Empowering Youth and Fostering Collaboration: A Conversation with the Women Behind YWCA Delaware's Youth Program

In a recent episode of the "What's New in the 302" podcast, hosts Enza Rocco and Natalie Armor-Payne from Delaware Futures sat down with Ty Randolph, YWCA Delaware Youth Program Manager, and Camille Vasconcellos, YWCA Delaware Senior Youth Coordinator and Operations Specialist. Together, they discussed how YWCA Delaware's impactful youth development program helps today's students become tomorrow's leaders.

YWCA Delaware's youth workshops help teens build self-esteem, foster healthy relationships, and address racial equity. Sessions promote critical thinking skills and encourage students to explore diverse career paths. Each workshop gives students the tools to advocate for themselves and succeed in an ever-changing world.

Ty Randolph, a graduate of Rowan University with degrees in sociology and psychology, brings a personal passion for working with middle and high school students and early intervention programs. Her experience from collaborating with various organizations, such as Girls Inc., Child Inc., and West End Neighborhood House, is a testament to her invaluable expertise in the community.

Camille Vasconcellos, originally from Brazil, earned her Bachelor's degree in psychology and Master's in experimental psychology from Saint Joseph's University. She underscored the importance of cross-team collaborations in delivering effective youth programming. She emphasized, "We can't do it alone. With the aftereffects of COVID-19, we see how much support kids need. When schools, teachers, administrators, and community centers working with limited resources collaborate with non-profits like YWCA Delaware, students and their families can benefit greatly."

Ty and Camille further discussed the importance of building trust with students, especially those who have been let down by adults in the past, and creating safe and supportive spaces that allow students to ask questions and feel comfortable seeking help when needed. They also highlighted the significance of adapting to students' evolving needs, normalizing conversations about mental health, and offering comprehensive resources to support students and their families.

In 2023, YWCA Delaware provided youth programming to 589 students, with 94% reporting increased self-esteem and sense of purpose. To learn more about YWCA Delaware's services and how to get involved, visit ywcade.org. To hear this episode of What's New in the 302, visit https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-new-in-the-302/id1738967271?i=1000652100225.