Building A Better Future: Volume II Issue I

VOLUME 2

www.ymcasofca.org

MARCH 2025

Building A Better Future CALIFORNIA STATE ALLIANCE OF YMCAS QUARTERLY MAGAZINE

ADVOCACY CORNER

LOCAL YMCA NEWS

WILDFIRE RESPONSE

Advocacy updates on LA fires recovery and federal funding.

Updates and success stories from YMCAs across the state

California YMCAs: A Beacon of Hope Amid Wildfire Crisis

Contents

Cover Photo Courtesy of Corona-Norco Family YMCA

PARTNERSHIP: 02 STATEWIDE CASE STUDY Expanding outreach through trusted partnerships and relevant resource distribution.

04 LOCAL YMCA NEWS Inspiring stories of community impact, growth, and resilience from YMCAs across California.

14 ADVOCACY CORNER 16 CEO SPOTLIGHT

From volunteer to leader: a YMCA journey of impact, community, and vision

17 MAKING AN IMPACT

A legacy of service at Santa Maria Valley YMCA

18 NOTE FROM THE CHAIR 20 STATEWIDE IMPACT

A look at YMCA impact across California through a new impact dashboard.

Photo courtesy of YMCA of Superior California

MARCH 2025 Quarterly Magazine Volume II Published by: California State Alliance of YMCAs

Staff Kris Lev-Twombly | President & CEO kris@ymcasofca.org Dan Crocker | Director of Association Resources dan@ymcasofca.org Elizabeth Ernster | Director of Communications and Development, elizabeth@ymcasofca.org Megan Pierce | Program Associate megan@ymcasofca.org Christina Marcellus | Director of Public Policy christina@capitoladvisors.org

Board of Directors Vince Iuculano, Chair YMCA of the Foothills Kristen Lyons, Immediate Past Chair Shasta Family YMCA Curt Skotnicki, Incoming Chair YMCA of Greater Whittier Ronnie Stone, Public Policy Chair Southeast Ventura County YMCA Margo Byrne, Treasurer Channel Islands YMCA Dan Chapman, Member-at-Large YMCA of San Joaquin County Paula Simonds, Member-at-Large Family YMCA of the Desert

Letter from the CEO Dear YMCA Leaders, Partners, and Friends, As we step into 2025, this issue of our quarterly magazine highlights the powerful impact of YMCAs across California. From our new statewide impact dashboard showcasing the difference we make together to advocacy efforts ensuring critical resources, we continue to strengthen communities through service, partnership, and leadership.

This edition also tells inspiring stories of resilience—our YMCAs’ response to the devastating wildfires, the unwavering commitment to health equity through statewide initiatives, and the expansion of essential programs like afterschool learning and aquatics safety. These stories reinforce what we know to be true and more important now than ever: the Y is more than a place; it is a promise— one of connection, common ground, opportunity, and support for all.

I am especially grateful for our dedicated YMCA leaders, staff, volunteers, and community partners who work tirelessly to advance this mission every day.

Together, we are building stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

In gratitude,

Kris Lev-Twombly President & CEO

www.ymcasofca.org @CaliforniaStateAllianceofYMCAs

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STATEWIDE PARTNERSHIP: CASE STUDY

Trusted Messenger Grant Initiative | Cohort One The Trusted Messenger Grant Initiative brought together various Community-Based Organizations in partnership with the Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications in the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. The goal of this grant was to raise public awareness and community outreach services for community members experiencing the greatest health and social inequities.

From May 2023 to June 2024, The California State Alliance of YMCAs worked with fourteen YMCAs to provide communities with culturally relevant and in-language resources regarding the State’s priority health and safety campaigns, such as extreme heat, save our water, and COVID19.

Over the course of the grant, collectively, YMCAs positively impacted over 4 million people through various methods:

82,267

1,477,242

4 Languages

Individuals interacted with materials through community events.

Email newsletters sent to community members.

Materials distributed in Armenian, English, Russian, and Spanish.

3,222

53,790

2,835,058

Individuals trained through meetings and workshops.

Flyers distributed through events and tabling in YMCA lobbies.

People reached through social media campaigns.

