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).
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.
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