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VOLUME III, ISSUE I

www.ymcasofca.org

MARCH 2026

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

LOCAL YMCA NEWS

BALLMER GROUP

Community schools and the future of schoolbased partnerships

Updates and success stories from YMCAs across the state

How YMCAs and Ballmer Group expanded out-ofschool time programming

MARCH 2026

Cover photo provided by Anaheim Family YMCA

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

Table of Contents 01 LETTER FROM THE CEO PARTNERSHIP: CASE 02 STATEWIDE STUDY How YMCAs and Ballmer Group expanded out-of-school time programming for youth in Los Angeles

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 Matthew Henry, Secretary Sonoma County Family YMCA Margo Byrne, Treasurer Channel Islands YMCA Ronnie Stone, Public Policy Chair Southeast Ventura County YMCA Alfredo Velasco, Member at Large YMCA of Greater Long Beach Audrie Echnoz, Member at Large Corona-Norco Family YMCA Amy Grames, Member at Large Central Coast YMCA Paula Simonds, Member-at-Large Family YMCA of the Desert

www.ymcasofca.org @CaliforniaStateAllianceofYMCAs

04 LOCAL YMCA STORIES

Inspiring stories of community impact, growth, and resilience from YMCAs across California

12 LEADING WITH PURPOSE

Celebrating John Ehrbar as he steps into leadership at the YMCA of Silicon Valley and honoring Brent Finlay on his retirement as CEO of the Anaheim Family YMCA

14 ADVOCACY CORNER 16 STATEWIDE DATAWALK

A look at YMCA impact across California through our impact dashboard

18 NOTE FROM THE CHAIR

Dear friends,

Letter from the CEO

As we step into a new year together, I am reminded how powerful our Alliance becomes when local innovation and statewide collaboration move in sync. Across California, YMCAs are advancing solutions that strengthen families, expand opportunity, and respond to evolving community needs. This issue highlights just a few of those stories in action. You will read about the YMCA of the Foothills Ballmer Group-funded impact work, a powerful example of how strategic investment, strong local leadership, and shared learning can accelerate outcomes for youth and families. We continue to see how statewide partnerships and coordinated advocacy help translate local success into broader systems change, ensuring that the voices of California YMCAs remain present in policy conversations that shape the future of our communities. As we prepare for National Advocacy Days and our Alliance Advocacy Day in Sacramento, this moment feels especially meaningful. Our collective work in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. is not simply about legislation; it is about telling the story of impact by elevating the programs, partnerships, and people behind the numbers. Whether advocating for child safety initiatives, youth development investments, or community health priorities, we carry forward the same message: when YMCAs thrive, communities thrive. This issue also shines a light on the diversity and innovation happening across our network. From the Siskiyou Family YMCA’s focus on child safety, to the Family YMCA of the Desert’s creative community partnerships, to the Shasta Family YMCA’s new Montessori preschool, these stories demonstrate the entrepreneurial spirit that defines California YMCAs. In recognition of Women’s History Month, we also celebrate the leaders and changemakers whose dedication continues to shape our movement in meaningful ways. Transitions and milestones are an important part of any strong network. We welcome new leadership through our CEO Spotlight featuring John Ehrbar at the YMCA of Silicon Valley, and we honor Brent Finlay’s lasting contributions as he approaches retirement. These are reminders that our strength lies not only in programs and policy wins, but in the people who carry this work forward each day. As we look ahead, our shared focus remains clear: do good things, tell the story, grow our ability to do more, and repeat. Together, we will continue building partnerships, advancing advocacy, and strengthening the systems that allow local YMCAs to deliver lasting impact. Thank you for the leadership you bring to your communities and to this Alliance. I look forward to the work ahead, and to continuing this journey alongside each of you. With appreciation,

Kris Lev-Twombly President & Chief Executive Officer California State Alliance of YMCAs

STATEWIDE PARTNERSHIP: CASE STUDY

Opening Doors for Every Child: Creating confidence and belonging that lasts a lifetime.