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STATEWIDE PARTNERSHIP: CASE STUDY

The goal of this grant was to raise public awareness and community outreach services for community members experiencing the greatest health and social inequities.

By engaging with communities through tailored approaches, YMCAs created safe environments that encouraged open conversations around the State’s priority topics. The success of this project highlighted the deep trust each YMCA has within their local communities and underscored the strength of a unified voice in making a collective impact.

In reflecting on the success of the Trusted Messenger Grant Initiative, it is clear that the power of YMCAs lies in their ability to connect, engage, and uplift. Building on this momentum, the initiative has continued for a second cohort through June of 2025, further expanding our impact across California.

The California State Alliance of YMCAs remains committed to leveraging this power to continue fostering a healthier, more informed, and resilient community for all. Through unwavering dedication and collaborative efforts, the vision of equitable health and social outcomes becomes an achievable reality.

www.ymcasofca.org/impact

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LOCAL YMCA NEWS: LA WILDFIRE RELIEF

Photo Courtesy of the YMCA of Metropolitan LA

YMCAs Offer Hope & Support in the Wake of California Wildfires In the face of devastating wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles and its surrounding counties, YMCAs across Southern California have once again proven to be pillars of strength, resilience, and hope. More than just health and wellness centers, YMCAs are embedded in their communities, and in times of crisis, they stand ready to meet urgent needs. From providing shelter to organizing donation drives and offering emergency childcare, the YMCA’s response underscores the power of collective action in rebuilding and supporting those affected by disaster.

When wildfires force families to evacuate their homes, immediate access to essential resources becomes critical. Recognizing this urgent need, YMCAs throughout the region have transformed their facilities into safe havens for displaced individuals and families. The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, YMCA of the Foothills, Southeast Ventura County YMCA, and Santa Monica Family YMCA have taken the lead, opening their doors to provide emergency housing, meals, and vital supplies to those in need.

But the impact extends even further. The Channel Islands YMCA, YMCA of Greater Long Beach, Corona-Norco Family YMCA, West End YMCA, YMCA of Orange County, YMCA of West San Gabriel Valley, and YMCA of Greater Whittier have stepped up to support their peers by hosting donation drives, gathering essential supplies, and offering assistance to affected communities. Their efforts highlight a fundamental truth: when disaster strikes, community networks become lifelines.

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LOCAL YMCA NEWS: LA WILDFIRE RELIEF Providing a place to stay is just the beginning. Recognizing the far-reaching consequences of natural disasters, YMCAs have expanded their efforts to ensure both short-term relief and long-term recovery.

Across the region, YMCAs have distributed meals, essential hygiene products, and clothing to families in need. They have also played a crucial role in supporting first responders by delivering meals and creating spaces for rest and recuperation between shifts.

Children and families face unique challenges during emergencies, which is why many YMCAs have launched emergency childcare. By offering safe spaces for children to play, learn, and process their experiences, these programs provide critical support to parents who are navigating the uncertainty of displacement and recovery. Additionally, many locations have extended financial aid and mental health services to help families begin the process of rebuilding their lives.

Credit: Justin Nietes / YMCA of San Diego County

Photo Courtesy of the YMCA of Metropolitan LA

maximize their impact, ensuring that no one in need is left behind. Even YMCAs outside of the directly affected areas have stepped up, opening their doors as Courtesy of the emergency shelters and rallying their communities to contribute. Their actions remind us that in times of crisis, the spirit of service knows no boundaries.

The strength of a community is measured by how it responds to adversity. YMCAs across Southern California are working tirelessly to support those affected by the wildfires, but they can’t do it alone. Your local YMCA needs your help to continue making a difference.

Photo Courtesy of Santa Monica Family YMCA

What makes these efforts possible? The unwavering dedication of YMCA staff, volunteers, and local partners. These relief initiatives are driven by a deep commitment to service and a belief that communities are strongest when they come together. Many YMCAs have partnered with local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and city agencies to

YMCA Wildfire Relief Efforts Whether through volunteering, donating supplies, or offering financial contributions, every effort counts. Follow the link below to find a YMCA near you and explore ways to get involved at www.ymcasofca.org/locations.

Together, we can build stronger, more resilient communities—one act of service at a time.

