Building A Better Future: Volume II Issue III

VOLUME II, ISSUE III

www.ymcasofca.org

SUMMER 2025

Building A Better Future CALIFORNIA STATE ALLIANCE OF YMCAS QUARTERLY MAGAZINE ADVOCACY CORNER

LOCAL YMCA NEWS

BALLMER GROUP

What YMCAs Need to Know This Season

Updates and success stories from YMCAs across the state

How YMCAs and Ballmer Group expanded out-ofschool time programming

Contents

Cover photo by Megan Pierce taken at YMCA of Greater Long Beach

02 STATEWIDE PARTNERSHIP: CASE STUDY

How YMCAs and Ballmer Group expanded out-of-school time programming for youth in Los Angeles

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

11 LEADING WITH PURPOSE Celebrating the incredible work of YMCA staff transforming lives across California

14 CEO SPOTLIGHT

Highlighting Valarie Gomez, CEO of YMCA of the West San Gabriel Valley

16 ADVOCACY CORNER 18 STATEWIDE DATAWALK A look at YMCA impact across California through our impact dashboard

20 NOTE FROM THE CHAIR

PARTNER WITH US! www.ymcasofca.org/impact

SUMMER 2025 Quarterly Magazine Volume II Issue III

Published by: California State Alliance of YMCAs

Staff Kris Lev-Twombly | President and 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 | Communications and Engagement Manager, megan@ymcasofca.org Christina Marcellus | Director of Public Policy christina@capitoladvisors.org

Board of Directors Vince Iuculano, Chair YMCA of the Foothills Curt Skotnicki, Incoming Chair YMCA of Greater Whittier Kristen Lyons, Immediate Past Chair Shasta Family YMCA Matthew Henry, Secretary Sonoma County Family YMCA Margo Byrne, Treasurer Channel Islands YMCA Ronnie Stone, Public Policy Chair Southeast Ventura County 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 Friends, This summer, the pages of Building a Better Future reflect what makes our YMCA movement unique: the way local impact and statewide vision come together to change lives. From Glendale to Long Beach, Sequoia Lake to Sacramento, we see communities strengthened not only through programs, but through the trust, resilience, and belonging the Y cultivates every day.

At the Alliance, our role is to connect these stories of transformation into a shared voice and a stronger future. The Ballmer Group partnership, featured in this issue, is one powerful example.

By investing in youth across Los Angeles County, this collaboration expanded opportunities for thousands of young people and demonstrated what’s possible when we align local commitment with statewide strategy.

The numbers in our Data Walk tell the same story. More than 2.2 million Californians engage with the Y each year. Over $831 million is invested statewide in programs, services, and initiatives that strengthen communities. These figures remind us that when we act together, our reach is vast, but it is the individual faces and stories behind the numbers that give our work its true meaning.

As we look ahead, the Alliance remains committed to scaling what works, building new partnerships, and amplifying the Y’s voice in policy and public investment.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you are a YMCA member, a community partner, a donor, or a volunteer, your support fuels the work highlighted in this magazine, and makes California a stronger, healthier, more equitable place for all.

In gratitude,

www.ymcasofca.org @CaliforniaStateAllianceofYMCAs

Kris Lev-Twombly President & CEO

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STATEWIDE PARTNERSHIP: CASE STUDY

Year One In Action: Expanding Opportunities for LA’s Youth Beyond the School Day During critical out-of-school time, supportive environments are essential for youth to develop leadership skills, improve health and wellness, and build a foundation for lifelong success.

Thanks to a transformative partnership with Ballmer Group that provides $20 million over three years, eight local YMCAs across Los Angeles County were able to significantly expand access to life-changing programs for low-income youth during the first year of the grant.

This investment has allowed YMCAs to broaden their reach while deepening the impact of their work. Over the past year, participating YMCAs collectively increased the number of low-income youth served by 29%.

This growth reflects the success of strategic program expansion in key areas that provide both immediate benefits and long-term outcomes for young people.

