Healthy Youth Development

The prevalence of risky behaviors can have a negative impact on a young person’s ability to grow and develop into a healthy, productive adult. Research shows that when young people achieve academic success, have significant relationships with caring adults, and are involved in community service and extracurricular activities they are less likely to engage in risky behaviors. Healthy Youth Development programs such as the YWCA’s have a positive impact on young people’s ability to improve their self-expectation and resilience.

The YWCA’s Healthy Youth Development programming addresses the needs of youth from low to moderate-income families, the majority of whom are in some form of transition. The YWCA provides over 70 hours of recreation, physical activity, and wellness programs each week:

GPS
A violence and substance abuse prevention model offered to 125 middle school girls on their school site 1 hour per week for 35 weeks and in the summer for 45 different girls 1.5 hours, 1 day per week for 7 weeks.

Girls on the Go
Promotes healthy weight and is offered in 3 10-week sessions for up to 45 girls ages 10-14.

FitMath & More
A health and fitness program that teaches math and science vocabulary and concepts coupled with goal setting, leadership & careers. Programming is offered after school at the YWCA for 48 participants in grades 3-6 for 2 hours, 2 days per week for 16 weeks.

GoGirlGo

A Women’s Sports Foundation program strategy utilizing athlete role model biographies to stress concepts of body image, goal setting, leadership and careers. Offered to up to 45 girls in 3, 10-week sessions once a week for 1 hour with Girls on the Go and the Synchronized Swim Team.

YouthNet Year Round
A youth development program strategy for 11-14 year olds. The School Year model provides transportation up to 3 days per week from school to the YWCA for 2.5 hours of program before offering transportation to a neighborhood stop. Participants age 13 and up are encouraged to stay for additional programming. Registration is offered in 10-week sessions serving up to 30 participants. During the summer, programs are offered 7 weeks with transportation from neighborhoods to and from agencies, 3 nights per week with 1 night for girls only. Each night programs are provided for 3 hours. We expect to serve up to 75 participants each night. 350 different participants are expected to attend between the school year and summer initiatives.

American Red Cross Swim Lessons and Martial Arts
Using physical activity and progressive skill building to promote increased self-esteem. Swim lessons are offered in half-hour sessions to 150 participants per year. Group lessons are offered 5-6 participants per instructor. Martial Arts is offered by the month for 10 hours per week for 25 participants. Beginner level participants can attend one hour one day per week.

Synchronized Swim Team
Promotes team work, positive communication skills, leadership and progressive skill building.  Attended by over 70 participants ages 5-18 for a minimum of 5 hours each week.

HOPE Coalition
A coalition of about 50 high school youth 14 years and up meeting once a week for 2 hours with additional community service and program leadership initiatives throughout the city and state each week.

Project Adventure
Team building and problem solving program strategies are offered as part of all of the above programs at the beginning and end of program sessions serving about 500 different participants.

For more information regarding the YWCA’s Healthy Youth Development programming, please contact Judi Kirk at 508-791-3181, ext. 3022.