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LOCAL YMCA NEWS: CORONA-NORCO FAMILY YMCA

A SYMPHONY OF GROWTH:

The Story of the Corona-Norco Family YMCA Fender Music Program The soft hum of music fills the halls of the Corona-Norco Family YMCA. This is no ordinary place. It is a haven where rhythm meets melody, where beginners strum their first chords and seasoned performers rediscover their passion. Where local YMCA children build their confidence, celebrate their gifts and dream of their future.

The Corona-Norco Family YMCA acquired the popular and well-known community music program in 2018 as a merge between the Corona-Norco Family YMCA and the local Kids Rock Free Fender Music Program, and it has remained a cornerstone of the Corona community, offering group and private lessons in drums, guitar, ukulele, piano, vocals, and band. A unique blend of youthful curiosity and seasoned expertise fills every class, with students ranging from as young as 5 to as experienced as 81. Currently, 90 aspiring musicians gather weekly, each one adding their own note to the growing symphony of this tight-knit community.

THE MAESTROS BEHIND THE MUSIC At the heart of the program is a team of

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accomplished teachers, each with a story as rich as the melodies they teach.

Henry Rodriguez, a master percussionist, brings a legacy of performing alongside legends like George Benson and Chick Corea. His drum classes resonate with the wisdom of someone who has shared the stage with icons.

Ruben Guaderrama, with his history of touring the US and Europe with his band, The Blazers, fills his lessons with the raw energy of rock and roll.

Jessica McKee, a vocal powerhouse, inspires students by sharing her experiences opening for chart-toppers like The Drifters and The Spinners. Her students have gone on to compete in national vocal shows and share stages with Grammy-nominated artists.

James Diaz, a multi-instrumentalist and punk band musician, channels his passion for creating music into teaching guitar, drums, piano, and ukulele.

Together, they form a dream team, turning hesitant beginners into confident performers.

LOCAL YMCA NEWS: CORONA-NORCO FAMILY YMCA

EXPANDING HORIZONS WITH ELOP

Photos Courtesy of Corona-Norco Family YMCA

In 2024, the YMCA Fender Music Program extended its reach through the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) in collaboration with Corona Norco Unified School District (CNUSD). Here, ukulele classes connect over 250 students across 16 schools during afterschool hours. Beginners learn chords, practice songs, and perform for peers, gaining confidence and courage along the way. These classes are more than lessons; they are transformative experiences, sparking a love for music in young hearts. Each final class shows the musicians knowledge and brings students and their families together to celebrate a day of musical fun.

THE GRAND STAGE: HOLIDAY SHOWCASE Every year, the program hosts an Annual Holiday Showcase in the community’s historic grand theater, giving students the thrill of performing on a big stage under bright lights. The show features 40-50 musicians who have completed the school’s 8-week sessions, introducing them to the joy of performing.

From the thunderous cadences of the drumline to heartfelt piano solos, the showcase captures the spirit of the community and brings the holidays in with family and festivities. Guitarists often close the show, leaving the audience electrified and eager for more.

LOOKING AHEAD: 2025 AND BEYOND The year 2025 promises new opportunities. Two new programs, Intro to Music Producing and Music & Movement, will broaden the school’s offerings.

Aspiring producers will learn to digitally record and produce songs, while toddlers, ages 3-5, will explore rhythm and dance with maracas, tambourines, and hand bells.

The future is bright for the Corona-Norco Family YMCA Fender Music Program. With a rich history, talented instructors, and a growing community of students, the school continues to hit all the right notes, one lesson at a time.

To learn more, visit: www.ymcacornor.org

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LOCAL YMCA NEWS: CENTRAL COAST YMCA Photos Courtesy of Central Coast YMCA

Empowering Families Through Wellness The YMCA Healthy Family Home Program by Central Coast YMCA

The YMCA of San Benito County launched the Healthy Family Home program in April 2023 in collaboration with Hollister Pediatrics. Sponsored by The Health Trust, this initiative is more than a wellness intervention— it’s a transformative journey toward healthier living for families enrolled in the 12-month program. In 2025, the program is striving to provide families with healthier lifestyles.

