On June 14^th, the Accelerator YMCA hosted a panel on youth permanency in partnership with the Sammamish YMCA. The panel was moderated by Sammamish YMCA Board Member, Gene Cash, and featured panelists from the Accelerator YMCA, Amara and Center for Human Services. The event took place at the Boys & Girls Club EX3 Teen Center in Sammamish.

The discussion focused on keeping youth connected to safe and caring homes. Panelists answered questions about supporting youth in foster care, and the alternatives and resources that exist for young people when they are separated from their parents.

This event kicked off a partnership between the Accelerator and Sammamish Y branches. Starting this month, the Sammamish YMCA will host an Accelerator YMCA behavioral health counselor on-site to provide support to young people and their families in Sammamish.

Dave Mayer, Executive Director of the Sammamish YMCA said: “There has been so much great conversation and collaboration around this topic, and we are glad to play a part. By providing these services, we hope to eliminate barriers for young people in need of support who have typically felt stigma around seeking help.”

The Accelerator YMCA has been providing behavioral health services for several decades across King County, but this is the first time services will be offered in a traditional “swim & gym” branch. Brooke Knight, Executive Director of the Accelerator YMCA said: “We have services and expertise we know can benefit the community, so we saw this as a natural opportunity.” By offering services within a YMCA facility, we are removing barriers for people in need of support.