Community Outreach - YMCA of Southwestern Indiana

Community Outreach

The vision of the YMCA Community Outreach Branch is to provide and promote quality programs that build character and self-esteem. Community Outreach Programs are designed to help at-risk youth reach their highest potential. In additional, these programs teach abstinence, anger control, positive decision-making skills, and provide quality activities after school.

Our Community Outreach Branch is comprised of five program areas YMCA Community Action Program (Y-CAP), DIAMONDS, Youth Leadership, the CenterPoint Energy YMCA (Outreach Center in Caldwell neighborhood), and Dunigan Outreach programs. Y-CAP and DIAMONDS have been taking place since the Branch’s inception, and even more youth are served each year because of the addition of the other three areas. Please visit the ‘Programs’ area of this page for more information about each individual program area.

DIAMONDS

DIAMONDS is a program for females between the ages of 7 and 18 that promotes healthy choices/ healthy relationships, helps them establish career goals, and works to increase self-esteem. Since its inception in 1995, the program has received a number of awards the positive impact it has had on the lives of youth and families.

Staff of the program work to:

  • Improve the relationships between the parents and children/encourage family values.
  • Promote social responsibility by involving youth in community service projects.
  • Inform participants about the dangers of abusing alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs(ATOD).
DIAMONDS Components
DIAMONDETTES (K-5th grade) – The “Diamondettes” make up the elementary component of the DIAMONDS program. The groups meet weekly and participate in activities that develop character, and increase self-esteem. The various curricula used incorporate group discussions, role playing, field trips, and other activities.

DIAMONDS II (6th-8th grade) – Activities for this group of middle school girls focus on increasing their knowledge about alcohol, tobacco, and other drug(ATOD); improving social skills; and emphasizing the importance of being a leader. All of these activities help prepare the young ladies to move into DIAMONDS I when they begin high school.

DIAMONDS I (9th-12th grade) – These young ladies continue to participate in activities that primarily focus on healthy relationships/healthy choices, improving self-esteem, civic engagement, and academics.

YMCA Community Action Program (Y-CAP)

The Y-CAP program helps develop young boys into responsible, respectful young men. The program challenges participants to improve their overall academic performance and attitudes towards education in an effort to decrease delinquent behaviors at school and in the community. Activities included promote healthy and successful lifestyles and ways to sustain community collaborations through volunteerism. Y-CAP also sssists families of participants in identifying community resources to help meet their needs.

Y-CAP Components
  • Y-CAP I (3rd & 4th Grades) – is a school based program that is designed to increase the healthy development of young males. This phase focuses on building self-esteem and developing character to aid in conflict resolution and drug/alcohol awareness.
  • Y-CAP II (5th Grade) – is a school based program that is designed to continue the healthy development of young males. This phase also focuses on building self-esteem and developing character to aid in conflict resolution and drug/alcohol awareness.
  • Middle School (6th-8th Grades) – is school based and focuses on working with high-risk middle school students. Activities are primarily related to life skills development, academic improvement, and relationship building.
  • High School (9th-12th Grades) – is designed to help teach high school students the necessary skills that will help them become successful following high school graduation. Activities with this component include guest speakers, visits to local colleges and businesses, group discussions, and simulations to teach life skills.
  • Alternative Groups – Pathways to Success(6th-8th Grades and 9th-12th Grades) – The “Pathways to Success” program focuses on providing services to adolescent males attending the EVSC’s Academy for Innovative Studies. The program is designed to guide participants through self-discovery activities that teach positive character traits and values, in an effort to enhance life, social, interpersonal, and vocational skills.

Youth & Government

Youth & Government (9th-12th grade) is a state-wide program that teaches youth the legislative process, while promoting civic engagement. Through this program, students’ public speaking & debate skills are also enhanced. The program reaches its peak in Indianapolis at the State House with the meeting of the three day Model Legislature & Court. There, the teen delegates “take over”, using the historic halls, chambers, and offices of our State Capitol and Supreme Court.

For more information about any of our YMCA Community Outreach programs please contact the Outreach Branch Director at 812.492.6716.

 

View the YMCA Community Outreach Brochure

 

View the YMCA’s Community Impact

 


516 Court Street
Evansville, IN 47708
812.423.9622