Designed for low-income families who qualify, the program includes various activities and resources to foster healthy habits. Participants commit to specific requirements, which serve as tools to encourage family engagement and promote long-term lifestyle changes.

Nicole Shelton, MSHS, PA-C, a Physician Associate at Hollister Pediatrics, underscores the urgency of addressing pediatric obesity.

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LOCAL YMCA NEWS: CENTRAL COAST YMCA “Pediatric obesity is on the rise for a variety of reasons: more sedentary lifestyles, increased screen time, and decreased PE and recess times at schools, to name a few. To change the course of a child’s health, it starts at home,” Shelton explained. “Together, we’ve created a program that tackles this issue head-on,” Shelton continued.

“The YMCA Healthy Family Home Program has positively impacted my patients—not just in weight but also in their lab results, confidence, mental health, and overall family well-being. Hollister Pediatrics is proud to partner with the YMCA on this endeavor.”

Families participating in the Healthy Family Home Program agree to meet with a health and wellness coach at least twice, use the facility at least eight times per month, attend at least four family nights per year, and attend two wellness or nutrition workshops, including healthy cooking demonstrations. Participants also complete pre- and post-program self-evaluations, quarterly family surveys, and bi-monthly checkups with their healthcare providers.

The YMCA of San Benito County is thrilled by the program’s success. The initiative has created a sense of community and motivation through shared accomplishments. The program’s objectives align seamlessly with its outcomes: empowering families with tools for growth, fostering a culture of health, and creating a ripple effect beyond the initial participants.

To learn more, visit: www.centralcoastymca.org

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LOCAL YMCA NEWS: YMCA OF GREATER SAN FRANCISCO Photos Courtesy of YMCA of Greater San Francisco

Bayview Hunters Point YMCA Program Reduces Food Insecurity at Dr. MLK Jr. Middle School Provided by YMCA of Greater San Francisco

“Every family is greeted with joy and is happy to be there. The store offers a fun, dignified shopping experience. It’s nice and filled with high-quality items. It’s been a positive space for them to shop with choice and be referred to other resources in the community.”

-Shourouq Routher, Community Outreach Program Director, Bayview YMCA For the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, community means ensuring that anyone can Be, Belong, Become as we build strong communities that are equitable and sustainable for all generations. Our Goodr grocery store connects students, families, and teachers to positive community-driven resources that’s similar to our Boys and Young Men of Color programming. With the first-ever Goodr grocery store in the West Coast and for the YMCA, our program

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has been evolving since last August, when we celebrated its grand opening at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School Beacon in San Francisco’s Portola district a collaborative community effort between YGSF, San Francisco Unified School District, Goodr, and Amazon. Shourouq Routher, who oversees the program, recently shared how she and the school staff responded by adapting to youth and their families’ needs. The store serves about

LOCAL YMCA NEWS: YMCA OF GREATER SAN FRANCISCO about 60 families allowing each family to shop biweekly, translating to 240 individuals served with a total of 30 families shopping weekly and 5 emergency trips, most of whom are newcomers and many are unhoused.

Shopping trips are done by appointment for 3 days a week during after-school hours to provide more privacy and flexibility.

Since opening, the store’s food and products have shifted to healthier alternatives that are more culturally appropriate and necessary for day-to-day tasks. There are many items that families can choose from to fill up two large grocery bags. Every trip gives them about 80 dollars' worth of groceries.

“Because of the relationships we’ve built and the consistency in offering a collection of necessities, families now trust the permanency of this project.” misinformation, Shourouq works closely with social workers and case managers, and conducts surveys for families to fill out to understand what the store needs or how to connect with families who may be eligible for our program. She hopes to expand and serve up to 75 families but for now, it has become a reliable source for youth and their families against food insecurity.

This is one of the 27 social services programs the YMCA of Greater San Francisco offers with its 13 branches covering Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo Counties.

Shourouq shared, “Because of the relationships we’ve built and the consistency in offering a collection of necessities, families now trust the permanency of this project which is reflected in their shopping behaviors with taking only what they need each week and creating a community shelf within the store to contribute items of their own.”

While the store serves about 18% of the school’s population of 386 students, the goal is to get to 25% and eventually, half.

With a large percentage of families being newcomers, the first year is critical for many.

