CALL 602-212-5122
Community Initiatives YMCA
350 N. 1st Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Attn: Executive Director
military outreach program
The Armed Service division of the YMCA has partnered with the Department of Defense (DOD) on a $31-million initiative to provide eligible military families and active duty personnel with access to youth development, family strengthening, and health and well-being programs through memberships at community YMCAs nationwide. Through this unique program, Membership fees are underwritten by the DOD. The Armed Services YMCA and DOD Outreach Initiative responds to a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, which requires the Secretary of Defense to develop a plan to support military family readiness and to ensure that military family readiness programs and activities are available to all military families, including those of the National Guard and Military Reservists.
Through this collaborative partnership, participating YMCAs throughout the United States and Puerto Rico will provide this program for the following Title 10 DoD Military Groups: Families of Deployed National Guard and Reserve, Active Duty Assigned to Independent Duty Locations, Relocated Spouses of Deployed Active Duty Personnel, and Community-Based Wounded Transition Unit. The initiative is limited to Title 10 personnel only per Department of Defense guidelines. Through this initiative, all Valley of The Sun YMCA will offer short-term memberships for adults or families in six-month intervals. For more information and to determine eligibility please contact Jennifer Garcia, Director of Armed Forces program at 602-212-5127 or via email.
Living Well with Disabilities
. . . Living Well is a 20-hour/10 week, peer-facilitated workshop series designed to improve general health and quality of life for adults with disabilities or chronic health problems. Offered in English or Spanish, this evidence-based program is effective in reducing secondary conditions, health care utilization, and substance abuse dependency. This program is offered in the Greater Phoenix area.
The program serves as a starting point for cultivating peer leaders and recruiting new advocates for health promotion and environmental systems change. A participant manual is available so that those attending can prepare for each of the weekly sessions. Each class is built around the values of peer support, respect, trust, confidentiality, and community participation. Many of the participants who have completed the Living Well with Disabilities program report fewer problems with their secondary conditions, and have a reduced use of costly medical services. Special grants allow registration to be FREE of charge for eligible adults and caregivers. Donations are always encouraged.
Living Well with Disabilities is funded by Magellan Health Services of Arizona through an agreement with the Arizona Department of Health Services, Division of Behavioral Health Services.
Medical & Dental Clinics
Providing access to quality medical and dental care for our community’s disadvantaged children, teens, adults and seniors is part of the lifesaving mission of the YMCA. At the Legacy Foundation/Chris-Town YMCA, enrollees can receive diagnoses and medical treatment, immunizations, physical exams, referrals to other healthcare services and healthcare education. These vital programs help increase successful management of chronic illnesses and decrease school absenteeism.
At the South Mountain Family YMCA, comprehensive free medical help is available to youth living on the streets of Phoenix from the Children’s Hospital Mobile Medical Unit (MMU). The MMU program, a partnership between Phoenix Children's, Children's Health Fund, and HomeBase Youth Services, offers medical treatment, mental health services, education and referrals at the South Mountain Family YMCA and other locations.
At the Scottsdale/Paradise Valley Family YMCA, our creative wellness partnership with Scottsdale Healthcare—the region’s leading medical and health organization—offers progressive programming and services, including health screenings, health risk assessments, and classes; all designed to reinforce healthy lifestyles for youth and families.
Miracle League
At the Maryvale Family YMCA, Mike and Cindy Watts Branch, the Miracle League Network of Arizona brings children with special needs the opportunity to experience the simple joy of playing baseball. In the process, they make new friends, build self-esteem, and create lasting memories. Like the Miracle League, every opportunity offered by the Y is a chance for positive change. And that’s what keeps us reaching farther everyday.
For more information about the upcoming Miracle League season contact:
Kelly Shingleton
602.212.6149
email
April 10 to May 15 (ages 13+)
April 12 to May 17 (ages 4-12)
Model United Nations
Model United Nations is a social and educational program for middle-school students that provides them the opportunity to learn about the basic structure and function of the United Nations, as well as other cultures around the world. Each participating school or club is assigned to represent a different country. During the school year, students meet weekly to research their designated country and learn about its culture, customs, and issues. All students utilize teamwork, develop public speaking and leadership skills, and develop awareness of global issues. It is the hope that through this program students will develop a “social responsibility” to all nations and that this program will create future leaders that are globally sensitive.
OPAS–Outreach Program for Ahwatukee Seniors
At Ahwatukee Foothills Family YMCA, the Outreach Program for Ahwatukee Seniors (OPAS) is a volunteer program that aims to meet the needs of the growing senior population in Ahwatukee with the goal of enabling seniors to maintain independent living in their own homes. Volunteer services include: transportation, shopping & errands, caregiver relief, friendly visiting & phoning, basic business help, and minor home repairs. OPAS also provides information & referral. All services are provided free of charge.