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STATEWIDE PARTNERSHIP: CASE STUDY

KEY AREAS OF IMPACT INCLUDE: YMCAs extend service into communities that previously lacked access to organized sports, offering safe, structured opportunities for physical activity, teamwork, and personal growth.

Youth gain critical water safety skills through swim lessons, that empower them with the confidence and knowledge to stay safe in and around water.

Students participating in Youth and Government develop leadership skills, understand civic processes, and engage meaningfully with their communities.

This funding has been pivotal in advancing the YMCA’s mission to serve youth who need support the most. Through expanded programming and intentional outreach, the Y has created more equitable access to programs that help young people thrive socially, academically, and emotionally.

As the California State Alliance of YMCAs looks ahead, we remain focused on building upon this momentum. By continuing to scale successful models and strengthen community partnerships, we are working to ensure that every young person in Los Angeles County has the opportunity to learn, lead, and reach their full potential regardless of income or zip code.

Learn more at: www.ymcasofca.org/partner

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LOCAL YMCA : GOLDEN STATE YMCA

COMMUNITY, CONTINUED:

The Enduring Impact of YMCA Camp Sequoia Lake

M

ore than 100 years ago, a group of YMCAs came together to establish a camp in the Sierra foothills where young people could grow in courage, character, and confidence.

Today, YMCA Camp Sequoia Lake, operated by Golden State YMCA, continues that legacy through a diverse range of programs. Campers can experience Youth Camp,

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Teen Adventure Camp, the Leader-In-Training Camp, Skate Camp, or Family Camps Sequoia and Tulequoia. Each offers a unique way to connect, yet all are built on the same foundation of community, service, and belonging.

YMCA Camp Sequoia Lake has become a place where generations stay connected.

Families return year after year. Teens arrive as campers

and later step into roles as counselors and leaders.

Volunteers who first served decades ago continue to show up, giving their time to prepare meals, paint signs, and support the camp in ways both big and small. During a recent visit, Alliance staff met individuals who have served for more than 30 years, and their commitment has helped shape the camp’s identity.

“Nearly every part of camp life, from dock repair to cabin upkeep to program design, has been made possible by volunteers,” says Simon Helyer, CEO of Golden State YMCA. “That tradition is what allows the camp to continue over the years without losing its values.” This culture of consistency ensures that young people who grow up at

LOCAL YMCA : GOLDEN STATE YMCA camp are not just participants but contributors. Under Simon’s leadership, campers are invited to share ideas, help plan programs, and take on leadership roles. They are trusted, they are heard, and they are learning to lead.

That same spirit of service and ownership can be seen in the camp’s projects. A striking example is the new lakefront deck, built from trees cleared on the property and milled by experienced volunteers. Instead of hauling in outside lumber, the community came together to construct the deck by hand. Overlooking the lake, it is more than a gathering place. It stands as a living symbol of sustainability, stewardship, and the pride that comes when people create something lasting together.

Building Skills for the Future Golden State YMCA is also expanding its impact through workforce development. In partnership with the Fresno EOC Local Conservation Corps (LCC), the camp provides young people with opportunities to gain paid experience, earn certifications, and explore career pathways. Projects like tree removal, site maintenance, and environmental stewardship not only strengthen the camp but also give youth valuable skills that will serve them well into the future.

A Cycle of Growth Across all the camps, Sequoia Lake reflects a layered model of growth. Alumni return as staff. Teens step into leadership. Elders mentor the next generation. Families pass along traditions. It is a sustainable cycle of investment and service that continues to grow stronger each year.

At Camp Sequoia Lake, community is not just a word. It is lived out every day by volunteers who return, by young people who are empowered to lead, and by generations who share a common mission. This is more than a camp experience. It is a model for youth development, community impact, and belonging.

It is community, continued.

To learn more visit: www.ymcacampsequoialake.org

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LOCAL YMCA : YMCA OF GLENDALE Photos provided by YMCA of Glendale

STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY TIES: Glendale YMCA Recognizes Local Firefighters Across the country, YMCAs have a long history of working side by side with schools, healthcare providers, emergency responders, civic groups, and local governments to meet urgent and ongoing community needs.

