through all of this, they learn how they can channel these new skills to benefit their communities.
Story Squad
Story Squad is an audio storytelling program that empowers youth to channel their experiences by recording their stories that can be shared with their community and throughout the world.
Bridging The Divide
Bridging the Divide was developed to help build understanding between youth, law enforcement officials, and other community members. Throughout the project, the YMCA and community partners offer opportunities for dialogue through cafes, peace circles, and the exchange of photos and stories.
Parent Cafe & Leadership Program
The Parent Cafe & Leadership Program supports parents of children and youth who face high levels of stress, isolation, and exposure to trauma. Through regular parent cafes and peer group activities, we help participants reduce their household stress and expand the protective factors in their lives.
Service Coordination and Navigation
The Service Coordination and Navigation program (SCaN) serves youth who are at high risk of involvement in violence. Through coaching and connection, our outreach workers can guide participants towards better futures while also making our communities safer for everyone.