The YWCA works to lessen some of the risk factors faced by children and families in our community by providing concentrated, holistic strength-based programming. Our overarching goal of all youth programming is that children will be able to identify their personal strengths, articulate goals, and be able to identify at least one consistent, caring adult.
Prevention needs to take place within the family system and needs to address families from a position of strength; whenever possible, the YWCA seeks to work with children and their parents. Our holistic approach includes some of the following components:
YWCA Teens Programs
Three of our teen programs that have been in existence the longest, include PACT (Peer Action Changing Tomorrow), Lifeskills, and GALS (Girls and Leadership Summer). All of our teen programs work to:
1) Provide information, skill development and encouragement to adolescent girls through gender-specific enrichment opportunities that will enable them to make healthy life choices and autonomous decisions, i.e. decisions in their best interest; and,
2) Prevent sexual and relationship violence by educating middle and high school youth about respect and responsibility in relationships. Skills-based training has been shown by research to increase youth resistance to violence, juvenile delinquency, substance abuse, and to decrease the likelihood of early sexual activity. Currently, the Youth Programs Coordinator is working towards her certification in prevention.
How you can help:
Have you ever volunteer at or donated to the YWCA? Would you recommend others do the same? Please tell us why below!