At the YMCA of the Foothills, opportunity starts with an open door. For families across Tujunga, Sunland, and Sun Valley, that door often means one thing: a safe, welcoming place for their children to learn, play, and grow. “The impact that I’ve seen in the community and the need is for childcare during winter, fall, and spring care,” says Janette, the Y’s Youth Programs Director. “Parents are always looking for some place to put their children because they don’t have care during that time.” She’s seen firsthand how vital that support can be.

“We live in a society where everything costs a lot of money, and especially childcare is up high right now,” Janette explains. “With Ballmer Group, we give parents that relief while they go to work and have their kids at our camps. They know that they’re in a safe place, having fun, and I think the Y provides that.” One parent remembers the change she saw in her son after his first camp experience. “He absolutely loved it the first year,” she said.

STATEWIDE PARTNERSHIP: CASE STUDY “I feel like it really grew his independence a lot, which was something we were struggling with. The second year, he came back so excited. The counselors and the community really helped him open up and bloom into that.” When financial hardship hit, help came at just the right time. “This past year, I was struggling a little bit financially,” she explained. “When I found out that you guys were offering a program for the Fire Relief Grant, I signed up immediately. I was hoping I could get at least a couple of weeks in, and they ended up covering the whole thing. It was amazing, and it really, really helped.” Thanks to Ballmer Group’s support, the YMCA of the Foothills has been able to serve more than 100 additional low-income youth this year. The impact stretches far beyond camps into programs that build confidence and leadership. Adaptive Play, born out of the Y’s Adaptive Swim program, now includes basketball and other land-based activities for children with physical and developmental needs. This ensures that every child has the chance to participate and belong. Through Youth & Government scholarships, more teens are discovering their voice, learning how to lead, and connecting with peers across California. When doors open for one child, one family, and one opportunity at a time, entire communities grow stronger.

www.ymcasofca.org/impact To learn more visit:

LOCAL YMCA: SISKIYOU FAMILY YMCA Photos provided by Siskiyou Family YMCA

Inside the Siskiyou Family YMCA’s

COMMITMENT TO CHILD PROTECTION Scott Eastman, CEO of the Siskiyou Family YMCA and a longtime river guide, describes child abuse prevention as “a Class 5 rapid,” requiring both preparation and courage. “You have to start by being willing to have the conversation,” Eastman says. The effort began in 2015 in collaboration with the Ford Family Foundation’s Protect Our Children initiative and has grown steadily since. What started as training now shapes how the YMCA hires, trains, partners, and even designs its building. During a remodel, leadership installed windows in every closet door to eliminate blind spots and reinforce transparency.

“If we’re asking the community to be more aware, we have to follow what we say,” says Noelle Collier, the YMCA’s Health and Wellness Director. “It has to show up in everything we do.” At the Siskiyou Y, prevention starts with leadership but extends throughout the organization. Every staff member and volunteer completes Darkness to Light child sexual abuse prevention training, typically within their first month. Safeguards are written into policy, and they also guide everyday decisions.

LOCAL YMCA: SISKIYOU FAMILY YMCA

Strengthening Leadership Nationally, men represent less than one quarter of participants in child sexual abuse prevention trainings, a gap Eastman believes must be addressed. “We’ve worked hard to get more men involved in the training, and that has been met with enthusiasm and support,” he says. The Siskiyou Y brings training directly to groups where men already gather, including first responders, law enforcement teams, and coaches. Holding the training within trusted peer groups has increased participation and made prevention part of responsible leadership. The Y also partners with local school districts, the community college, and public health agencies. Nursing students receive prevention education as part of their coursework.

“YMCAs are uniquely positioned to do this work because of the relationships we’ve built and the trust we’ve earned over generations.” Through these partnerships, the conversation extends well beyond the YMCA’s walls. Eastman believes the organization’s history plays a role. April marks Child Abuse Prevention Month, when communities elevate protecting children and strengthening families. Together, YMCAs across California participate in Five Days of Action®, a national YMCA campaign that encourages adults to recognize warning signs and take steps to protect children. At Siskiyou and across California, child protection does not pause when April ends. YMCAs continue that work every day. To learn more visit: www.siskiyouymca.org