Y Achievers
The Valley of the Sun YMCA, through their Community Initiatives YMCA, coordinates the “Y Achievers” support club for middle and high school students. Since 2002, over 1,656 area students have participated in the unique Y program that promotes good work ethics and encourages not only the completion of secondary education, but the goal of attending college or vocational school. About 25% of these students continue through the program from year to year until graduation.
First Offenders Program
The First Offenders Program is a prevention/intervention program for eligible misdemeanor youth between the ages of 8 and 17. Typical offenses include shoplifting, truancy, curfew, and disorderly conduct. Youth are offered life skills training and education in topics such as problem solving, peer influence, juvenile justice, and anger management. Upon completion, the court is notified and the client’s record is adjusted.
This program offers an alternative solution for many at-risk teens in an attempt to intervene in a positive way—early in their development. The First Offenders program operates in the Glendale/Peoria Family YMCA. Call 602.212.5183 for more information.
Cultural Exchange
The Valley of the Sun YMCA believes providing area youth with opportunities for civic engagement to be essential in developing the building blocks for a healthy community in the future. The “internal initiatives” program is part of the YMCA mission to teach respect and understanding of cultural differences and global issues.
Teen Outbound Trips offer 15-18 year old high school students the chance to travel to Mexico City. Teens stay with a local YMCA family, visit the YMCA Camp, tour cultural attractions, and participate in a number of community outreach programs such as helping out at the orphanage, Casa Hogar, which is run by the local YMCA. The YMCA is dedicated to providing Greater Phoenix area teens that might not otherwise have the opportunity to travel this extraordinary experience to broaden their cultural awareness.
Through the Youth Ambassador Program, high school students from Mexico can stay in Metro Phoenix with local American families for a 12-day visit. The host student “buddies” with the Mexican student to help them experience what life is like in America. This exchange program includes touring culturally significant attractions in the Valley including the Arizona Capitol Museum, YMCA camps and participation in workshops and roundtable discussions.
The Valley of the Sun YMCA is pleased to be a part of educating our youth on cultural and global issues and continues to provide programs and services that will help develop the community leaders of tomorrow.
Youth & Government
This outstanding leadership-building program provides an unforgettable, pivotal experience for high-school kids who want to know more about—and participate in—the state governmental process. Hands-on activities including civic events and the annual Model legislative Conference help teens build self-confidence and respect for others while learning the importance of community service and how to advocate for community causes. Contact a YMCA near you for complete details.
The Armed Service division of the YMCA has partnered with the Department of Defense (DOD) on a $31-million initiative to provide eligible military families and active duty personnel with access to youth development, family strengthening, and health and well-being programs through memberships at community YMCAs nationwide. Through this unique program, Membership fees are underwritten by the DOD. The Armed Services YMCA and DOD Outreach Initiative responds to a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, which requires the Secretary of Defense to develop a plan to support military family readiness and to ensure that military family readiness programs and activities are available to all military families, including those of the National Guard and Military Reservists.
Through this collaborative partnership, participating YMCAs throughout the United States and Puerto Rico will provide this program for the following Title 10 DoD Military Groups: Families of Deployed National Guard and Reserve, Active Duty Assigned to Independent Duty Locations, Relocated Spouses of Deployed Active Duty Personnel, and Community-Based Wounded Transition Unit. The initiative is limited to Title 10 personnel only per Department of Defense guidelines. Through this initiative, all Valley of The Sun YMCA will offer short-term memberships for adults or families in six-month intervals. For more information and to determine eligibility please contact Jennifer Garcia, Director of Armed Forces program at 602-212-5127 or via email.
Living Well with Disabilities
. . . Living Well is a 20-hour/10 week, peer-facilitated workshop series designed to improve general health and quality of life for adults with disabilities or chronic health problems. Offered in English or Spanish, this evidence-based program is effective in reducing secondary conditions, health care utilization, and substance abuse dependency. This program is offered in the Greater Phoenix area.
The program serves as a starting point for cultivating peer leaders and recruiting new advocates for health promotion and environmental systems change. A participant manual is available so that those attending can prepare for each of the weekly sessions. Each class is built around the values of peer support, respect, trust, confidentiality, and community participation. Many of the participants who have completed the Living Well with Disabilities program report fewer problems with their secondary conditions, and have a reduced use of costly medical services. Special grants allow registration to be FREE of charge for eligible adults and caregivers. Donations are always encouraged.
Living Well with Disabilities is funded by Magellan Health Services of Arizona through an agreement with the Arizona Department of Health Services, Division of Behavioral Health Services.
Medical & Dental Clinics
Providing access to quality medical and dental care for our community’s disadvantaged children, teens, adults and seniors is part of the lifesaving mission of the YMCA. At the Legacy Foundation/Chris-Town YMCA, enrollees can receive diagnoses and medical treatment, immunizations, physical exams, referrals to other healthcare services and healthcare education. These vital programs help increase successful management of chronic illnesses and decrease school absenteeism.