Because of stigma and misinformation, Shourouq works closely with social workers and case managers, and conducts surveys for families to fill

To learn more about how to support this program, please contact Shourouq Routher at: srouther@ymcasf.org.

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LOCAL YMCA NEWS: SISKIYOU FAMILY YMCA

Honoring Generosity, Building Community How the Siskiyou Family YMCA Creates Spaces for Everyone to Belong The Siskiyou Family YMCA in Yreka continues to be a cornerstone of the community, providing programs and services tailored to the unique needs of Siskiyou County residents. This spring, the YMCA will officially open the William and Harriet Houston Memorial Children's Playground, an inclusive space made possible by the generosity of late community members, William and Harriet Houston.

Their donation has enabled the creation of a playground designed to bring children of all abilities together, featuring accessible equipment like a wheelchair swing. Scheduled to open in Spring 2025, the playground embodies the YMCA’s mission of fostering inclusion and connection.

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LOCAL YMCA NEWS: SISKIYOU FAMILY YMCA Scott Eastman, CEO of the Siskiyou highlights the organization’s reach:

Family

YMCA,

“Sixty-five percent of our local population engages with the Y in some way, whether through youth sports, adult leagues, summer camps, or fitness programs. That level of involvement speaks volumes about the importance of the Y to our community.”

CEO Scott Eastman (L) Associate Executive Director, Brandon Eller (R)

As the sole provider of formalized youth recreation in the area, the YMCA offers an impressive range of programs.

For children and teens, they provide basketball leagues, indoor soccer, gymnastics, and summer camps covering activities like flag football, volleyball, and more. Adults benefit from offerings such as volleyball leagues, pickleball, rock climbing, and open gym basketball. Beyond the gym, the YMCA connects families and groups with Siskiyou County’s natural beauty through affordable whitewater rafting trips and outdoor adventure camps.

The YMCA’s sense of community was on full display during a recent visit. As we walked through the facility, we watched as members and staff celebrated a 99-year-old member’s birthday with desserts and smiles after his workout. This simple yet meaningful moment highlights what makes the YMCA so special—a welcoming and inclusive environment where people of all ages feel valued and supported. The Y isn’t just a facility; it’s a community gathering place where everyone is treated like family.

The William and Harriet Houston Memorial Children's Playground is the latest example of how the YMCA enhances the lives of its members. More than just a play area, it is a resource that reflects the YMCA’s commitment to well-being. As the new playground prepares to open its gates, it will symbolize the Siskiyou Family YMCA’s ongoing efforts to meet the needs of its residents. Whether through impactful programs, community events, or providing a welcoming space, the YMCA remains a vital resource, helping people of all ages and abilities live healthier, more connected lives.

To learn more about Siskiyou Family YMCA visit: www.siskiyouymca.org

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ADVOCACY

Advocacy Corner Christina Marcellus Director of Public Policy California State Alliance of YMCAs

2025 didn’t start off the way any of us expected. In Sacramento, the focus quickly turned from a combined effort between the Legislature and Governor to prepare California’s agencies for possibly challenging dynamics with the federal government, to making sure there were adequate resources available to fight and begin recovery from the destruction wrought by the Los Angeles Fires. I’m sure you have all been following the tireless efforts of the local YMCAs to provide support for victims and displaced residents. This will be a long, difficult recovery. In times of crisis, the Y time and again shines as a place for love, support and commitment to community. Meanwhile, the

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Trump Administration has issued numerous and sweeping executive orders, some of which could have impact upon YMCA operations. An order to pause federal funding shocked the entire nation, including nonprofits reliant on those funds to provide crucial services to their communities. A quick and united effort by several plaintiffs, including the National Council of Nonprofits, resulted in a ruling that stayed the order to pause federal funding. While a funding pause seems less imminent for now, we are working closely with colleagues at Y-USA to forecast and be responsive to any future directives of this nature. Recently, the Trump Administration issued an executive

ADVOCACY

“In times of crisis, the Y time and again shines as a place for love, support, and commitment to community."

order directing the heads of federal agencies to review all federal funding that is distributed to nongovernmental organizations to “align future funding decisions with the interest of the United States and with the goals and priorities of the Administration.” There is no deadline for this review, but this directive is in line with what we’ve seen and heard over the last few weeks.