LOCAL YMCA: SHASTA FAMILY YMCA

Expanding Early Learning at the Shasta Family YMCA This spring, the Shasta Family YMCA will expand its youth development offerings with the launch of a Montessori preschool serving children ages 3 to 5. For Courtnay Fork, the YMCA’s Child Care Manager, the decision followed months of discussion about how to bring preschool back in a way that made sense for families today. “Once we decided we should jump back into preschools, we asked what families were looking for,” said Fork. “There are lots of preschool options, but Montessori offers something different.” The Montessori approach was not entirely new to the Shasta Y. In recent years, they incorporated Montessori-inspired activities into their child watch rooms, giving kids more independence with how they engage with the space every day. “The members liked the change towards Montessori activities. It made us think about what more we could build.” The result is a full preschool program that will operate year-round, including during summer and school breaks. Fork said that consistency is one of the program’s strengths. “During those breaks, we’re still going,” she said. “That consistency benefits parents.”

LOCAL YMCA: SHASTA FAMILY YMCA The preschool will be open to the larger community, not just members. The YMCA also plans to partner with the Shasta County Office of Education so families who qualify for childcare assistance can enroll.

“For some families, Montessori feels like something that belongs to someone else,” Fork said. “We want it to belong to this community.”

The classroom will be housed in a remodeled space on the YMCA campus. For Fork, the space matters, but the purpose behind it matters more. “Our purpose with this is giving back,” she said. “Giving the community something that's lacking and something that they want. These children are our future. We want to give them the skills they need and build them up to be a great part of society.” Fork also sees the preschool as an entry point into a longer relationship with the Y. “They’ll start here at preschool. They’ll take swim lessons. They’ll come back for Y Club,” she said. “It’s building community, building family, and keeping it all going.” The program launches in Spring 2026. To learn more visit:

www.sfymca.org

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Where Leadership Lives NORTH TO SOUTH, WOMEN OF THE Y ARE BUILDING CALIFORNIA’S FUTURE For more than a century, women have shaped the YMCA in ways both visible and unseen. They built programs before they held leadership roles. They strengthened families, mentored youth, raised funds, and carried communities forward. Long before titles and executive positions were widely accessible, women were already leading through action. Today, women lead Ys across California as CEOs, branch executives, and department heads. At the Santa Monica Family YMCA, that responsibility is rooted in collaboration. Chief Operating Officer Araceli Alejandre explains: “Collaboration makes up everything we do. The task is big, and we truly are stronger and better together.” That approach was especially clear during last year’s devastating Los Angeles fires. As uncertainty spread across neighboring communities, the Santa Monica YMCA

expanded services and opened its doors to families in need. “Inside our walls, collaboration helped us ensure that we could respond quickly and compassionately so that people felt supported and seen,” Alejandre says. “I want the women who come after me to feel a true sense of belonging and to know that there is a seat for them at the table,” she says. That focus on belonging and opportunity extends across the state. Amy Grames, CEO of the Central Coast YMCA, describes the Y’s culture as missiondriven and people-centered. “The Y fosters a deep sense of mission-driven leadership, focusing on people first, creating impact, and ensuring inclusivity,” she says. Under her leadership, that mindset guides both her long-term planning and day-to-day decisions.

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Photo provided by Siskiyou Family YMCA

Margo Byrne, CEO of the Channel Islands YMCA, also credits mentorship with shaping her path. “I have had wonderful supportive mentors who have provided opportunities for growth that I have leaned into,” she says. Today, she works to do the same for others.

Rose manages the Y’s front desk, where leadership often shows up in everyday conversations and ongoing problem-solving. “Working here keeps me connected to the community in many ways,” she says. “Friendships are created here with lasting bonds. I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.”

“I WANT WOMEN LEADERS TO BELIEVE THAT THEY ARE LEADERS WHO WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR WORK.”

For Rose, the YMCA is more than a workplace. Years ago, she served on one of the fundraising teams that helped bring the Siskiyou facility to life. Today, she works inside the building she helped build. That full-circle experience reflects the long-term commitment that defines leadership at the Y.

Up north, the Siskiyou Family YMCA operates with a team serving a rural community where flexibility is essential. Administrative Manager Rose Cardoza puts it plainly: “We wear many hats. We rely on each other and our staff to accomplish our goals and objectives.”

