Y-CAP Program Supports Youth Success
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The YMCA Community Action Project, known locally as Y‑CAP, is an early‑intervention and prevention program in Chattanooga that serves young people ages 10 to 15 who have been referred by the Hamilton County school system or the juvenile court system because of academic, behavioral, or social challenges.
Since its founding in 1998, the program has provided individualized support to thousands of children and their families, combining academic help, mentoring, structured activities, and family involvement to address educational, behavioral, and spiritual needs.
Y-CAP participants follow personalized plans designed to improve school attendance, behavior, and overall outlook, and they take part in activities ranging from tutoring and group therapy to after‑school programming and summer sessions.
Outcomes reported by the program indicate strong results in school attendance, reductions in juvenile court involvement, and improvements in academic performance among students who complete programming.
The Chattanooga Y‑CAP operates multiple sites, including its main location on Central Avenue and additional locations that expanded through community support and the city’s One Chattanooga Relief and Recovery Plan, which allotted funding to extend the program’s reach into neighborhoods such as Brainerd.
As a Christian‑based initiative of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga, Y‑CAP is rooted in values that emphasize personal growth and community support while serving the whole family.
Silverdale Baptist Church partners with Y‑CAP in community outreach efforts, including supporting holiday initiatives such as Christmas baskets and food boxes, and volunteers from the church have worked alongside parents and students involved in the program.
Participants and families involved with Y‑CAP signed a thank‑you poster to recognize Silverdale Baptist Church’s support as part of the broader community collaboration.
Through its combination of structured programming, personalized support, and community partnerships, Y‑CAP continues to be a resource aimed at helping Chattanooga youth and families build stronger futures.
