Community Outreach

Creating Meaningful Change

To bring about meaningful change, individuals need ongoing encouragement and tools. We're here day in and day out to provide the resources our community needs to address some of our most pressing social issues. The YMCA of Metropolitan Denver has a long history of providing community-based services. Our Community Programs Branch operates programs throughout metro Denver to:

• increase student achievement
• stabilize families
• enhance youth and family health
• build community

Y Neighbors

At the Y, strengthening the foundations of communities means connecting our local neighbors to community resources and support. Our award-winning* Y Neighbors program uses a strengths-based approach to stabilize families, protect children, and build economic stability. Y Neighbors works with more than 60 partners to provide a neighborhood-based network of care to wrap services around families. Safety net programs have never been more important.
*2011 Inspiration Award, one of five Family Strengthening Awards given nationally

Y Achievers

Y Achievers is a national program that exposes students of color and underserved teens to diverse career and college opportunities, positive role models, and academic support. Trained mentors and community partners help us deliver our Y Achievers programs at Bruce Randolph School. This school-based programming also supports adult education classes and family health and wellness. Y Achievers is preparing students for the future.

KITE (Kids In Transition Empowerment) Program

The Y delivers the KITE program to the Denver Department of Human Service’s Family Crisis Center, which provides residential care for boys and girls ages 10 to 18. Youth Advocates help youth successfully transition back to the community by focusing on educational success, independent living, mentoring, relationship building, and reunification with guardians.
KITE gives kids another chance to succeed.

Fit for Success

Our branch offers a number of free fitness and nutrition programs. One of our signature programs is Salsa Sabor y Salud (Food, Fun and Fitness), a national healthy lifestyles program for Hispanic/Latino families. This evidence-based, award-winning program is designed to raise awareness of the importance of good nutrition, increase physical activity, and encourage healthy lifestyle habits. Active living, healthy eating…the fit is just right.