Linkages to Learning

YMCA Youth & Family Services is proud to be a private agency provider of the Linkages to Learning program in the greater Silver Spring area. Linkages to Learning (LTL) is a unique collaboration between Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and private sector health […]

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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Family Support & Preservation

The Y helps young people and their families improve their well-being. As a supportive team, we work with families to create plans that make relationships stronger and young people more resilient. The Y is well positioned to treat children, youth, and families from all backgrounds. Our staff provides an array of […]

Resilience Through Art

LINKAGES TO LEARNING Program Partnership Heavy focus on common core subjects, such as reading and math are threatening the elementary school artistic masterpieces that adorn kitchen doors across America. In a time where there is much pressure on students and teachers for academic metrics and testing, art summer camps provide […]