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Community Outreach Chaplain
Programs to enhance spiritual and mental health, strengthen families, and foster youth engagement.

Our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The office of the Community Outreach Chaplain offers a variety of programs to support the spiritual and mental well-being of Y members, staff, and our community.

Support services are available to people of any or no faith background. Thank you to all our faith-based and community partners who help make these services possible.

Grandparents Raising Grandkids - A support and resource group

Grandparents Raising Grandkids meets October through May on the first Thursday of the month from 10:00-11:00 am in the Capital Room on the third floor. This is a support group that will also feature periodic guest presenters with expertise or resources useful to participants. This group is open to members and non-members who are grandparents raising grandkids.

 

Register HERE

We Are Not Alone - support group for adults with loved ones experiencing mental illness

We Are Not Alone is a support group for people who love and care about family members or other loved ones who have a mental illness. We meet October through May on the third Wednesday of the month from 4:00-5:00 pm in Studio B on the second floor.

Sometimes we feel like we can't talk to others about our loved one's mental illness symptoms because they won't understand. This group understands. You are not alone, and we can support one another. This group maintains confidentiality: what is shared in the group stays in the group.

 

Register HERE

GriefShare - weekly starting Tuesday, September 9th at 6:30 pm

A GriefShare support group is a safe, welcoming place where people understand the difficult emotions of grief. Each GriefShare group begins with a 30-minute video featuring respected experts on grief-related topics and helpful stories from people who have experienced loss. Their insights will help you manage your emotions, gain clarity, and find answers to your questions as you walk through the grief process. While GriefShare is grounded in Biblical principles, it welcomes people of all backgrounds who are navigating grief and loss. Ends December 9th.

 

Register HERE

Member Mixer - appetizers, drinks, and conversation from 5-6 pm on Tuesday, September 16th

Join us for a casual time of appetizers, beverages, and socializing from 5-6 pm on Tuesday, September 16th in the Capitol Room. This social hour is open to members and program participants ages 18+ who want to make connections with fellow YMCA-ers in a welcoming environment. This event is also perfect for parents and guardians who are in the building while their kiddo is in swim lessons or sports practice. Come join us!

 

Register HERE

Wellness Activity: Guided Art & Mindfulness - Tuesday, September 23rd from 5-6 pm

Kate Saunders, Holistic Health Coach from Holistic Bodyworks & Coaching, will guide us in a time of mind-body connection through the practice of somatic art. No art talent is required to participate and benefit from this activity. Join us to de-stress through this simple, yet effective practice.

What to expect:

  • Brief introduction to the session
  • Mindfulness/breathing
  • Guided art activity using paper, pens, and colored markers

 

Register HERE

From There to Here: A Refugee Awareness Experience - Tuesday, October 14th from 6-8 pm

Come and enjoy a powerful presentation and meal put on by our new neighbors with Baraka Refugee & Immigrant Ministries and Salem For Refugees, featuring:

  • performances by the Uhuru Youth Choir
  • food from regions of the world represented by our new neighbors
  • a simulation to help audience members understand a refugee family's experience

 

Register HERE