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Youth Opportunities Program

Youth now have a place in their own neighborhood where they can have fun, learn, and create their future. The Youth Opportunities Program is a year-round, after-school program for disadvantaged young people, ages 14-18, who live in Lucas County.

Coordinated by the YMCA of Greater Toledo and offered through a network of community service centers throughout the county, the Youth Opportunities Program provides support to help youth:

Improve educational achievement
Prepare for and succeed in employment
Develop their potential as citizens and leaders

Tutoring 
One-on-one and small group homework assistance is available at each of the participating sites. Certified teachers from Toledo Public Schools provide tutoring, focusing on reading and math skills.

Paid/Unpaid Work Experience 
200 participants are provided an opportunity to work 10 hours a week for eight weeks during the school year and 25 hours a week for nine weeks during the summer.

Leadership Development 
Participants involved at each program site participate in one major service-learning project during the year.

Supportive Services 
Recreation programs through the YMCA and other organizations are available to all participants. Clothing assistance is provided as needed as well as child care for the participants with children. Transportation to and from work sites is also provided.

Summer Employment 
Eligible youth are provided with employment opportunities through program sites and other area employers.

Adult Mentoring
Adult mentors from diverse fields and backgrounds provide interest-based assistance for participants.
Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling A licensed clinical therapist, trained to work with at-risk youth and their families, is available to all participants. The therapist is available on an as needed basis and makes referrals to other community resources when needed.

Leadership Weekends at YMCA Storer Camps
Participants have the opportunity to take advantage of the many services offered at the YMCA's beautiful Storer Camps. With two camp sites, 1,200 acres to roam, a large lake with 55 sailboats and miles of riding trails with 110 horses, participants find their experience at Storer Camps quite special.

Locations

Caldwell Community Center 3201 Stickney Avenue Toledo, OH 43608 Phone 419-729-4654 Fax 419-729-4004	Eastern Community YMCA 2960 Pickle Road Oregon, OH 43616 Phone (419) 691-3523 Fax (419) 691-2409	Wayman D. Palmer Community YMCA 2053 N. 14th Street Toledo, OH 43620 Phone (419) 241-7218 Fax (419) 241-8604
Salem Lutheran Church 1127 North Huron Toledo, Ohio 43604 (419) 213-6658	The Firm Recreation and Socialization 1217 Jefferson Toledo, Ohio 43604 Phone (419) 245-0481	Summit YMCA 306 Bush Street Toledo, Ohio 43604 Phone (419) 729-6035 Fax (419) 729-6149