Y-CAP: The YMCA Community Action Project

 

What is Y-CAP?

Y-CAP is an intense early intervention and prevention program for kids ages 10-14 who need help turning their lives around because of:

  • Poor grades
  • Behavior management problems
  • Anger management problems 
  • Acting out at home
  • Hanging out with the wrong poeple

Y-CAP is based on christian beliefs and has touched the lives of more than 2,000 children and their families since 1998. Children are referred to us either through the juvenile court system or the school system. Each student and their family receives a personalized treatment plan designed to address their educational, behavioral, and spiritual needs. Students attend after school and during school breaks including summer programming and special field trips. All activities are designed to improve their behavior and outlook on life. The positive effects touch the whole family. 

 

What the STATISTICS say about Y-CAP:

 

School Attendance

two Y-CAP kids standing next to each other

100% of Y-CAP students have better attendance in school. 

"Y-CAP has made a huge impact on my students and my own family over the years."

- Cindy Kean, Hamilton County Teacher

Social Development

a group of Y-CAP kids posing for a picture in the juvenile court

98% of Y-CAP students have no more juvenile court offenses. 

"I know where these children are going to end up if we don't get them straightened out now. Y-CAP is a game changer."

- Judge Rob Philyaw, Hamilton County Juvenile Court

Educational Success

Jacob Peck Student of the Week for Y-CAP

93% of Y-CAP students have improved their grades one letter or more. 

"Y-CAP has helped me improve my grades and gain more confidence in myself."

- Ja'toni Evans, Y-CAP participant 

Volunteer with Y-CAP today and be part of something life-changing.

As a volunteer, you’ll play a vital role in helping these students rediscover their potential—whether it's by tutoring, mentoring, leading activities, or simply showing up to listen. Every hour you give can plant seeds of change that last a lifetime.

To volunteer, contact Reagan Lindsay, Program Director, at rlindsay@ymcachattanooga.org 

 

Branch Amenities

Community health
Teen programs
Community garden
Boxing
Woodshop

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Our Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. 

Our Mission to Inclusion: At the YMCA, we strongly believe we should all work together toward achieving a member environment that is welcoming for individuals, regardless of age, religion, abilities, gender or socioeconomic status. To achieve our mission of empowering all people to reach their full potential, the Y is committed to providing an environment that embodies our core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.