(In Order of Left to Right)
YMCA Youth, Teen & Family Director Rachel Jackson, New Roads Program Supervisor Rich Luis, News Roads Program Manager Monique Offet, Station 7 Service Coordinator Lead Lillian Phillips, Station 7 Program Manager Cory Farrow, and YMCA Chief Strategy Officer Beth Casper
Looking Glass Community Services and the Eugene YMCA partnered last year to provide free admission to the Y’s services for youths and young adults. Guests can engage in various activities such as swimming, gym equipment, childcare, classes, and general relaxation in the lobby.
The program began thanks to VP of Homeless Services, Brittany Means-Luna connecting with the YMCA’s Youth, Teen, and Family Director, Rachel Jackson. Together, they seek to provide a space for youth and young adults to play, relax, and not be defined by stigmas and judgements.
Looking Glass HYS staff visited the Eugene YMCA to share how the partnership has improved and benefitted the populations they serve. Program managers and supervisors from New Roads and Station 7, shared how a space like the YMCA actively contributes to Looking Glass’ focus on harm reduction. Due to the YMCA’s diverse services, the partnership supports all kinds of youths from different backgrounds. HYS staff provided to Rachel Jackson and Chief Strategy Officer, Beth Casper, examples of guests utilizing the gym for workouts, swimsuit donations for the swimming pool, and childcare services.
“Organizations that partner together are able to have a much deeper impact,” said Casper, explaining how the collaboration benefits both youth and both nonprofits. “What’s beautiful about our partnership is that we’re able to provide a safe, welcoming space where young people can build relationships with caring mentors and simply be kids. At the same time, Looking Glass brings specialized expertise that the Y isn’t designed to provide - from behavioral health and counseling to crisis intervention, housing support, and other critical services for youth facing complex challenges. Together we’re able to surround young people with the support they need to thrive.”
Looking Glass hopes to further expand this partnership with the YMCA by further reducing barriers and expanding services for youth and young adults in the near future.
VP of Homeless Services, Brittany Means-Luna
Looking Glass VP of Homeless Services, Brittany Means-Luna expressed the importance of the partnership’s impact. “The YMCA partners with us on accessibility and community connection for our youth and young adults experiencing homelessness. They play a vital role in creating access to healthy activities and learning opportunities, supportive relationships, and creating a sense of belonging and connection to the community. They have been dedicated to meeting our guests where they are and problem solving any barriers to accessibility which we have been incredibly grateful for!”
Looking Glass is thankful to the YMCA for being a dedicated partner for youth and young adults in need.