LIGHTHOUSE PROJECT

Inspiring Teens Through Art, Music, and Media

The YMCA Lighthouse Project at the Homewood-Brushton YMCA is a free creative arts and mentorship program designed to help teens and young adults unlock their potential. Serving ages 14–24, Lighthouse provides a safe, supportive space where youth can explore music, media, visual arts, and performance while building skills that inspire confidence, self-expression, and future opportunities.

Through clubs, workshops, events, and apprenticeships, participants connect with mentors, collaborate with peers, and showcase their talents — all while receiving free dinner and transportation.

Location: Homewood-Brushton YMCA
Serving Ages: 14–19 (Clubs) | 16–24 (Apprenticeship)
Cost: FREE (includes dinner + transportation for eligible students)

The YMCA Lighthouse Project isn’t just an afterschool program — it’s your space to dream big, get creative, and level up your skills in art, music, and media. Whether you’re into anime, beat-making, or designing the next viral visual, Lighthouse gives you the tools, mentors, and crew to make it happen.

Here, you’ll:

Create original projects you can perform, publish, or showcase
Connect with other teens who share your passion
Learn from artists and mentors who actually get it
Build skills that open doors to college, careers, or your own creative hustle

Join today and start creating your vision with the YMCA Lighthouse Project.

WEEKLY LIGHTHOUSE CLUBS

Audio Arts (Mondays) Time: 4:30pm - 7:30pm

Dive into poetry, public speaking, songwriting, and beat creation. Youth learn how to write and perform original pieces, explore vocal effects, and begin basic music production. This club builds confidence in self-expression and offers tools for recording, editing, and performing. Youth finish the fall season with at least one polished piece they can share on stage or in a recording.

Visual Arts (Wednesdays) Time: 4:30pm - 7:30pm

Explore the world of visual storytelling — from sketching and digital illustration to character design and environmental art. Each season introduces a theme or final product. For Fall 2025, youth will design original scenes and turn them into lo-fi-style animated loops using simple animation techniques. The club blends creative freedom with skill-building.

Anime Club (Thursdays) Time: 4:30pm - 7:30pm

This club is a celebration of anime, manga, and fan culture. Teens watch, discuss, and analyze anime, then create their own fan art, character redesigns, and short fan fiction. Anime Club is youth-led and open to all levels of artists and fans. It’s a place to connect over shared interests and build a community through creativity.

MONTHLY FAMILY EVENTS

1st Fridays – Movie Night Time: 4:30pm - 7:30pm

Bring your friends or your whole family! Enjoy youth-selected movies with snacks, themed art activities, and a welcoming space to wind down and connect. All ages welcome.

3rd Fridays – Community Night Time: 4:30pm - 7:30pm

An open house for youth, families, and neighbors featuring guest speakers, art-making stations, tea blending, workshops on life skills like resume building or financial literacy, and student showcases. A space to share ideas, build connections, and grow as a creative community.