STRIVE

Welcome to STRIVE!

STRIVE is the YMCA of Easley, Pickens & Powdersville’s first program specifically for post-high school adults with diverse abilities. At STRIVE, we are committed to empowering each young adult through inclusive experiences that incorporate life skill development, meaningful social interactions, and engaging recreational experiences in a faith-based environment.

Our Mission: Empowering individuals of all abilities to build confidence, develop life skills, and experience meaningful relationships and belonging through a Christian world view.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” -Ephesians 2:10

Click Here to begin the Registration Process

Click Here for our Family Handbook

Location
Easley YMCA at the McKissick Campus
200 Frank Parrott Rd,
Easley SC 29640

Hours of Operation 
Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, 9:00am-1:00pm
Drop-off: 9:00am-9:10am
Pick-up: 12:50pm-1:00pm

Daily programming begins promptly at 9:10am, so we ask that your young adult arrive on time to allow for a smooth transition into our day. We require advanced notice of any late drop-offs or early pick-ups. 

Please see the STRIVE Family Handbook for additional information regarding late pick-ups and fees.

Participant Eligibility 

In order to be eligible for the STRIVE program, participants must be: 

  • A post-high school adult (18 years or older)
  • Able to use the bathroom independently 
  • Willing to participate in the daily activities while at STRIVE.
  • Able to operate in a 1:4 or 1:6 staff-to-participant ratio.

In order for a participant to be considered eligible for the STRIVE program, their caregiver must also set up an intake meeting with our team. Please see the “Intake Process” tab for more details.

Intake Process

  1. Complete the registration application on our website and sign up for your intake meeting at the Easley YMCA. 
  2. During the meeting, we will collaborate on an individualized plan for your participant’s success and to help us have a clear picture of your young adult’s goals, interests, and needs. 
  3. Within 48 business hours, a member of our team will either confirm your registration and send additional program information or notify you that the STRIVE program is not a good fit for your young adult at this time and that your registration has been removed.

Our daily schedules are designed to be both fun and enriching! Activities will vary day-to-day, but may include the skills development and recreation listed below.

Independent Living & Daily Life Skills

We strive to build practical abilities in personal care, household management, financial responsibility, and social interaction, ensuring each individual can safely and effectively navigate daily routines and real-world situations with dignity and self-sufficiency. 

  • Household tasks
  • Learning personal information and responsibility
  • Social skills
  • Off-site community outings to practice simple money transactions, polite greetings, and other independent tasks

Recreation

Our goal is to promote physical wellness, social engagement, and community connection through meaningful recreation and leisure activities.

  • Yoga, dance & light weight training 
  • Swimming & water safety skills
  • Outdoor recreation, such as hiking or outdoor sports
  • Social & recreational games 
  • Community outings to local recreational activities 

Off-Site Programming & Community Outings

Community outings will be regularly scheduled as part of our programming. Dates and locations of community outings will be communicated in program calendars and in any other regularly scheduled communication (see Family Handbook for more details). Community outings will be arranged weekly, when possible, and may consist of recreation, community service, independent skill development, or other engaging and enriching activities.