Armed Services YMCA of Hampton Roads

The Armed Services YMCA of Hampton Roads’ mission is to enhance the lives of military members and their families in spirit, mind, and body through programs relevant to the unique challenges of military life. We are committed to support and strengthen military families stationed in our region by offering no-cost and low-cost programs and services, with our primary focus on the junior enlisted households. We serve all branches of the military and bridge the gap as a complement to DoD programs. Our services focus on Strengthening our Military Families through youth enrichment initiatives, family support systems, providing a hand up during challenge, and honoring the impact of service in Hampton Roads.

As the Nation’s oldest military service organization, we strengthen our military families by providing the following programs: Operation Little Learners - a free, curriculum based, child development program specifically designed to enhance school readiness skills for military children ages 18 months - 5 years. Parents work alongside their children in this program. Operation Hero - a 10-week, free afterschool enrichment program designed to assist students in grades 2-5 from active duty families with the unique challenges associated with military life. Five Star Kids Academy - School Age Care provides before and after school care and academic assistance to children ages 4 - 12 years. Operation Summer Camp provides weekly field trips, activities, and 17 hours of STEAM-based instruction to stimulate creativity, enrich learning opportunities, encourage a love for reading, and help kids avoid summer learning loss. Five Star Kids Academy Pre-K Program provides school readiness activities for 3- and 4-year olds using exciting and evidence-based curriculums. Family Readiness Support Group - a free, off-base meeting space and forum for spouses of deployed service members to establish social/emotional support and develop resolutions to common challenges. Food Insecurity - Operation Holiday Joy provides Thanksgiving baskets to junior-enlisted families. Patriot's Pantry is a safe and stigma-free food closet available to any active-duty family stationed in Hampton Roads. Hearts for Heroes Fishing trip allows our service-related wounded, injujred, and ill veterans of all service-related operations the opportunity for a therapy respite on the Chesapeake Bay. Operation Ride Home provides travel assistance to junior-enlisted members who are not financially able to get "home for the holidays". Father-Daughter Military Ball provides an opportunity for fathers to spend time with their daughters and create memories that will last a lifetime. Five Star Military Family Recognition Luncheon - recognizes the significant contributions our enlisted and junior officer families make to the Hampton Roads community.