Women’s History Month offers an opportunity to recognize progress and impact. At the California State Alliance of YMCAs, that work is ongoing. From north to south, women of the Y continue to strengthen their communities and help shape California’s future.

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

LOCAL YMCA: FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT Photos Courtesy of Family YMCA of the Desert

From Vacant Space to Vibrant Community How the YMCA of the Desert turned an empty storefront into a gathering place families can count on.

Not long ago, it was a vacant Forever 21 clothing store. Today, the space serves a new purpose. The Family YMCA of the Desert, in partnership with The Shops at Palm Desert, has transformed the former retail site into a gathering place for families. The partnership began years ago, when the shopping center invited the YMCA to help host family events. The mall provided space, and the Y brought staff and programming. Over time, the relationship grew into something more permanent. Today, the YMCA fills the former storefront with non-stop activity. The space hosts birthday parties, martial arts classes, summer camps, and more. During Parent Night Out, families can drop children off in the evening while they enjoy time together.

LOCAL YMCA: FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT

“Our YMCA building is small,” says Keith Rouzan, Senior Program Director. “This space helps us reach more people in a way that works.” In a desert climate, indoor space is essential. The mall location gives families an air-conditioned place to spend time together. While the space can be rented for private events, the YMCA works to keep it accessible. And when plans fall through elsewhere, the Y often steps in. “I can’t tell you how many times someone has called us last minute because their kid’s party got cancelled somewhere else, and we saved the day,” Rouzan says. Each month, the YMCA hosts a free Saturday family event, open to the community. These events include crafts, games, food, and cultural celebrations such as Lunar New Year. Seasonal gatherings like Breakfast with Santa and the Easter Bunny Pizza Party give families opportunities to celebrate together. Families return year after year.

“We have kids who’ve had four birthdays in a row here,” Rouzan says. “They walk by years later and say, ‘That’s where I had my birthday party.’” The space also supports the wider community. Local nonprofits and youth-serving partners use it for programs, and during the summer it provides additional capacity for YMCA youth camps. “This is one of the few indoor places families can truly count on,” Rouzan says. As community gathering places seem to disappear, the YMCA of the Desert continues to meet families where they are. “Families come in, and they leave happy,” Rouzan says. “That’s really what matters.” To learn more, visit

www.ymcaofthedesert.org

CEO SPOTLIGHT

Welcoming John Ehrbar CEO, YMCA OF SILICON VALLEY

How did you first get involved with the Y?

The Y has been part of my story for as long as I can remember. I learned to swim at the Y as a kid, and it’s also where I played on my first sports team. As a teenager, I joined Leaders Club, where I started to understand what servant leadership actually looks like… not just as an idea, but in practice. That experience left a mark. I worked at the Y throughout college, and my first full-time role was as a Sports & Teen Director with the Lake County YMCA Association just outside Cleveland, Ohio. Somewhere along the way, what started as participation turned into a very rewarding career. I’ve been an employee of the Y for nearly 30 years because I’ve lived the Y’s impact. The Y helped shape who I am, and now I get to help create those kinds of opportunities for others.

What from the Y’s history should guide the future?

The Y has an incredible history. Our impact over the years has been lasting, from helping shape popular sports to even playing a role in the creation of national holidays. That kind of legacy doesn’t happen by accident. I strongly believe it’s important to carry forward that same innovative spirit. The Y has historically not been afraid to respond to the needs of its time, and as we move forward, I believe we should continue to lead boldly. Rather than constantly reacting to

disruption, we have the opportunity (or maybe even the responsibility) to become the disruptors by anticipating needs, thinking creatively, and shaping the future of community well-being.

What excites you as you step into this next chapter of leadership?

The scale of what’s possible is what excites me most. The YMCA of Silicon Valley serves a larger population than the communities I’ve previously worked in, which means the opportunity to reach more families, develop more young people, and positively impact more lives. I’m also excited to lead a great team and collaborate with colleagues across the state, nation, and globe. The Y’s reach extends far beyond any one location, and being part of that broader movement is inspiring.

What do you hope the Y will continue to mean for communities in the years ahead?

