Family Focus

New programs keeps 3 Charlotte YMCAs open at night for teens

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — For the first time, three Charlotte YMCAs will stay open at night for teens on the weekends during the summer.

The program called “Summer of Opportunity” is modeled after successful ones in Boston and Los Angeles, which helped reduce crime and build trust. The McCrorey YMCA, Stratford YMCA and Simmons YMCA’s will be participating in the program.

[LINK: YMCA Summer of Opportunity]

“We want that age group to know that we see them and we have not forgot about them and we want to open our doors for them to have a safe place to be this summer,” said Simmons YMCA executive director Joyce Tompkins.

With the homicide rate rising in Mecklenburg County, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and the YMCA identified hot spots for crime.

The agencies partnered to open the three branches in the areas on Friday and Saturday nights, offering programs, speakers, swimming and games to teens.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will also provide free meals to the kids.

CMPD will provide security and also build relationships with the teens.

Groups like Project 658 and Heal Charlotte are also donating their time to help on weekends.

“I would really love for the community to step up and meeting everybody else half way,” Greg Jackson, with Heal Charlotte said.

Jackson said one thing that’s still needed is transportation for the teens.

“I am making a call to all the churches,” Jackson said. “I would much rather see the kids go home on vans to their houses, not the bus or an Uber.”

The goals is to have the program extend beyond the summer and operate year-round.

Teens must pre-register for the program. They can go the YMCAs early to register or online. The program is also looking for volunteers.