YMCA Youth & Family Services (YFS) is the community-based, comprehensive social services branch of the YMCA Metropolitan Washington. YFS provides school and community-based prevention and early intervention services to at-risk and under-served youth and families throughout Montgomery County. YFS programs address basic social service needs, teach fundamental life skills and assist participants in making healthy choices.
Programs are provided free of charge and are offered by YMCA Youth & Family Services (primarily funded through Montgomery County DHHS).
Youth Development
- Benchmarks – Homework assistance, enrichment activities, life skills development
- HOME – community activities including sports mentoring, family fun trips, youth leadership groups
- Carroll Avenue Quebec Terrace Community Center (CAQT) – community center for K-8th graders
Mentoring
- YouthLinks/Inspiring Futures – mentoring for youth 5-15 in foster/kinship care or at risk of out-of-home placement
Intervention & Prevention
- Family Strengthening Intervention and Prevention Pilot – youth mentoring, parenting mentoring, mental health resources, community connections, natural supports, and professional support for families impacted by violence
- School and Community-based Youth Services (SCYS)/Bridge To Wellness (BTW) – School-based mental health and wellness promotion, prevention and intervention services
- Linkages to Learning (LTL) – family case management services, community education, community development, and child and family behavioral and mental health services
YFS Strengthens the Community through its programs, with services providing:
- Mental & Behavioral Health Services
- Case Management
- Connection to Community Resources
- Mentoring
- Educational Enrichment
- Intervention Services