YMCA Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment Program

Since 1962, the Y has focused on helping teens throughout Oahu with substance abuse, gang, legal, and family programs. 

  • Ages: Students in grades 6-12 (ages 11-18)
  • Cost: Free. Y services are supported by generous donors and funding from the Department of Health - Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division (ADAD).
  • Eligibility/Enrollment: Students may self-refer and enroll through participating schools sites listed below. In addition, students may be referred by their school counselors, youth community or government agencies, or through the Family Court and Juvenile Drug Court programs. Students may enroll through participating school sites. In addition, the Y provides outpatient treatment services to youth referred through the Family Court and Juvenile Drug Court programs.

Community and School Site Locations: Kalihi Y, Wai’anae Coast Y, and onsite at dozens of middle and high schools:

Oahu

  • Aiea Intermediate and High school
  • Campbell High School
  • Central Middle School
  • Dole Middle School
  • Farrington High School
  • Ilima Intermediate
  • Kalakaua Middle School
  • Kapolei Middle School and High School
  • Kawananakoa Middle School
  • Leilehua High School
  • McKinley High School
  • Moanalua Middle School and High School
  • Nanakuli Intermediate and High School
  • Roosevelt High School
  • Stevenson Middle School
  • Wahiawa Middle School
  • Waianae High School
  • Waipahu Intermediate and High School

Molokai

  • Molokai Middle School and High School

Lanai

  • Lanai High School

YMCA safe teen programs

Many of teens lack the community-based resources to keep them on track at school, and to connect to jobs, or advance to higher education and future careers.

The Ho‘okupa‘a program provides a safe and supportive place for teens to spend their non-school hours, while helping their development in friends and family relationships, problem solving skills, leadership, academic success and healthy living. Teens can drop in and register at any of the community or school sites.

As these youth transition to early adulthood, the Y supports youth with employment and educational opportunities.

 

Social, emotional, and mental wellbeing support

YMCA youth programs support physical health, academic achievement, social-emotional development, and mental wellness. Activities include journaling or drawing, practicing positive self-affirmations, and exploring ways to relieve stress and identify support systems.

Our YMCA staff also provides opportunities for young people to practice social connections with their peers. Staff members are intentional about checking in with each child throughout the day by using open-ended questions and conversation starters, and are observant and watch for signs of stress and alienation or look out for children who may be anxious about a change of environment.