Youth Development

The development of children is the core of which the Y’s values were built. This is why the safety of all children in our care is our number one priority. Staff and volunteers at North Carolina's YMCAs follow a Code of Conduct to ensure the safety of all children who come through our doors, whether they’re regular program participants or only visit once a year. 

In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, we are addressing the importance of understanding the Y’s abuse prevention policies, recognizing red flags and boundary violations and how to talk with your children about abuse. It's important that all parents and caregivers know how to respond to boundary violations and warning signs if children tell you about abuse.

Many parents and caregivers find speaking to their children about abuse to be uncomfortable. Framing these conversations around other safety conversations you have may help you work through some of that uncomfortableness. Below you’ll find age-appropriate ways to talk to your child about boundaries and preventing abuse. 

At the Y, creating safe spaces for youth to learn, grow and thrive is our top priority. Kids need a safe space now more than ever, and we take pride in the measures we’ve taken to help keep your kids safe. Here are some important tips for parents to know as we work together to keep kids safe from abuse.

Three North Carolina YMCAs are partnering with NC DHHS for the Healthy Opportunities Pilots (HOPs). The pilot is the first comprehensive program in the country to test and evaluate the impact of providing specific evidence-based, non-medical interventions related to housing, food, transportation, interpersonal safety, and toxic stress to high-needs Medicaid enrollees.

As of March 2023, 2,953,505 North Carolinians are enrolled in Medicaid, according to the NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The majority are single mothers and their children under the age of 20, seniors and disabled and blind people.

“In a world that currently feels divisive and politically polarizing, the Y is preparing tomorrow’s civic leaders to respectfully collaborate in powerful solutions-focused conversations through the

In May 1923, the first YMCA Short Course National Swimming Championship was held. This April, the Y celebrates 100 years of Y swimming history in Greensboro at the 2023 YMCA National Short Course Swimming Championships.

The YMCA of High Point hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 5 to celebrate the reopening of the Carl Chavis Memorial YMCA and the adjacent Carlvena Foster Child Care Center following a $4.5 million renovation and expansion.