The list of Y programs happening around Central Maryland is far too lengthy for any of us to fully know (after 10 years, I’m still discovering some hidden gems!).  However, all of our programs fall under one or more of our three core focus areas (Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility) and seek to improve the well-being of individuals, families and/or communities.

To help all of us “get beyond our four walls,” starting today we are using our Monday Mission Updates email to highlight individual programs that are having significant impact.

Something tells me that this story and the ones upcoming will make you very proud of the Y, of our mission and of your role in it.

Program Spotlight: Y Achievers at the Weinberg Y in Waverly.

Y Achievers is a longstanding Y program we have recently re-launched at the Weinberg Y in Waverly. The program provides young people with experiences, tools, mentors and opportunities that support their success. Y Achievers at the Weinberg Y engages approximately 40 students in grades 6-12 in the after school time and is focused on the program’s five pillars: Academics, College Knowledge, Positive Relationships, Life Skills and Positive Identity.  Y Achievers’ ultimate goal is to prepare youth for a productive and meaningful life beyond high school, whether that means college, work or trade school.

Daily program offerings include a nutritious supper, one hour of project-based enrichment in areas including college and career readiness, life skills, STEM, and 30 minutes of homework/school project time with adult guidance/support.

Other activities included trips to local colleges, bi-monthly youth development classes with gender specific themes and social etiquette classes, and parent nights that engage families and provide parents with information that helps with the challenges of raising adolescent children

Y Achievers helps to address serious challenges experienced by youth coming from many of the neighborhoods surrounding the Weinberg Y.  Several of the surrounding communities have some of the city’s worst indicators in terms of household income, health outcomes and academic success; all characteristics associated with decreased attainment in education and lifetime earnings, and increased involvement with the justice system and incidences of chronic health conditions.

Middle and high school students from these communities have limited options for meaningful engagement after school resulting in groups gathering on the fringes of their schools, at area bus stops, and other community hang out spots, including the Y.  We look at this as an opportunity to engage these kids with a full program of useful life skills and preparation for a productive life beyond high school.

With the generous support of Transamerica, M&T Bank, Golfer’s Charitable Trust and RBC Wealth Management, this program is now in full swing as demonstrated by the note below from site director Warren Wiggins:

Good Morning Wonderful Y Family,

The Y Achievers are happy to announce that we have invested some of our program supply budget towards acquiring a quality camera. You can find some photos and videos from Wednesday and Thursday below.

Each Wednesday, the Y Achievers partner with Ms. Rhea Butler and the Badges for Baseball Program. This week we focused on agility through ultimate tic tac toe and dodgeball.

On Thursday, scholars had the opportunity to work in small STEM groups and were challenged with various projects. In addition, half of our scholars were engaged with the International School of Protocol where they learned the importance of interview attire by categorizing individuals they would and would not hire based solely on his or her appearance.     

 Warren Wiggins​

Thank you Warren and the whole Weinberg Y team!  Thank you to our wonderful funders.  Your support is making a tangible, substantive difference in these kids’ lives and in this community.

All the best,

John

John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland