Carmel Youth Assistance Program

06/08/2026

Rain didn't stand a chance against these two! 🌧️ Even though our family fishing day with Camptown was rained out, they came prepared with their own supplies and decided to fish at their own risk. Now that’s dedication!

We are all about connecting youth to prosocial activities and encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones to try new things. Safe to say, these two are leading by example! 🐟

06/04/2026

Can you believe it’s our 5th year of the Summer Bridge tutoring program? 🚀

Take a quick look at what a day of Summer Bridge is like!

We are officially underway for an incredible 8-week run, matching 27 amazing student-tutor pairs to keep learning alive all summer long. 📚✨

Huge thanks to our community partners, Carmel Clay Schools and the Carmel Clay Public Library, for helping us make this happen year after year. Let’s make Year 5 the best one yet!

06/01/2026

🌟Meet Me Monday 🌟

We are kicking off this week by introducing Tricia Akers, our incredible Executive Director of Hamilton County Youth Assistance, who leads our mission with passion and dedication every single day.

➡️ How did you become involved with YAP?

"I had the privilege of serving as the first Early Intervention Advocate in Westfield when Hamilton County Youth Assistance launched in September 2009. This experience shaped my passion for supporting children and families in our community."

➡️What is one thing you wish the community knew about CYAP?

"At CYAP, we’re here to support children and families by providing guidance, resources, and encouragement along the way. Our services are always voluntary, and our commitment is simple: to walk alongside families and be a trusted source of support."

➡️Why do you think this organization is essential to the community?

"CYAP is built on the belief that strong communities are created when neighbors come together to support youth and families. By stepping up, community members can make a meaningful difference—bringing back the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors and strengthening the heart of Carmel."

05/29/2026

Throwing it back to an unforgettable day at our Rock The Boat event! ✨ Not only did we have an absolute blast, but thanks to all of you, we raised crucial funds for a great cause. Thinking about how much fun this was and feeling so grateful for our community!

05/27/2026

🎉 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 🎉

Orchard Park Presbyterian Church incredible partnership with CYAP began in earnest with the Carmel Summer Meals program, an initiative we proudly ran for several years. During that time, OPPC stepped up in a big way to help provide breakfasts and lunches for school children during the summer months.

Over the years, OPPC has consistently shown up for our community by:

👕 Supplying clothing to students through their Clothesline Ministry.

🦃 Providing Thanksgiving meals to 10–15 CYAP families in need.

💰 Offering continuous financial support to CYAP.

Thank you, OPPC, for standing alongside us to support Carmel families. Together, we are truly stronger! We are so lucky to have this solid, lasting partnership that strengthens both of our organizations and, most importantly, our community!

05/25/2026

Honoring the fallen and remembering the brave this Memorial Day. We are forever grateful for the heroes who gave everything for our freedom.

05/22/2026

They say not all goodbyes are sad... especially for school traffic! We’re celebrating the end of the high school traffic for the summer by crossing the street in style. 💃

Huge congratulations to the class of 2026! Wishing you all the best of luck on your next big adventure, and we hope everyone has a safe and sun-filled summer! ☀️🏖️✨

And yes, we did push the button to cross! And if you saw us filming this, no you didn't.

05/20/2026

If you're out grabbing groceries next weekend, please consider picking up a few extra items for the Carmel Summer Meals Program!

It's almost time to Pack the Cruiser!🚓

Carmel Police Department invites everyone to join them for the 10th Annual Pack the Cruiser day as they collect donated food to directly help Carmel families in need.

📅 Saturday, May 30, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
📍 Kroger, 1217 S. Range Line Rd.
📍 Kroger, 10679 N. Michigan Rd.

05/18/2026

In case you missed it, May is Mental Health Awareness Month. 💚

More than 35% of CYAP referrals have an unmet mental health need. This means far too many youth in our community are seeking help but haven’t been able to find it. We’re committed to closing that gap, but we can't do it alone.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨?

➡️Check In: A simple "How are you, really?" can change someone's day.

➡️Advocate: Support policies that increase funding and access to local mental health services.

➡️Share Resources: If you or someone you know is struggling, don't wait. Reach out to 988.

05/15/2026

Did you know that our Summer Bridge curriculum is built in direct partnership with Clay Schools? 🏫

We work closely with the district's Instructional Interventionist Coach to ensure our Summer Bridge curriculum aligns with exactly what students are learning in the classroom. This collaboration allows us to reinforce key concepts and bridge the gap between grades, ensuring our students stay confident, sharp, and ready to succeed when the new school year begins! 📚💪