The YMCA of the East Bay's ten branches deliver fundamentally solid programs build around the four core strategic areas of Child Care, Teen Enrichment, Health and Wellness, and Cultural Harmony. What makes Y programming so successful is that each branch has flexibility to tailor these programs to meet the unique needs of their own communities - resulting in the greatest impact for the individuals, children and families throughout the East Bay.

YMCA CHILD CARE

YMCA Child Care programs build strong children and families by enriching the quality, accessibility, and affordability of YMCA young Child Care and youth development programs.

YMCA Child Care ranges from infant/toddler programs, and preschool and before- and after-school care programs, to day and resident camping. Children in Y child care programs spend their day in environments that are socially, emotionally, physically, and educationally engaging. Service involve partnerships with numerous schools and community organizations.

YMCA Child Care and youth development programs have a direct positive effect on children's academic and social success in school.

YMCA Child Care & youth development programs include:

• Child Early Learning Centers
• High School Infant Centers
• Parent Education and Support Classes (Positive Discipline and Homework without Tears)
• Accelerated Homework Tutorial
• Debate and Speech Club
• Camping Services
  • Day Camp
  • Resident Camping
• Environmental Education Center

YMCA TEEN ENRICHMENT

YMCA Teen Enrichment programs serve on two important levels. They provide a safe place for teens to go, helping to keep them off the streets and out of harms way, while teaching them important and positive life development skills.

YMCA Teen Programs offer nurturing and stable environments where teens can grow socially, emotionally, intellectually and morally. This is especially important for at-risk teens who benefit the most from participation in positive, extracurricular activities.

Teens involved in YMCA programs are more likely to earn better grades and stay in school.

YMCA Teen Enrichment programs include:

• YMCA Teen Center Dare2Dream Apprenticeship Programs
• Future Choice: Teen Pregnancy Prevention
• Developing the Warrior Within youth sports
• Day Camp Counsellor in Leadership Training Program
• YMCA Youth in Government

YMCA HEALTH AND WELLNESS

The YMCA Health and Wellness initiative underlies all Y programming and emphasizes their principles of healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The YMCA provides activities and education specifically designed for individuals and families to maintain healthy lifestyles.

The Y programs are preventative, educational and socially interactive with a focus on nutrition, exercise and self-esteem building. Partnerships with hospitals, health organizations and other agencies have increased the quality of service and resources to members and communities.

YMCA Health and Wellness programs reduce the negative impacts of unhealthy lifestyles on youth and adults and contribute to positive community awareness.

YMCA Health and Wellness Programs include:

• Healthy Kids Day
• Prenatal Exercise Class for expect teen mothers
• Type II Diabetes camp for at-risk children
• Extensive fitness center programming in sports, aquatics, and exercise
• Childhood obesity education and programs

YMCA CULTURAL HARMONY

The YMCA of the East Bay serves individuals, children and families from a vast variety of cultural backgrounds and has set cultural harmony as an essential goal of all Y programs. Programs and events are held throughout the year bringing the community together to celebrate diversity and reinforce appreciation and respect for one another. The Y has developed collaborative partnerships with many diverse organizations throughout our multicultural East Bay communities.

Cultural programs and events include:

• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfasts
• YMCA Day Camp Olympics
• Winter Jamboree Dance and Variety Show
• Black History Month celebrations
• African American Health Summit