ANN ARBOR YMCA Youth Volunteer Corps was named a 2014 Gold Level YVC Affiliate, one of only nine throughout the U.S. and Canada. During 2013 this youth service program offered volunteer opportunities for 236 youth who served more than 6,000 volunteer hours in their community.

The program is celebrating its 20th anniversary at the YMCA this year.

“YVC of Ann Arbor is paving the way for YVC programs all over the U.S. and Canada,” said David Battey, founder and president of YVC’s headquarters, located in Kansas City. “The program has had such a profound impact on both Youth Volunteers and the community they’re serving.”

YVC Headquarters works with each YVC Affiliate to ensure that they are serving the youth and their community in the best way possible. The Gold Level rating goes only to the very top YVC programs that serve as stand-out examples for how the program can serve its community.

“We’re so proud of this honor for the YVC program and the Youth Volunteers involved,” said Abbey Davis, Coordinator of  Ann Arbor YMCA Youth Volunteer Corps. “We look forward to seeing all the great things that Ann Arbor youth will accomplish in the coming year.”

The YVC summer program runs during summer weekdays on Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. The teens travel together on foot or via public transportation to pre-arranged projects in the Washtenaw County area.  Depending on the project and agency involved, participants can spend anywhere from a few hours to a full week completing the service. Examples of agencies that YVC has  served in the past include The Oaks, Natural Area Preserve, SOS Community Services, Hands on Museum and many more.

Under the supervision of YVC adult team leaders, the participants learn beforehand about the mission of each individual agency they are to serve. The staff and teens discuss the goals of each project and establish work guidelines prior to project site arrival. Each session is concluded with a reflection process, facilitated by YMCA staff, which engages participants in meaningful group discussion and active appreciation.

For more information about the program, visit the YMCA website or contact Abbey Davis at adavis@annarborymca.org.