I hope the Y continues to be known as the place that connects people, improves quality of life, and helps young people grow into caring, responsible adults. At its best, the Y is a community builder. It’s where confidence is developed, friendships are formed, and support systems are strengthened. My hope is that no matter how communities change, the Y remains a trusted space where people feel supported on their journey and inspired to give back.

CEO SPOTLIGHT

Brent Finlay Reflects on 40 Years of Leadership “Staying humble and relentless for the mission matters.” After four decades in the YMCA movement, Brent Finlay will retire this March. His leadership has included service across several associations and nearly five years leading the Anaheim Family YMCA. Throughout his career, the priority remained clear: meet community needs and build programs that last. When reflecting on defining moments, Brent points to times when the mission was tested and proven.

“During the pandemic, the Y pivoted in extraordinary ways. From addressing food insecurity to opening facilities for unsheltered individuals and families, Ys responded quickly. Across the country, hundreds of pop up child care centers were created for essential workers.” In California and beyond, that response showed how local nonprofits can mobilize quickly and support public systems during a crisis. He also reflects on the organization’s history: “I feel blessed to be part of an organization that is 175 years old and has such a remarkable legacy. The Y invented basketball and volleyball, and those milestones alone are testaments to the impact of our mission.” In Anaheim, his final chapter reflects sustained local investment. “What I am most proud of is our recently completed capital campaign and the beginning of construction that will eventually allow the Anaheim Family YMCA to serve 40,000 people annually, possibly more,” Brent says. “After closing our Y center in 1994, this brings us full circle.” As he prepares to retire, his guidance reflects decades of experience working with boards, donors, and local leaders. “Managing long hours and caring for your physical and mental well-being are critical. An early morning workout at the Y can set the tone for the entire day. Staying humble and relentless for the mission matters.” He also advises, “Start by grounding every decision in the mission. Lead with humility. Be transparent, because trust is everything. Hire great people, empower them fully, and listen more than you speak.” After 40 years, Brent Finlay concludes his career with the belief that strong partnerships and steady leadership are what make lasting impact possible.

ADVOCACY

Advocacy Corner Community Schools and the Future of School-Based Partnerships

YMCAs have a long history of providing supports to students though school partnerships, and much of that work likely fits perfectly into California’s Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP). Launched in 2021, California’s $4.1 billion CCSPP is the largest initiative of its kind in the country, with more than 2,500 schools funded through the program. Early results show meaningful gains, including sharp reductions in chronic absenteeism and suspensions, along with improved academic outcomes, especially for historically underserved students. The community school centers schools not only as places of learning, but also as hubs where students and families can be connected to the services and opportunities they need to succeed. That includes expanded learning, health and wellness supports, and stronger family engagement. Given Governor Newsom’s proposal to provide CCSPP $1 billion in ongoing annual funding, it seems clear that this isn’t a short-term priority.

While that $1 billion opening gambit might be negotiated downward during budget discussions with the Legislature, CCSPP has several important proponents, including the powerful California Teachers Association, so it is very likely that this program will see a major infusion moving forward. For YMCAs, that creates a real opportunity to bolster your impacts to kids and families in your service areas. Many YMCAs are already doing pieces of this work. Afterschool programs, summer learning, youth sports, mental health supports, and family services are all familiar territory. The shift with community schools is that these services are expected to be integrated into a broader school strategy, not just offered alongside it. Results from early CCSPP rounds suggest the program is doing great things for schools and kids – according to a September 2025 report by the Learning Policy Institute, community schools have lower rates of chronic absenteeism, lower suspension rates, and improved academic achievement – particularly for traditionally underserved kids. That lines up with what many YMCA leaders see every day: when students are connected to the right supports, they show up more consistently and are more engaged. In practice, the strongest YMCA–district partnerships start with a shared understanding of what the district is trying to

ADVOCACY

“The community school centers schools not only as places of learning, but also as hubs where students and families can be connected to the services and opportunities they need to succeed.”

