The YWCA believes in building on the strengths and values of youth by providing them with a supportive, safe and thriving environment in which to develop positive qualities for a productive future. PEARL®(Prevention, Empowerment, Academics, Recreation and Leadership) is the curriculum used to promote strong, healthy minds and bodies in our youth. We offer PEARL® in a variety ways and settings:

Prevention: provides youth with positive options to conflict and violence in their lives. Factual information is provided allowing youth to explore their personal attitudes and develop social skills to effectively address negative behavior. Conflict resolution, anger management, violence prevention, peer mediation and teen health are part of the curriculum.

Empowerment: develops self-esteem and resiliency through active learning and exploration of cultural awareness, positive body image, financial literacy, technology awareness, career exploration, college and employment preparation, and resourcefulness training.

Academics: this component allows youth the opportunity to heighten academic interest and develop effective study skills through homework assistance, tutoring, academic enrichment and computer literacy.

Recreation: develops youth's social and recreational skills through performing arts, health and fitness, social clubs, hobbies and arts/crafts.

Leadership: provides opportunities to practice leadership in the promotion of community action and service, racial justice, gender equity, public policy, peer mediation, and the YW Youth Council.

Our Youth Programs also include:

• Girls, Women $ is an economic empowerment program designed to teach mothers and daughters economic literacy.
  
  
• GAB (Girls Advisory Board) is designed to encourage leadership development and community advocacy.