Whether it’s hosting food distribution events, providing shelter during disasters, or offering free swim lessons to prevent drownings, YMCAs are uniquely positioned to respond quickly and effectively because of their strong local partnerships and deep community trust.

IN A DISPLAY OF COMMUNITY APPRECIATION, THE YMCA OF GLENDALE RECENTLY PAID A SPECIAL VISIT TO THE GLENDALE FIRE DEPARTMENT'S STATION 21, BRINGING WITH THEM NOT JUST GRATITUDE BUT ALSO A MUCHDESERVED LUNCH FOR THE CITY'S BRAVE FIREFIGHTERS. The gesture was a token of thanks for their tireless efforts during the recent Eaton Canyon fires, as well as a broader acknowledgment of their continuous dedication to safeguarding the Glendale community.

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LOCAL YMCA: YMCA OF GLENDALE The Eaton Canyon fires, which raged for several days, tested the mettle of firefighters from across the region, and the Glendale Fire Department played a crucial role in containing the blaze and protecting lives and property. Their swift response, strategic maneuvers, and unwavering courage in the face of danger did not go unnoticed by the Glendale YMCA.

THE ATMOSPHERE WAS ONE OF MUTUAL RESPECT AND APPRECIATION, HIGHLIGHTING THE STRONG BONDS THAT EXIST WITHIN GLENDALE.

The visit from the YMCA was a welcome break for the firefighters, who often work long, demanding shifts. The firefighters also gave the Y staff a tour, which provided an opportunity for casual conversation and

a chance for the community to connect directly with the individuals who dedicate their lives to protecting it.

This act of kindness from the YMCA of Glendale serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting our local heroes, and that acts of kindness, however small, help strengthen the fabric of a resilient and connected community. As the Glendale Fire Department continues its vital work, they do so knowing that their efforts are valued and recognized by the community they so diligently serve.

The YMCA thrives on collaboration, listening to community voices, building bridges between sectors, and creating opportunities where all people can reach their full potential. The visit to Station 21 was one expression of that larger commitment, to show up, build relationships, and strengthen the connections that hold a community together.

To learn more about Glendale YMCA visit: www.glendaleymca.org

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LOCAL YMCA : YMCA OF GREATER LONG BEACH Photos provided by YMCA of Greater Long Beach

The YMCA of Greater Long Beach shows what’s possible when a community invests in its people. Across the region, the Y is building trust, expanding access, and helping individuals grow stronger together. This journey through Greater Long Beach takes us behind the scenes at a YMCA that responds to local needs with purpose and heart. Each stop along the way reveals how the Y is walking alongside the communities it serves.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Our first stop brings us to Early Childhood Education, where this center, one of six operated by the Y, provides California state-funded subsidized care for children ages 18 months to 5 years, helping them build confidence while giving parents peace of mind throughout the day. Each family has access to free mental health services and is offered support navigating community resources.

In addition to free YMCA memberships and counseling services, families are connected to tools that support daily life and long-term stability, while being able to build community with one another. Many children grow up with the Y and later return as staff, continuing a full-circle story of belonging and opportunity.

YOUTH INSTITUTE & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BRANCH We continue on to the Youth Institute and Community Development Branch, where teens gain hands-on experience in digital media, technology, and leadership.

Many students are the first in their families to attend college, and some return as mentors to help the next generation take their own first steps. The energy here is full of promise, as young people gain both practical skills and a sense of purpose.

ASES The next stop on our tour takes us to ASES, the Y’s afterschool programming offered in partnership with local schools.

These programs support students during the critical hours after school, blending learning, play, and mentorship. Students find a place to thrive, one that helps them stay curious, cared for, and connected. The program also provides meaningful support for working families who count on safe, enriching care during the late afternoon hours.

