About Us

Youth & Family Services (YFS)

YMCA Youth & Family Services (YFS) is the Social Service Department of the YMCA of San Diego County. YFS offers an array of programming to meet the needs of community members countywide. YFS works to provide exceptional social services that build strong kids, strong families and strong communities.

YFS began in 1970 with the opening of Oz San Diego, a shelter for runaway and homeless youth. Over the past 40 years, YFS has added new programs and services in response to the needs of community members. YFS now operates 16 programs that combine to serve over 42,000 individuals each year.

The YMCA of San Diego County is the oldest and largest organization in San Diego dedicated to serving youth. Throughout its history, the YMCA has been the leader in youth development, implementing a wide variety of programs designed to improve the quality of life, promote the development of leadership skills, and provide volunteer and community service opportunities.

The YMCA of San Diego County is the second largest YMCA in the nation and has one of the largest social service departments which serves as a model for YMCAs across the country.

Click on a program below to find out more

Programs

YMCA Youth & Family Services supports community members through the following three main project areas:

Counseling & Family Support

YFS offers an array of free and or affordable family support and counseling services. We provide mental health support to families in need, assist kinship and relative caregivers, and prevent children from entering or reentering the Child Welfare system.

School & Community Enrichment

YFS provides elementary and middle school students countywide with a safe place to participate in academic support and enrichment activities during the critical hours before and after school.

We also offer extensive services to the community, including a free drop-in after-school program and comprehensive technology center in North Park.

Transitional Housing & Youth Development

YFS offers housing, support services, counseling, life skills training and workforce development to facilitate the transition to self-sufficiency.