CARMEL, IN – At its latest 4:30 Meetup on March 28, Synergize members and guests raised funds and support for the Carmel Youth Assistance Program (CYAP).
Founded in 2015, CYAP is an office of the Hamilton County Youth Assistance Program. The overarching organization also includes youth assistance programs in Fishers, Hamilton Heights, Noblesville, Sheridan, and Westfield.
Working in collaboration with school, city, and county programs, CYAP coordinates referrals of resources to students in need. These resources include tutoring, mental health support, and food and clothing assistance, among many others. CYAP also facilitates a mentorship program, where Carmel residents offer life-changing relationships for Carmel youth.
“Kids need positive, adult-led activities that will enrich their lives,” says Melissa Yarger, Early Intervention Advocate with CYAP, who spoke at the event. “Research shows that you can give a kid a thousand resources, but if they don’t have relationships, none of that matters.”
This month’s Synergize 4:30 Meetup was sponsored and hosted by the Center for the Performing Arts. Jeff McDermott, President and CEO of the Center, is a former board member at the Westfield office of the Hamilton County Youth Assistance Program. “It’s a great program with a great purpose for kids who are at risk of making the wrong decisions,” he said.
Many attendees found themselves reflecting on their own pasts, and the help they received from programs like CYAP. Brandon Mitchell, founder and owner of Tech 365 in Noblesville, is one of them. “Having been in the shoes of the kids they [CYAP] serve, I can say they’re vital to this community,” said Mitchell, who recently signed on as a Presenting Partner of Synergize. “Those who are fortunate should always help those who are less fortunate.”
Synergize is a professional membership group with two goals; spark community impact and create real friendship between its members. Between membership dues, guest tickets, and donations, the group raised over $2,250 for CYAP. To stay up to date on future events, subscribe to the Synergize newsletter at https://bit.ly/SynergizeNewsletter.