TERP FOR A DAY

TOUR OF UMD CAMPUS IGNITES PROTÉGÉS’ INTEREST AND ASPIRATIONS
Thursday, August 16, 2018

Getting into college can be a challenge but we believe that anyone who works for it should be able to attend. But if a young person doesn’t know anything about college, like what classes are offered, the cost, what dorms are like, or even that attendance is a possibility, how are they supposed to set their sights on college and work to become ready? (FULL STORY SHEET) (more…)

PROM AT THE Y

LOCAL “MOMS” PARTY TO CELEBRATE SOCIAL SERVICE AND RAISE HOPE
Thursday, August 16, 2018

On March 9, 2018 over 200 women boogied the night away at the Silver Spring Civic Center to the top hits of the 80’s. They celebrated YMCA Youth & Family Services (YMCA-YFS) first ever Mom Prom fundraiser. Though Mom Proms have been done by other charitable organizations around the country, this particular one was unique. The combination of attendees was both ticket purchasing supporters as well as clients who have directly benefited from our services and whose entrance fee was covered by generous donors. The event gave an opportunity for Y advocates, community members, volunteers, staff, and clients to come together and celebrate the work that YMCA-YFS has done in the community for over 40 years. (FULL STORY SHEET) (more…)

LOCALLY GROWN LEADERSHIP

A YOUNG GIRL FOUND FUN AND VOLUNTEERISM AT THE Y;
SHE ALSO FOUND A H.O.M.E. AND A CAREER
Friday, July 20, 2018

The Y is more than a fitness facility and summer camp. We are an open door to limitless possibilities for people from every background. Sharon Perez, a YMCA Youth & Family Services Community School Coordinator with the Linkages to Learning program, is proof of the possibilities. Sharon came to the Y as a teenager at Bethesda Chevy Chase High School through the H.O.M.E. (Hope and Opportunities in a Multicultural Environment) program. H.O.M.E. supports the youth in-and-out of the school by providing Student Service Learning and leadership development opportunities, after school recreation (soccer/basketball), and lunchtime civic engagement groups. (Full Story Sheet)

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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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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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