#Connection

ADVOCACY CAMP

Friday, July 6, 2018

Last year, Lindsey Foss, a Linkages to Learning mental health therapist, and many other health care providers began noticing that the young people she worked with were sharing feelings of anxiety and discouragement due to the political climate. “They felt hopeless and like all political power rested on one person,” stated Foss.  They did not know about the different branches of government or how to effectively advocate beyond messages they were seeing on social media.  So, to empower these young people with knowledge and information about how government works while also having fun, she organized an “Advocacy Camp” spring break. As a part of the YMCA, an organization that promotes social responsibility and youth development, Foss knew that this would be a great way for the Y to encourage teens to take action. (Full Story Sheet)

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By Carson Henry, ago

Our Holiday Tradition

The holiday season is full of love and joy and kindness. Our favorite T.V. shows portray families and friends coming together and feasting on tasty treats while enjoying one another’s company. However, for some young people, the holidays are a time of stress and concern. The idealized depictions of family norms are not representative of their reality. In December, the Youth Links mentoring program brightened the holiday spirit for their youth mentees. (Full Story Sheet)

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By Carson Henry, ago

Imagination Boot Camp

HORIZONS

Teambuilding and Leadership

The Y trains staff to transport teens through time portals where agile feet walk on the backs of turtle shells floating in molten lava. They aren’t practicing to be extras in the next Michael Bay movie blockbuster; they are training to become facilitators of building community and respect all in the name of fun. (more…)

By Carson Henry, ago