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LOCAL YMCA : YMCA OF GREATER LONG BEACH

FAIRFIELD FAMILY YMCA The tour continues with a visit to the Fairfield Family YMCA, home to a wide range of community programs and the newly opened Wrigley Youth Center, a dedicated site serving the Wrigley neighborhood. Developed through local partnerships, the center offers youth a safe and welcoming place to learn, lead, and belong. It focuses on academics, wellness, and character development.

LOS ALTOS FAMILY YMCA AND LOS CERRITOS BRANCH YMCA At the Los Altos Family YMCA, recognized

by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Summer Camps in 2024, and the Los Cerritos Branch YMCA, where camp-style fun comes to life right in the heart of the suburbs, the same spirit of care, creativity, and commitment is evident. Each location reflects the Y’s deep dedication to helping youth thrive and families feel connected.

During the grand opening celebration, YMCA President and CEO Alfredo Velasco shared,

“This is what it looks like when a community works together to invest in its future.”

CAMP OAKES As the tour concludes, we head into the mountains to Camp Oakes in Big Bear, where over 4,000 fifth graders from Long Beach Unified School District experience a transformative outdoor adventure each year.

For many, it is their first time away from home or out in nature. At camp, they explore, build friendships, and grow in confidence. It's a place where imaginations expand as wide as the night sky, and every trail walked is a step toward greater self-belief.

LAKEWOOD YMCA & GYMNASTICS CENTER Next, we stop at the Lakewood YMCA & Gymnastics Center, a vibrant space where youth development thrives through movement and recreation. This modern facility, made possible through the generosity of a local community member, provides people of all ages with opportunities to grow in confidence, build new skills, and feel a true sense of belonging. From toddlers learning to tumble to teens mastering routines, the center pulses with joy, discipline, and connection.

The YMCA of Greater Long Beach is not defined by buildings or programs. Its strength lies in its people, its partnerships, and its unwavering commitment to community.

Whether in classrooms, mountain trails, or neighborhood centers, the Y is a steady presence, growing with the cities it serves, one relationship at a time.

As our journey ends, one thing is clear: when a community believes in its people, possibility takes flight, and the Y is there to help them soar.

To learn more visit: www.lbymca.org 09

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: YMCA OF ORANGE COUNTY

Photos provided by Alex Sanchez, YMCA of Orange County

Every Step with Purpose: Alex Sanchez and the Heart of New Horizons at the YMCA of Orange County As an avid runner, Alex had spent years pursuing an ambitious personal goal: to complete 20 consecutive LA Marathons. But as that milestone approached, he realized he didn’t want to finish the same way he started. After years of running solo, Alex wanted to end his 20th marathon experience by doing something different.

For over a decade, Alex Sanchez has shown up week after week for the adults he serves through the YMCA of Orange County’s New Horizons program. He supports individuals with disabilities as they build friendships, develop confidence, and experience life in community. As he contemplated how he was going to end his 20th marathon experience, he thought of Christine, a longtime partithought 10 12

participant in the New Horizons program who uses a wheelchair. She had once shown Alex photos of races where teams helped her complete the course. That memory stayed with him.

"I started talking to her about it and putting the idea out there," he says. "Running has always been my alone time. This would be my first time running with someone. And doing it with someone from the Y, I knew that would be something special."

New Horizons is a social and recreational program serving adults with developmental disabilities.

Participants attend weekly outings where they build friendships, explore their communities, and strengthen social and

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: YMCA OF ORANGE COUNTY

“The expression on her face…it felt like she was running."

-Alex Sanchez New Horizons Team Member

and life skills in a safe and supportive environment. From bowling and beach days to dances and volunteer opportunities, each experience is designed to promote independence, inclusion, and joy. The program also offers families and caregivers vital respite, creating space to rest while knowing their loved one is supported by trained and trusted YMCA staff.

Alex and Christine trained together and completed the OC Half Marathon this spring, just weeks after Alex finished his 20th full marathon. "It was really emotional for me," he says. "After I saw the pictures, seeing her face and her reaction, there was one photo that really got me. The expression on her face…it felt like she was running."

beyond in supporting people with disabilities. The nomination came from New Horizons Program Director Lan Le, who Alex describes as deeply supportive.

