YMCA Youth Outreach Programs
Supporting Youth. Building Relationships. Creating Opportunities.
The YMCA Outreach Program provides individualized support, mentorship, and resources to youth who are facing challenges that may impact their success at school, at home, or in their community. Our goal is to meet young people where they are, build trusting relationships, and help them develop the skills, confidence, and support systems they need to reach their potential.
Our Vision
We believe every young person deserves someone in their corner.
YMCA Outreach works to ensure that youth have access to caring adults, essential resources, meaningful opportunities, and the support they need to overcome barriers and build a successful future.
What Does YMCA Outreach Provide?
Every young person has different needs, so our support is individualized. Depending on the circumstances, the YMCA Outreach Program may provide:
- One-on-one mentoring and consistent support
- School attendance and academic support
- Social-emotional learning and life-skills development
- Assistance with basic needs, including food, clothing, hygiene items, and other essential resources
- Advocacy and support for youth and families
- Connections to community resources and partner agencies
- Opportunities for summer camp, enrichment, and positive youth development
- College and career readiness support
- Goal setting, problem-solving, and personal growth opportunities
- Access to consistent, caring adults who listens and helps youth navigate challenges
Who Does the Program Serve?
YMCA Outreach primarily works with youth who may be experiencing barriers that make it difficult to succeed. These barriers can include family challenges, housing or financial instability, difficulty attending school, lack of basic necessities, difficult life circumstances, or other challenges affecting their well-being and future goals.
Youth may be referred to the program through schools, counselors, community agencies, or other trusted adults.
How Does YMCA Outreach Make a Difference?
The program focuses on more than simply addressing an immediate problem. We work to build long-term relationships with youth and help them develop the confidence and skills to navigate challenges independently.
Through consistent mentoring and individualized support, youth can improve school engagement and attendance, strengthen relationships with caring adults, develop life skills, identify goals, and connect with opportunities that help prepare them for college, careers, and adulthood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cost to participate?
No. YMCA Outreach services are provided at no cost to participating youth and families.
How does a young person get connected with Outreach?
Youth may be referred by school staff, counselors, community organizations, or other adults who recognize that a young person could benefit from additional support.
Does Outreach only help with school?
No. While education is an important part of our work, we recognize that challenges outside of school can significantly affect a young person’s ability to succeed. We support the whole young person by addressing barriers, providing mentorship, connecting families with resources, and helping youth work toward their personal goals.
What makes YMCA Outreach different?
Our program is relationship-focused. We take the time to get to know each young person, understand their individual circumstances, and provide consistent support. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, we work with youth to identify what they need and what will help them move forward.
Can Outreach help with basic needs?
Yes. When possible, the program helps youth and families access essential items and connects them with community resources that can assist with needs such as food, clothing, hygiene items, and other necessities.
Does Outreach provide mentoring?
Yes. One-on-one mentoring is a key part of the program. Youth have the opportunity to develop a relationship with a caring adult who can provide encouragement, accountability, guidance, and support.
How can I support YMCA Outreach?
Community members can make a difference by donating, volunteering, providing resources, creating opportunities for youth, or partnering with the YMCA to support young people in our community. Click Here to see how you can support the Y!
Referral Partners
- Multiple Davenport Schools
- Davenport Schools ESL (English as Second Language)
- Bettendorf Schools Outreach Team
- Family Resources
- Fairmount Pines Housing Community
- Juvenile Court Officers/Liaisons
- Davenport Police NETS team
- YMCA Hybrid School Out Programs (Davenport, Bettendorf, Pleasant Valley students)
- YMCA Volunteer, Member, referrals (no one turned away)
Contact our YMCA Outreach Team for any reason:
- Need help with a student, child, or friend
- Let’s work together to help more young people
- We have a problem that could use assistance
- Arrange for a presentation from our Outreach Team