At the South Mountain Family YMCA, comprehensive free medical help is available to youth living on the streets of Phoenix from the Children’s Hospital Mobile Medical Unit (MMU). The MMU program, a partnership between Phoenix Children's, Children's Health Fund, and HomeBase Youth Services, offers medical treatment, mental health services, education and referrals at the South Mountain Family YMCA and other locations.
At the Scottsdale/Paradise Valley Family YMCA, our creative wellness partnership with Scottsdale Healthcare—the region’s leading medical and health organization—offers progressive programming and services, including health screenings, health risk assessments, and classes; all designed to reinforce healthy lifestyles for youth and families.
Miracle League
At the Maryvale Family YMCA, Mike and Cindy Watts Branch, the Miracle League Network of Arizona brings children with special needs the opportunity to experience the simple joy of playing baseball. In the process, they make new friends, build self-esteem, and create lasting memories. Like the Miracle League, every opportunity offered by the Y is a chance for positive change. And that’s what keeps us reaching farther everyday.
For more information about the upcoming Miracle League season contact:
Kelly Shingleton
602.212.6149
April 10 to May 15 (ages 13+)
April 12 to May 17 (ages 4-12)
Model United Nations
Model United Nations is a social and educational program for middle-school students that provides them the opportunity to learn about the basic structure and function of the United Nations, as well as other cultures around the world. Each participating school or club is assigned to represent a different country. During the school year, students meet weekly to research their designated country and learn about its culture, customs, and issues. All students utilize teamwork, develop public speaking and leadership skills, and develop awareness of global issues. It is the hope that through this program students will develop a “social responsibility” to all nations and that this program will create future leaders that are globally sensitive.
OPAS–Outreach Program for Ahwatukee Seniors
At Ahwatukee Foothills Family YMCA, the Outreach Program for Ahwatukee Seniors (OPAS) is a volunteer program that aims to meet the needs of the growing senior population in Ahwatukee with the goal of enabling seniors to maintain independent living in their own homes. Volunteer services include: transportation, shopping & errands, caregiver relief, friendly visiting & phoning, basic business help, and minor home repairs. OPAS also provides information & referral. All services are provided free of charge.
Y Achievers
The Valley of the Sun YMCA, through their Community Initiatives YMCA, coordinates the “Y Achievers” support club for middle and high school students. Since 2002, over 1,656 area students have participated in the unique Y program that promotes good work ethics and encourages not only the completion of secondary education, but the goal of attending college or vocational school. About 25% of these students continue through the program from year to year until graduation.
First Offenders Program
The First Offenders Program is a prevention/intervention program for eligible misdemeanor youth between the ages of 8 and 17. Typical offenses include shoplifting, truancy, curfew, and disorderly conduct. Youth are offered life skills training and education in topics such as problem solving, peer influence, juvenile justice, and anger management. Upon completion, the court is notified and the client’s record is adjusted.
This program offers an alternative solution for many at-risk teens in an attempt to intervene in a positive way—early in their development. The First Offenders program operates in the Glendale/Peoria Family YMCA. Call 602.212.5183 for more information.
Cultural Exchange
The Valley of the Sun YMCA believes providing area youth with opportunities for civic engagement to be essential in developing the building blocks for a healthy community in the future. The “internal initiatives” program is part of the YMCA mission to teach respect and understanding of cultural differences and global issues.
Teen Outbound Trips offer 15-18 year old high school students the chance to travel to Mexico City. Teens stay with a local YMCA family, visit the YMCA Camp, tour cultural attractions, and participate in a number of community outreach programs such as helping out at the orphanage, Casa Hogar, which is run by the local YMCA. The YMCA is dedicated to providing Greater Phoenix area teens that might not otherwise have the opportunity to travel this extraordinary experience to broaden their cultural awareness.
Through the Youth Ambassador Program, high school students from Mexico can stay in Metro Phoenix with local American families for a 12-day visit. The host student “buddies” with the Mexican student to help them experience what life is like in America. This exchange program includes touring culturally significant attractions in the Valley including the Arizona Capitol Museum, YMCA camps and participation in workshops and roundtable discussions.
The Valley of the Sun YMCA is pleased to be a part of educating our youth on cultural and global issues and continues to provide programs and services that will help develop the community leaders of tomorrow.
Youth & Government
This outstanding leadership-building program provides an unforgettable, pivotal experience for high-school kids who want to know more about—and participate in—the state governmental process. Hands-on activities including civic events and the annual Model legislative Conference help teens build self-confidence and respect for others while learning the importance of community service and how to advocate for community causes. Contact a YMCA near you for complete details.
