FOCUS ON FATHERS

Focus on Fathers is a multi-faceted fatherhood initiative that enhances the capacity of fathers to be positively involved in the lives of their children and their communities. There are afternoon and weekday sessions, young father mentoring, support groups, as well as workshops to interested organizations. 

Through evidence-based fatherhood, relationship, and early childhood development programming fathers learn principles of effective parenting and communication.

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FIRST CHOICE PRE-APPRENTICESHIP

WHAT IS FIRST CHOICE? We connect people to the construction industry. The Racine Family YMCA’s First Choice is an equal-opportunity partnership between participants, the Y and area employers to prepare individuals from diverse backgrounds for family-sustaining jobs in the construction industry. Many of our clients have experienced career or life challenges. We help overcome barriers by providing individual mentoring, group training and instruction that leads to career and life success. 

Working in construction requires technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, motivation, teamwork and leadership abilities and our construction industry partners know that First Choice graduates are ready to excel. First Choice focuses on the “whole” individual. Hands-on work experiences through partnerships with Habitat for Humanity Racine, the City of Racine, construction firms in southeastern Wisconsin and the State of Wisconsin are supported by technical instruction in blueprint reading, safety and OSHA-10 and 30 regulations, and “soft” skills-building including literacy, budgeting, decision-making, and project management.

EMOTIONAL WELLNESS – FAMILY SERVICES BRANCH

Offering outpatient Mental Health Therapy for individuals, Family Services assists people ages 4+ to address the challenges in their lives such as Family Conflict, Grief and Loss, Anxiety, Depression, Anger Management, Self-Esteem, Trauma and Abuse. Family therapy repairs parent-child relationships that have been disrupted or fractured through a separation or trauma.

Visitation & Safe Exchange: Supervised Visitation assists parents and children in developing a healthy, positive parent-child relationship under the supervision of trained Staff. Safe Exchange program offers a comfortable, safe, neutral setting for parents to exchange custody of their child(ren).

SALSA, SABOR Y SALUD

The first national program of its kind designed to encourage healthy lifestyles among Latino families – designed by Latinos for Latinos. Kraft Foods and NLCI launched the program. The eight-session program assists Hispanic families with children 12 and under to make healthy choices for eating and incorporate activity into their daily lives, getting the whole family involved. It’s based on four messages: • Eat from all food groups every day • Be sensible about portions • Be physically active every day • Take small steps for success.