And back at home, the California legislature is just beginning its work on bills and budget – a process that kicks off in January and continues over several months of hearings, stakeholder engagement, and

negotiations among the Big 3 (the leaders of the Assembly and Senate and the Governor). While much of the CA Alliance’s focus over the last month has been on fire recovery and unpacking what’s coming out from the White House, we remain focused on the preservation of resources for highquality expanded learning programs, support for YMCAs that are dealing with difficult and costly litigation stemming from AB 218, and continuing our advocacy efforts locally to make sure that legislators (especially the large freshman class!) know and understand the work of their local YMCAs.

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CEO SPOTLIGHT

Farzad Yektafar A Conversation with the Chief Executive Officer of the West End YMCA

How did your Y career start?

My involvement with the Y began in 1997, I was a senior in high school and needed to complete 40 community service hours.

I always wanted to make a difference so filing returned books at the local library or cleaning up at the animal shelter did not appeal to me.

The YMCA was looking for volunteer basketball coaches, so I jumped on the opportunity. I still keep in touch with several of my players who now have their own families. My career officially started in June of 2000; I was hired to run our YMCA's 10-week summer teen program.

What’s your vision for enhancing community partnerships and addressing local needs?

I use an organic approach in connecting with our local community partners to learn more about gaps that the Y can fill and provide services to those in need.

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How has your background in business, sports, and counseling influenced your work at the Y? I've met so many amazing people who have mentored me through their words and actions. My most meaningful project has to be the design and construction of our main Y which includes two open air pools.

I was able to spend a lot of time with members of my board who gave so much of their time and expertise day in and day out to make our dream a reality.

What excites you most about leading the West End YMCA? After 24 years, I'm still excited to come into work. I'm proud of our Y's positive turnaround, especially through the pandemic and am honored to be able to lead an amazing team of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to make our communities better.

STAFF HIGHLIGHTS

Celebrating Peggy Blough Leadership and Community Impact at the Santa Maria Valley YMCA For decades, Peggy Blough has been a cornerstone of the Santa Maria Valley YMCA, dedicating her time and vision to improving the organization and the community it serves. Joining the board in the late 1980s, Peggy has held numerous leadership roles, including two terms as Board Chair. Today, she remains an active member, continuing to guide the Y’s success.

In the 1990s, Peggy led a capital campaign that expanded and revitalized the YMCA facility, turning it into an updated, welcoming space. Her tireless efforts ensured the Y felt like home, a commitment she continues to uphold by overseeing updates and adding her personal touch through holiday decorations.

Peggy’s connection to the YMCA runs deep, as she is a proud second-generation advocate. Inspired by her father’s involvement with the Y, Peggy has dedicated much of her life to ensuring it thrives. Her commitment extends to her family, with her husband also deeply involved in supporting the Y’s programming.

Together, they embody the spirit of community and service that defines the YMCA. The Y’s ability to adapt and meet the community’s needs is something Peggy takes great pride in. During Covid, the Y and Y board were one of the very first community leaders to begin providing first responder childcare and food to families. After COVID, their after-school program expanded from 12 schools to all 21 within the Santa Maria Bonita School District, ensuring children had access to safe and enriching environments. Peggy is also proud of the Rise Up program, which mentors young people facing challenges by helping them develop life skills and opportunities to succeed. "Programs like Rise Up are so important because they help kids see what’s possible for their future, especially when their circumstances are tough," she shares.

Peggy credits the Y’s success to its leadership team, particularly Shannon, the CEO. “Shannon is amazing. She’s an incredible person, and we are so lucky to have her as our CEO,” Peggy says. “She brings so much positivity and has built such a great culture here.”

Through her dedication and leadership, Peggy has helped the Y thrive, making a lasting impact on the children and families of Santa Maria Valley and ensuring the organization continues to grow and serve for generations to come.

