Community Outreach
The mission of Y-YOUTH Matter is to increase resiliency in our communities’ youth and their families through social-emotional support, academic development and healthy living initiatives, equipping them to achieve their greatest potential.
The Y understands that the future of our community depends on the success of children. Manchester has the 5th highest dropout rate in the state and accounts for 22 percent of the total number of dropouts (NH Department of Education). The Granite YMCA is focused on reducing this dropout rate by working with kids whose lives are complicated by risk factors including poverty, exposure to violence, substance abuse, poor school performance, engagement in risk-taking behaviors, or significant social-emotional difficulties. Our Y-YOUTH Matter programs provide support to students who would otherwise fall through the cracks. Ninety-nine percent of enrolled participants in Y dropout prevention programs live in extremely low to low income families. By providing these services, we are helping to meet a community goal of making sure all children are provided the support they need to successfully move to graduation. Learn more about Y-YOUTH Matter in our program brochure.
We also know that not all children have what they need to thrive academically. That's why we support them with strong role models, researched based curriculum, and enriching experiences that promote academic success. Your gift helps us drive academic achievement through high impact programs that change lives, including:
Achievement Gap Program for Henry Wilson Elementary School Students
Y-START is a researched-based, structured, educational Community Impact Success Measures enrichment after-school program that utilizes prescribed dosages of educational components and meets strict fidelity markers. Y-START fills a critical need within the city of Manchester as it is specifically designed to provide a safe, enriching program for low-income children living in a neighborhood where they can be touched by violence and/or drugs on a daily basis. Y-START recognizes the strengths and challenges of it’s families, and aims to work with parents, teachers and the community toward the common goal of raising healthy, confident, community caring children.
For more information, please visit the following links:
If you would like to learn more about this program, please contact Coco Moore at cmoore@graniteymca.org.
For Southside, Parkside, Hillside, McLaughlin Middle, and Memorial High School Students
YMCA STAY provides direct services to 115 at-risk students yearly who are experiencing academic failure, chronic truancy, behavioral problems or family crisis. Y-STAY’s combination of academic support, team building, mentoring, life skills focus, character development, and adventure education is clearly needed in this community. Y-STAY provides students with a critical link to adult role models, a chance to access new positive experiences, and a stronger connection to learning and education, increasing their commitment to school, peers, and community.
Community Impact Success Measures
"Y-STAY has helped me in more way than I could ever imagine. Y-STAY has helped me figure out who I really am. And to see what the future holds and what the real world is like. Y-STAY has helped me positively make a change in not only my attitude, but also in my behavior." – Y-STAY Student
For more information, please contact:
- Y-STAY Coordinator: Bri Hess at bhess@graniteymca.org
- Y-STAY at Southside School: Alex Hintz at ahintz@mansd.org
- Y-STAY at Parkside School: Haley Aronson at aronson@mansd.org
- Y-STAY at Hillside School: Clorese Rowan at crowan@mansd.org
- Y-STAY atMcLaughlin School: Darian Wilson at dwilson@mansd.org
For more information, please visit the following links:
For Manchester Students Who Are Suspended or Expelled
Operating for over 20 years, Y-STRIVE is the only Community Impact Sucess Measures program in Manchester for youth who are not attending school due to suspension and expulsion. Y-STRIVE works with all four middle schools and the three public high schools to provide services to these youth. This program offers academic support, life skills, and community service initiatives. Classroom activities utilize one-to-one academic tutoring to get these students back on grade level and life skills lessons to help students build social and interpersonal skills.
STRIVE, the only program in Manchester for suspended and expelled students, offers academic support, life skills, and community service programs. Classroom activities utilize one-to-one academic tutoring to get these students back on grade level and life skills lessons to help students build social and interpersonal skills. Last year, 100% of STRIVE students received credit for their schoolwork while attending STRIVE.
Community Impact Success Measures
At-Risk Students in Manchester Entering Grades 1 - 11
Kids from low income families often start school unprepared. Despite progressing at the same rate during the school year, learning gaps widen each summer and these students fall farther behind their peers. This Achievement Gap culminates in low high school graduation and college attainment rates, limited job prospects and negative economic impact.
Power Scholars is a six-week, full day summer program for youth entering grades 1 - 11 , operating Monday - Friday for 6.5 hours a day. Power Scholars focuses on both academic and enrichment programming, students participate in Humanities and STEM curriculum, that is rotated each year for students to learn new skills as they progress through the Power Scholars.
Afternoon enrichment activities introduce students to their community, provide college and career awareness, art education, STEM, and physical activity. Partnership with community partners such as SEE Science Center, UNH STEM, Manchester Community Music School, Media Power Youth, and Amoskeag Health, allow us to expand our program offering and experiences for our students.
Adventure field trips are held weekly on Fridays to introduce students to NH’s many recreational opportunities. Field Trips have included hiking Pack Monadnock, visiting Stonewall Farm in Keene, taking a boat trip out of Newburyport, MA, and many more.
For more information, please contact:
- Director of Teen Outreach and Education: Chris Stetson at cstetson@graniteymca.org
All children, but especially your youngest cannot learn, grow, or thrive when hungry. Our year-round and after school food programs make sure all children have access to nutritious foods while in our care. The Granite YMCA is an active participant in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
CACFP Sites Include:
- YMCA of Downtown for students in Early Learning, Teen Center, and Schools Out Program
- YMCA of Concord for students in Early Learning and Schools Out Program
- YMCA of Strafford for students in Early Learning
- Somersworth Child Care Center in Early Learning and Schools Out Program
CACFP Status
- Granite YMCA served more than 175,098 meals from June 2022 - July 2023.
For more information, please contact:
- Association Community Outreach Director: Jessica Riendeau at jriendeau@graniteymca.org
- YMCA of Downtown Manchester Kitchen: Maci Ayla at ymcafood@graniteymca.org
Learn More
Chris Stetson
Director of Teen Outreach and Education
603.232.8630
cstetson@graniteymca.org
