City of Charlotte donates $2M to YMCA summer programs for teens

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The City of Charlotte is giving $2 million to the YMCA of Greater Charlotte. A portion is going to My Brother’s Keeper, an organization that mentors young black men.

Mayor Vi Lyles said, “I believe today is a sign of us all working together to make our city better for everyone, but more particularly, for those who need us most during the summer.”

Mayor Lyles was referring to kids and teens. For the past couple of months, they haven’t been engaged with in-person activities.

The money will fund the YMCA’s Level Up program. It supports kids aged 13 to 18 at these four locations in Charlotte: Keith Family YMCA, McCrorey YMCA, Simmons YMCA, and Stratford Richardson YMCA. The program is free for families. It’s runs through the week and Friday and Saturday nights.

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The YMCA said it has lost $40 million in revenue due to the coronavirus. The $2 million from the city will help bring back staff, in addition to funding the programs.

Executive Director of the Stratford Richardson YMCA, Victor Nicholson, said programs can now expand.

“Teens will have the opportunity to work with developers, build a large treehouse. They have access to work with music producers so we’re just looking to expose teens to enrichment activities this summer,” said Nicholson.

Education and career development will be a big focus, especially for men of color. My Brother’s Keeper is currently working with dozens of teens in the 28208 zip code in West Charlotte.

Michael DeVaul is a strategist for the organization, and also works for the YMCA. He said, “What the city’s money allows us to do is the do the same thing with 12 schools on the east side.”

With racial tensions and the tragedy on Beatties Ford Road this week, DeVaul said My Brother’s Keeper aims to support the kids in any way they can.

“I think we also want to sit down and listen to boys and hold them with a lot of love and understanding,” said DeVaul.

Parents can still sign up their kids for the program here.