RACINE — The Racine Family YMCA has offered a wide range of programs since 2004 to increase the strength and effectiveness of community life and improve local conditions.
Recognizing the need to provide emotional health as part of comprehensive care for youth and families participating in its community development programs, the Racine Family YMCA has welcomed the Family Service of Racine as its licensed mental health clinic and site. emotional wellness branch in 2020, to support its community. community development framework known as the Strong Communities Agenda.
YMCA community development initiatives include after-school programs for youth to avoid educational disruption, such as the Young Leaders Academy (YLA) which serves students in grades 2-12. YLA components include School Achievers (based on the school site for grades 2-5), Young Achievers (grades 6-8, including a new gang diversion specialty component), Teen Achievers (grades 9 -12) and Summer Session (six-week academic and leadership camp at Carthage College for students in grades 3-8).
The Y also offers Credible Messengers, a mentorship program in partnership with Racine County for youth involved in the juvenile justice system. Credible messengers are adult mentors who have gone through and overcome similar life experiences.
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The Healthy Living Kitchen addresses poor nutrition in underserved communities by providing free nutritious meals and instruction in healthy food choices and preparation for youth and families. YMCA youth sports programs emphasize character development, discipline and sportsmanship.
The Family Service of Racine branch, 420 Seventh St., includes an outpatient mental health clinic that provides behavioral, social, emotional, and mental health services within the local community. These include counseling services for individuals and families, anger management classes, psychoeducational groups, parent workshops, and educational classes to educate and promote mental health and well-being.
The Racine Family YMCA is committed to serving individuals and families to create protective factors and to provide positive support for people who may be experiencing trauma or negative childhood experiences (ACES), such as the loss of a family member, gun violence, bullying or other challenges. The Y offers resiliency-building supports, such as after-school programs and sports, and staff are trained in culturally appropriate practices and recognizing signs of emotional crisis.
“As Clinical Director of the Racine Family YMCA’s Family Services Branch and as a member of the Racine community, it is of the utmost importance that we provide treatment-based support services and that we offer a safe, non-judgmental space and presence to anyone seeking support and resources,” said Emily Lock, Vice President of Family Development and Wellness, Clinical Director of Family Services, Racine Family YMCA. great courage to ask for help, and we want community members to feel welcome and supported when they contact us.”
The Y’s Strong Communities program is made possible through the support of individuals and local, county, and state agencies and organizations, including SC Johnson, United Way of Racine County, Racine Community Foundation, Racine County, Andis Foundation and the State of Wisconsin.
Everyone is welcome
The Racine Family YMCA was founded in 1875 and is a membership organization open to all people and their financial circumstances. Its mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that strengthen everyone’s mind, spirit and body.
For more information about the services and programs of the Racine Family YMCA Family Services Branch and the Strong Communities program, visit ymcaracine.org.
