Essay --

YMCA Community Action Program (Y-CAP) The YMCA The YMCA is a leading nonprofit organization for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA, also known as the Y, is a nonprofit like no other. This is because in 10,000 neighborhoods across the nation, Y-CAP has the presence and partnerships to promise and deliver a positive change. History The Memphis YMCA was a lay-evangelical fellowship of young men united by a common loyalty to Jesus Christ for the first 15 years that it existed. In the 1860s, the Memphis YMCA became inactive due to the Civil War, and the Yellow Fever epidemics of the 1870s. After that period, the Memphis YMCA became permanently recognized in 1883. Little was known about the Memphis YMCA from 1883-1907, except the active leadership that had been provided by John R. Pepper, who maintained the association and kept it worthwhile. In 1907 Thomas B. King and John R. Pepper were correspondingly the president and vice president of the association. The YMCA of Memphis piloted a building fund campaign and purchased a building site for $33,687, feeling the need for facilities. A $200,000 seven-story building was planned for the cite. By the time the building funds were raised Elias Porter was president. The outstanding seven-story structure was completed in 1909, just in time for the buildings dedication by P resident William Howard Taft, accompanied by governors from 27 states, on October 27, 1909. The Memphis YMCA opened over 150 years ago. The first building has been opened for more than 100 years, serving youth as well as adults of Memphis in a variety of ways. Since 1909 the YMCA had developed and branched out in many directions. About the Agency The YMCA currently has eight full facility b... ...ng trouble feeding everyone in the home, Y-CAP could refer them to Mid-South Food Bank, who are in an alliance with them. Review â€Å"Y-CAP is the single most effective program I have seen for righting the path of wayward youth. My experience as a DeSoto County attorney has shown me the long term benefit to the county that Y-CAP offers. Y-CAP is able to intervene in the lives of young people and provide an opportunity for that young person to become a productive citizen. By proper guidance through Y-CAP, juvenile offenders and at-risk youth are able to contribute to the community, rather than drain its law enforcement and other resources. Y-CAP is proven successful in helping youth by involving the entire family. The benefits of a successful graduate are far reaching and an asset to the community that is immeasurable.† —William P. Myers, Attorney, Myers Graves, PLLC