YMCA of Youngstown

GIVINGTUESDAY 2022

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BOYS AND YOUNG MEN OF COLOR (BYMOC)

National Strategy: The YMCA Boys and Young Men of Color (BYMOC) strategy builds on, and invests in, pathways to success to help boys and young men of color reach their full potential.

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Founding Focus

In 1844, the first YMCA founded by George Williams focused on the spiritual and economic conditions for boys and young men in what was considered a turbulent time in London, England.

West Federal Street Branch African American YMCA in Youngstown, Ohio, which was the 22nd black YMCA opened in 1931. Construction was funded in part by a gift from Julius Rosenwald.

(1931 picture of 22nd black YMCA )

Ensuring Equitable Outcomes

The BYMOC Strategy ensures equitable outcomes for boys and young men of color ages 11-17 by removing systemic barriers, providing relevant services and support systems and creating nurturing environments that promote confidence and growth. 

BYMOC today at the YMCA of Youngstown

With our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion lens, the YMCA of Youngstown impacts the well-being of Boys and Young Men of Color through Youth and Teen Development programming. By collecting data and conducting research on positive youth development and social and emotional learning, we can focus on inspiring and transforming lives and setting the pathway for successful adulthood within the communities we serve.

Why We Focus on Boys and Young Men of Color

  • They are twice as likely to grow up in poverty
  • They are more likely to live in neighborhoods of concentrated poverty
  • They are more likely to fall into poverty as adults, regardless of background

LEARN ABOUT THE Y'S HISTORY OF INVESTING IN BOYS AND YOUNG MEN OF COLOR

Changing the Narrative

The YMCA of the USA launched the BYMOC strategy in 2018. Today, the YMCA of Youngstown, along with other Ys in 54 cities and 25 states, works to improve outcomes for Boys and Young Men of Color. In partnership with YUSA and other Ys, we are focused on increasing access to programs, removing barriers, and providing pathways to success.

Implementation

The BYMOC Strategy is designed for flexible implementation through policies, practices, and programs that can be defined by the needs of each community and Y, including the following areas. 

Education

  • Impact their attitudes toward education
  • Empower them to believe in their capabilities
  • Prepare them with the skills to achieve academic success

College & Career Readiness

  • Create pipelines to connect them with post-secondary education and meaningful jobs
  • Provide work-based learning experiences, financial education, skills development, career and college planning and resource navigation opportunities

Character Development

  • Create experiences and environments that strengthen social-emotional competencies
  • Support character development across the Y’s core values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility

Belonging & Community Building

  • Help them build healthy relationships with peers and adults
  • Foster their positive cultural- and self-identity
  • Support opportunities for community connections and civic engagement

Health & Well-Being

  • Create experiences and environments that strengthen social-emotional competencies
  • Support character development across the Y’s core values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility

The Strategy in Action

Watch firsthand accounts from boys and young men who have participated in programs related to the BYMOC strategy. 

Maurice's Story

With high school, family, friends and extracurricular activities competing for time, being a teenager can be overwhelming. The Boys and Young Men of Color strategy has been implemented to help young men of color work to balance these challenges. Through Maurice’s participation, he has been exposed to robotics, mentoring, new friendships and more. This is his Y. His camera. His story.

By 2025, the BYMOC Strategy seeks to achieve the following outcomes for 10,000 boys and young men of color across 100 cities across the U.S.:

  • 70% of participants will access high-quality, nurturing and more culturally responsive neighborhood environments
  • 75% of participants will have stabilized and improved grades by reducing suspensions and improving school attendance
  • 100% of participants will have completed pre- and post-assessment for social-emotional learning
  • 75% of participants will access high quality post-secondary and career-ready pathways

Boys and Young Men of Color Strategy Goals

Strengthening Communities & Individuals

The YMCA welcomes people of diverse backgrounds, ages and abilities to participate in everything we have to offer. Communities are stronger when everyone feels valued.

Supporting Young People

Supporting and inspiring young people to live up to their full potential is a priority of the YMCA. With a focus on meeting social, emotional and academic needs, we offer a wealth of engaging programs for young people.

Supporting Diverse Communities

We bring diverse people together to tackle social issues, creating more cohesive communities and a better-connected society.

Programs for Older Adults

We know that health and well-being are important at every age and life stage, so we provide opportunities for older adults to stay connected and improve their physical and mental health.

Community Support

“YMCA Youth and Government in collaboration with Youngstown City, offers young people the opportunity to engage in the legislative process and gain firsthand experience with government policies and methodologies”.

Through a partnership with CIRV (Community Initiative to Reduce Violence) and the RESPECT Foundation, youth are mentored through skills development workshops and training sessions. Workshops focus on academic support, career development, leadership skills financial literacy, and personal growth.

Thanks to the generous support of the William Swanston Charitable Fund, participants in the RESPECT Mentoring Program have increased their college and career awareness and developed meaningful relationships. In 2023, the BYMOC participants went on a tour to visit Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

“Thank you to the African American Community Fund of the Foundation of Appalachia for providing YMCA memberships to RESPECT League’s winning team.”

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