"She really puts her heart into the New Horizons program," he says.

Thanks to leaders like Alex Sanchez, New Horizons continues to thrive as a space where people are known, empowered, and encouraged to live life fully. At the YMCA, we’re proud to have staff like Alex, individuals who lead with compassion, serve with commitment, and reflect the heart of our mission in all they do.

Today, New Horizons not only creates belonging for adults with disabilities. It also offers purpose-driven career paths for staff like Alex, who have built meaningful lives of service through the Y. Earlier this year, Alex was honored with a Spotlight Award for Direct Support Professionals, an annual recognition from the Regional Center of Orange County that celebrates individuals who go above and

His story is a reminder that every step matters. And when those steps are taken alongside others, the impact can last a lifetime.

To learn more visit: www.ymcaoc.org 11

LOCAL YMCA : YMCA OF SUPERIOR CALIFORNIA Photos provided by YMCA of Superior California

SUMMER AT THE Y

Creating Summer Memories That Last a Lifetime with YMCA of Superior California When the final school bell rings in June, families across California begin looking for ways to keep their kids active, safe, and engaged. At the YMCA of Superior California, that answer is clear: Summer at the Y. Each summer, thousands of kids from across our region experience the magic of Summer at the Y; a full-day experience packed with hands-on learning, outdoor adventures, and opportunities for personal growth. From scavenger hunts and swimming to science experiments and talent shows, each day is built around discovery, friendship, and fun. Every activity is designed to help kids build confidence, connect with peers, and explore new interests, while reinforcing the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

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LOCAL YMCA : YMCA OF SUPERIOR CALIFORNIA While kids are busy making tie-dye tshirts or tackling obstacle courses, they’re also learning how to work in teams, and communicate effectively.

Our curriculum weaves academics into everyday fun, helping kids stay sharp as they prepare to head back to school.

Beyond the fun and games, Summer at the Y is a place where kids can feel a sense of belonging. In a world that can feel increasingly isolating, our programs create opportunities for kids to build empathy, practice kindness, and form meaningful relationships.

These experiences help children navigate emotions, build confidence, and develop social skills that support their mental and emotional well-being all year long.

“Through a meaningful partnership with the YMCA and a local homeless shelter, children experiencing homelessness get to trade in a summer at the shelter for days that they say are filled with their favorite activities, like 'making new friends, and arts and crafts', a true reflection of what Summer at the Y is all about.”

TIFFANY DAVIDSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT.

The YMCA of Superior California operates Summer at the Y programs across multiple branch locations, including Sacramento, Fair Oaks, Grass Valley, Yolo County, and Oroville, as well as a variety of local school partnerships. Each location reflects the unique character of the community, while maintaining consistent quality, and commitment to safety. For working parents, Summer at the Y provides more than just childcare, it offers relief, trust, and a much-needed sense of balance.

1,200

In 2025, more than 1,200 kids will participate in Summer at the Y across the Greater Sacramento region, experiencing themed spirit days, science experiments, field trips, water play, and more!

Every day brings new discoveries and fun for children, and peace of mind for parents, knowing their kids are safe, supported, and thriving in an environment built around youth development and well-being. It’s one of the many ways the Y supports mental health across the entire household.

As we look ahead to next summer, the YMCA of Superior California remains committed to making these enriching experiences accessible to all. Through generous support of our Y-Assist Scholarship Program, families can receive financial assistance, ensuring Summer at the Y is possible for everyone. At the YMCA of Superior California, summer isn’t just a season, it’s a launchpad for kids to grow, thrive and shine!

