Keeping Kids Engaged And In School
The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties partners with more than 25 community agencies to coordinate and integrate efforts and services in high need neighborhoods and local schools. Using the public school as a Community Learning Center hub, this model provides holistic programming before, during, and after school to address and engage students' in their academic, physical, social, and emotional development.
The YMCA recognizes attendance plays a critical role in students' success and that family, school, and community partnerships all play an essential role in supporting students. If a student's attendance is starting to get off track, the Y is a part of an Attendance Support Team that send letters, makes phone calls, and meets with parents to eliminate barriers and support youth getting to school.
The YMCA Evening Center is a new alternative judges can choose, instead of sentencing youth to juvenile detention. The reporting center is located at the YMCA Student Center on the University of Washington Tacoma campus. Staff from Pierce County Juvenile Court and the YMCA partner to provide 4 hours of life skill building activities every Friday. There is also the option for youth to participate in the Teen Late Nite program and earn a short-term YMCA membership at no cost.
Supporting Abused and Neglected Youth In Transition
The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is proud to support our community by providing free memberships for all local foster care children, effective March 1, 2015.
The Grounds Care Work Experience program provides tangible work experience that enables youth to complete their community service hours and pay court fines, as well as provide a safe place with caring adults.
With positive relationship building as its key element, Y staff and community volunteers work one-on-one alongside young people to provide grounds care and lawn maintenance at YMCA facilities. This work helps caring adults introduce youth to values, principles, and skills that help them succeed in the workplace.
