THE YMCA ARCADIA PROGRAM
The YMCA Arcadia Program partners with African refugee and immigrant groups as well as other community organizations to provide services that offer educational and social support for new families adjusting to life in the United States.
OUR PROGRAMS
We offer designed for international children and teens and their families in 4 areas:
EDUCATION: |
Emphasizing language and literacy |
THE ARTS: |
A medium for comfortable self expression |
CROSS CULTURAL EXCHANGE: |
Validating & celebrating the culture of our families |
SYSTEM NAVIGATION: |
Nurture an understanding of the economic, legal, & social systems of our country |
PROGRAM ELEMENTS
AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM
We provide daily out of school support to middle and high school students, including meal service, tutoring, ESL instruction led by JCPS teachers, computer lab access, counseling services, and more.
TEEN LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
Our Teen Leadership Council provides an opportunity for self-governance and promotesa culture of community and accountability among our teens. The peer-elected governing body of the YMCA Arcadia Program meets with staff and participants, and is involved in the decision making process for the program components.
REFUGEE ADOLESCENT ADVOCACY PROGRAM
Participants are paired with staff members who mentor and guide youth through their successful transition into American culture through outreach, advocacy, regular home visits and by instilling college preparation behavior.
THE SUMMER PROGRAM
An extension of the after-school program, our summer program is an arts-based curriculum in partnership with local artists and art institutions. Teens work in a specific medium throughout the summer to produce a major work of art, allowing them to explore cultural identity and educate the community on international issues.