To learn more visit: www.ymcasuperiorcal.org

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CEO SPOTLIGHT

LEADERSHIP IN FOCUS

Valarie Gomez CEO, YMCA OF WEST SAN GABRIEL VALLEY

What first brought you to the YMCA? I was invited to apply for the Chief Executive Officer role at the YMCA of West San Gabriel Valley, an independent YMCA serving the community for over 113 years. My connection to the Y runs deep. My grandmother worked as a part-time bookkeeper at the Los Angeles YMCA, where she met my grandfather after World War II. I have always admired how the YMCA uplifts communities, especially those most in need. My love for the YMCA is generational. My life’s purpose is to give back, mentor, and help families succeed emotionally, spiritually, and physically. I believe that helping one person at a time can change the trajectory of their life, whether that is through employment, skill-building, education, or simply believing in them. Over the years, our Y team has ensured that financial hardship never keeps someone from joining the Y, learning to swim, attending camp, or getting their first job.

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Photos provided by YMCA of West San Gabriel Valley

CEO SPOTLIGHT Looking back, is there a moment that stands out as especially meaningful?

In my 21 years as CEO, I have always tried to stay true to the YMCA’s roots of Youth Development, Social Responsibility, and Healthy Living. The YMCA began 175 years ago with a mission to shelter, feed, and support young men in need. Today, that mission continues, serving children, families, seniors, veterans, and those with disabilities across the nation.

One project that stands out is from this summer, when a generous donation helped families impacted by the California wildfires in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena. With these funds, we hired two Summer Day Camp Directors who had grown up at the Y, expanded our program to serve 120 to 130 children daily, and provided over 50 children with camp scholarships. Kids received meals, swim lessons, sports, crafts, coding, cooking, and more in a 10-hour daily program. The donation even allowed us to hire a father who had lost his job in the fires, giving him dignity, income, and the chance to be part of his children’s lives at camp. That summer reinforced what I have always known. The Y changes lives, not just for individuals, but for entire communities.

How do you approach building strong partnerships and meeting the unique needs of your community?

I approach partnerships with 100% care and honesty. We know the heartbeat of our community by listening and responding together to build a stronger community. We build partnerships on integrity, honesty, and respect. Families trust us with their greatest blessing, their children, and we honor that trust by leading with transparency, hard work, and accountability. We call the

community to something better through programming and community development in our preschool, summer camp, fitness classes, monthly food distributions, and so much more...people want to be part of the solution, the Y is here to guide them every step of the way, no one walks alone at our Y, we are Y STRONG TOGETHER. Our diverse community speaks the language of compassion and growth for a better tomorrow.

“The Y changes lives, not just for individuals, but for entire communities."

What inspires you most about leading the YMCA of West San Gabriel Valley?

Hope. Every day I wake up with the privilege of serving someone who might one day create positive change in the world because someone believed in them here at the Y. I am inspired by leading a Y staff team that not only believes in themselves but also in the power of changing our community one member at a time. While I am the CEO, it has never been about me. It is about the children, families, adults, seniors, veterans, special needs children and adults and the YMCA staff who LOVE the Y and make us a place where everyone belongs. Join us at the YMCA, we’d love to welcome you in. You won’t see my picture here, our Y is about the people you see in this headshot spot.

To learn more visit: www.wsgvymca.org

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ADVOCACY

Advocacy Corner YMCAs are safe havens for kids, hubs for families, and partners in community wellbeing. With that visibility often comes pressure to take positions during election season, and with election season ramping up, it’s important to know what’s allowed and what’s not.

Every YMCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with strict limits on political activity. While Ys can champion issues that affect their communities, they must avoid the appearance of partisanship.

There are a few activities that are strictly off limits for YMCAs including candidate endorsements, political contributions and campaign coordination. Specifically, a YMCA cannot back or oppose anyone running for office. That prohibition extends to campaign signs on the lawn, statements in newsletters, or a CEO speaking “on behalf of the Y” in support of a candidate. Giving money, staff time, mailing lists, or even meeting space for free to a campaign is not

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allowed, nor can a YMCA assist with campaign activities, even in seemingly small ways like helping a candidate distribute flyers.

That said, YMCAs do have several important avenues for civic engagement. A YMCA may invite candidates to a debate or town hall if the event is structured fairly.