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A NOTE FROM THE CHAIR

Resilient Together Vince Iuculano, CEO Board Chair YMCA of the Foothills

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A NOTE FROM THE CHAIR

Dear California State Alliance of YMCA’s Family, Our quarterly magazine is usually a time for us to collectively shine a bright light on all the impactful activities, programs, and people which make our Y’s the beating heart of our communities, especially as we kick off the new year – and it still will be, but this start to the year was different in many ways. The devastating effects the fires have had on multiple communities across Southern California, some far more than others, have left a heavy toll.

I have been deeply touched by the personal stories of loss from Y members, program participants, staff and community partners. I was and continue to be encouraged by the way our individual YMCAs in these impacted areas have responded in service to each other and the communities we serve.

If there is one thing that I have learned during these fires is that our extended Y community is made up of the most resilient, compassionate, and giving people I have ever been around in my 29 years of Y service. Additionally, I am grateful for the California State Alliance of YMCA’s living its mission to serve and support their member associations during our time of need.

To our Alliance members and connected communities who have lost their homes, their communities, their business and their schools – to anyone who these fires have impacted – I want you to know that the California State Alliance of YMCAs is here for you today, we will be here for you tomorrow, we will be here for you in the coming months and the coming years.

We are not going anywhere, and we are fully committed to walking alongside you in this recovery process. We love you, we see you, and we will not forget you.

Onward and Upward.

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STATEWIDE DATA WALK

Impact at a Glance:

By the numbers, the Y continues to play a vital role in building stronger communities across California. Through meaningful engagement, critical programming, and a growing membership, the Y remains a trusted partner for communities statewide.

ENGAGEMENT & PARTICIPATION:

1,975,959 YMCA members and program participants across California.

150,039

55,000+

Children engaged in aquatics activities to prevent drowning.

Full- and part-time YMCA employees across the state.

820,972

1,687

482,701 Children participating in before and afterschool programming statewide.

*Data updated Dec 2023

Active members across the state, expanding reach and impact.

Collaborations with schools, government entities, and foundations.

Other Revenue: $36.8M (4%)

Membership Revenue: $142.1M (17%)

Program Revenue: $225.1M (27%)

Annual Charitable Support: $415.5M (51%)

$831.3M

Operating Revenue Total investment in programs, services, and mission-driven initiatives across the state to strengthen communities.

$415.5M

Annual Charitable Support Fueling essential programs, outreach, and financial assistance across California to ensure everyone has access to the Y. 20

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW: In 2024, the California State Alliance of YMCAs made significant contributions to support local Ys across the state. Our impact included:

$20,214,150 in private foundation grants secured and distributed to eight YMCAs in California.

$1,085,000 in government and NGO funding secured and distributed to 17 Ys in California.

5,000+ in direct staff hours provided in support of local Y programs and initiatives.

THE CALIFORNIA STATE ALLIANCE OF YMCAS

Alliance Members

28 ALLIANCE MEMBERS

Central Coast YMCA Channel Islands YMCA Corona-Norco Family YMCA Family YMCA of the Desert Golden State YMCA Santa Maria Valley YMCA Santa Monica Family YMCA Shasta Family YMCA Siskiyou Family YMCA Sonoma County Family YMCA Southeast Ventura County YMCA West End YMCA YMCA of Anaheim YMCA of Burbank California YMCA of Glendale YMCA of Greater Long Beach YMCA of Greater Whittier YMCA of Metropolitan LA YMCA of Orange County YMCA of San Diego County YMCA of Greater San Francisco YMCA of San Joaquin County YMCA of Silicon Valley YMCA of Superior California YMCA of the East Bay YMCA of the East Valley YMCA of the Foothills YMCA of West San Gabriel Valley

167 BRANCH AND OVERNIGHT CAMP LOCATIONS

CONNECTED FOR COMMUNITIES The California State Alliance of YMCAs represents the collective strength of all YMCAs across California, advocating for policies and fostering partnerships that benefit communities statewide. Our membership and governing board consist of YMCA CEOs and executive leaders, committed to advancing our mission. The Alliance serves as the unified voice of YMCAs in shaping public policy, a platform for achieving lasting community impact, and the central hub for statewide collaboration. Together, we are deeply connected to communities and committed to building a stronger California.

Learn more about how we’re making a difference: www.ymcasofca.org

t

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Building A Better Future

925 L Street, Suite 1200 Sacramento, CA 95814

www.ymcasofca.org