accomplish. That usually comes back to the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), where districts lay out priorities around attendance, academic performance, and school climate. When YMCA programs are clearly tied to those goals, it’s more likely that districts will work to sustain the partnership. There are a few ways this kind of integrated partnership can look. In some places, the YMCA takes on a larger coordinating role, helping bring together expanded learning, wellness supports, and other services on a campus. In others, the focus is more specific, like afterschool and summer programs exclusively, but those programs are tightly aligned with school day priorities. Regardless of the approach, the most critical piece is being embedded in the school community. Whether it’s site coordinators, mentors, or program staff, having a consistent presence makes it easier to connect services and build trust with students and families. That said, the state’s own evaluation points to very real challenges that can’t be ignored. Schools consistently report issues with staffing capacity, coordination across partners, and the overall complexity of managing multiple initiatives at once. Family engagement is also one of the hardest areas to tackle, especially when it comes to building trust and sustaining participation. Since so many Ys already have experience navigating those challenges, they are already poised to be helpful partners. It’s also

important to note that given the scope and goals for CCSPP, partners will need to be comfortable with providing data, tracking attendance, participation, and other outcomes, and using that information to improve programs over time. None of this requires YMCAs to fundamentally change what they do, but it might require being more explicit about how Y work connects to student outcomes and district priorities. A great place to start thinking through this is to know if your local district partners have already received a CCSPP grant, and to know how your services and supports align with their priorities. Please don’t hesitate if you’d like to explore this potential partnership further!

Christina Marcellus Director of Public Policy California State Alliance of YMCAs

STATEWIDE DATA WALK

Impact Snapshot 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.

849,132

1,949

24,783

Members Engaged Statewide

Community Collaborations Statewide

Volunteers Engaged Statewide

PARTICIPATION & ENGAGEMENT

COMMUNITY REACH

126,682

Summer day campers build character and life-long friendships.

125,960

Older adults found community through their YMCA membership.

55,000+

Statewide Funded Partnerships

California Office of Emergency Services, Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications, and Ballmer Group.

Children engage in swim lessons to promote healthy living and prevent drowning.

590,776

Full- and part-time YMCA employees

FUNDING PARTNERS

142,410

Students are safe and supported in afterschool care programming.

SUPPORT SYSTEMS

2.3 MILLION Meals served this year to provide critical nourishment to communities across California.

STATEWIDE DATA WALK FINANCIAL OVERVIEW: The California State Alliance of YMCAs made significant contributions to support local Ys across the state.

Over the past year, our impact included:

$10,695,137.55 in private foundation grants secured and distributed to YMCAs in California.

$10,174,485 in funding secured for 17 YMCAs in California.

5,000+

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

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 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 at:

www.ymcasofca.org Learn more 17

A NOTE FROM THE CHAIR

Vince Iuculano, CEO BOARD CHAIR, YMCA OF THE FOOTHILLS

A NOTE FROM THE CHAIR

As we reflect on the first quarter of this year, I am proud of the progress we have made together as a statewide movement. The strength of the California State Alliance of YMCAs lies not only in the individual impact of each association, but in our collective voice, shared purpose, and unified commitment to the communities we serve. One of our most significant accomplishments this quarter has been the continued strengthening of our advocacy efforts through the work of our Public Policy Committee. Across the state, YMCAs are on the front lines addressing critical issues, from youth development and childcare access to health equity and workforce development. By sharpening our policy priorities and building stronger relationships with legislators and key stakeholders, we are ensuring that the Y’s voice is present and influential in the decisions that affect our communities. Advocacy is not separate from our mission; it is an essential extension of it. At the same time, our Alliance has remained deeply focused on supporting communities across California. Whether responding to local economic challenges, expanding access to programs, or fostering partnerships that strengthen families, our YMCAs continue to demonstrate resilience and innovation. The collaboration among associations, sharing best practices, resources, and encouragement, has reinforced what makes our movement so powerful. When one YMCA succeeds, we all move forward. Looking ahead, we are excited about the preparation and planning underway for our very first Sacramento Advocacy Days this April. This milestone event represents an important step in elevating our collective presence at the State Capitol. By bringing together YMCA leaders from across California, we will showcase the breadth of our impact and advocate directly for policies that support children, families, and communities. This effort reflects months of thoughtful planning and a shared belief that our voice matters. Thank you for your leadership, your partnership, and your unwavering commitment to the Y’s mission. Together, we are building stronger communities and shaping a brighter future for California. Onward and Upward!

Building A Better Future

925 L Street, Suite 1200 Sacramento, CA 95814