That means offering equal opportunity to all qualified candidates, using an impartial moderator, and covering a wide range of issues. Ys can also run voter registration drives, share nonpartisan guides, and encourage turnout. The key is helping people participate without pushing a party or candidate. And, unlike candidate races, ballot measures are treated as matters of policy. A YMCA may take a stand on a local bond measure, for example, if it would fund youth recreation facilities or community health initiatives.

It’s important to note that YMCA staff and board members don’t lose their personal

ADVOCACY

“By staying nonpartisan, YMCAs remain what they’ve always been: a unifying force in divided times.”

rights to participate in the political process.

They may endorse candidates, donate to campaigns, or attend rallies as private citizens.

The YMCA has been part of the social fabric for more than 175 years. Its credibility and longevity are in part based on being a trusted, nonpartisan space. By observing the rules, Ys can engage in democracy in ways that reflect their mission, empowering youth, supporting families, and strengthening communities, without crossing into politics. With attention to the do’s and don’ts, YMCAs can remain what they’ve always been: a unifying force in divided times.

In other news from Sacramento, the 202526 state budget included increased investments in the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program, along with a requirement for more districts to offer the program to their students. The budget also had several major changes to subsidized

childcare programs. Of note, from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, reimbursement for childcare contractors will be based on the lesser of: the contract maximum, actual program costs, or starting in 2026, the number of certified child enrollment days multiplied by the contract rate. What we did not see in the budget agreement, however, was any relief for nonprofits (or any other sector) facing financial burdens from decades-old legal cases. Since the budget was signed into law, headlines showcasing massive liabilities continue to catch the eye of lawmakers, many of whom will be campaigning for reelection next year.

Expect this issue to continue to gain momentum as lawmakers search for a solution that brings relief while maintaining due process for survivors.

Christina Marcellus Director of Public Policy California State Alliance of YMCAs

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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.

Alliance Reach

167

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ALLIANCE ASSOCIATION MEMBERS

BRANCH AND OVERNIGHT CAMP LOCATIONS

See the Impact:

2,226,282 YMCA members and program participants across California.

590,776

Children participating in before and afterschool programming statewide.

142,410

Children engaged in aquatics activities to prevent drowning.

1,914 Collaborations with schools, government entities, and foundations.

55,000+ Full- and part-time YMCA employees

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Member Associations 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 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

STATEWIDE DATA WALK

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

Our impact included:

$23,464,150

Other Revenue: $36.8M (4%)

Membership Revenue: $142.1M (17%)

Program Revenue: $225.1M (27%)

Annual Charitable Support: $415.5M (51%)

in private foundation grants secured and distributed to YMCAs in California.

Operating Revenue

$1,085,000

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

in government and NGO funding secured for 17 Ys in California.

$831.3M

$415.5M

Annual Charitable Support

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

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

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: www.ymcasofca.org 19

NOTE FROM THE CHAIR

From Summer Impact to Fall Priorities Vince Iuculano, CEO Board Chair YMCA of the Foothills

As the first days of Fall quickly approach and we rush to transition into back-toschool programming, I would like to celebrate all the amazing memories our Y’s from across the state of California created this summer for campers, volunteers, and staff.

Countless youth and teens strengthened their self-worth while attending a sleepaway camp, kids of all ages learned a new skill or hobby while

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NOTE FROM THE CHAIR

participating in day camp, counselors and camp leaders got a chance to create deep and meaningful impact in the lives of others. Thank you for continuing the longstanding Y Camp tradition of service to others above self.

September is National SelfCare Awareness Month, and it is a good time to remind us all how essential the best practice of self-care is. This month, be intentional in your self-care pursuit by setting

aside time to partake in your favorite activity or experience that refills your “wellness” cup. Pick places, spaces, or experiences that you enjoy and add value to your life.

want to wish all Alliance members a wonderful start to your fall season – and for you to be intentional in your pursuit of self-care.

Onward and Upward.

Maintaining a healthy relationship with yourself is vital for our overall wellbeing. I encourage you to take time to establish rituals or best practices that feed your mind, body and spirit.

As we close out summer, I

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Building A Better Future

925 L Street, Suite 1200 Sacramento, CA 95814

www.ymcasofca.org