Program areas at LA Y
PROGRAMS FOR HEALTHY LIVING: By empowering all people to lead fuller lives, the LA Y offers the resources, support and guidance to improve the health and wellbeing of every member of the community. The LA Y also encourages and fosters connections and community through fitness, sports and shared interests. The LA Y offers an array of programs that aims to create and sustain a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. This year, the LA Y: * Connected over 500,000 members and participants to community and wellness programs and support services through its 26 branches. * Supported 21,000 seniors staying healthy, remaining connected, and receiving emotional support. * Offered more than 23,000 water safety and swim lessons in 36 Y community pools, the largest single source of swim instruction in Greater Los Angeles. * Provided over 20,000 youth with sports programming in partnership with the Clippers, LA Kings, LA Galaxy and Dodgers and engaged 10,000 girls in sports experiences through the Y's Equity, Girls and Sports Initiative. * Implemented a Social Emotional Wellbeing initiative to address mental health across the organization to help staff and community members heal from the emotional and social devastation wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic and the historic social reckonings of the past few years.
PROGRAMS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: The LA Y offers education and leadership programs that develop knowledge and character, while providing guidance and encouragement to its members to help them realize their potential and give back to the community. The LA Y is a leader in creating positive change in our neighborhoods and responding to issues that affect the quality of life for kids and families. The Y believes in giving back and providing support to our neighbors by developing volunteer leaders through fundraising activities, community partnerships and collaborating with policymakers, community leaders and private and public organizations to build healthier communities throughout Los Angeles. The LA Y is committed to addressing social issues including health inequities within our communities. In 2022, the LA Y continued to implement its equity and inclusion framework to enable the LA Y to be on the forefront of social change in the community. The Y continued its data-driven approach and conducted internal surveys to understand opportunities to better support the Y staff and the community at-large. Recognizing there is always more to be done, the LA Y is continually expanding and enhancing its community-oriented programs and services so that together, we can build a stronger, healthier, safer, and more just tomorrow for all. This year, the LA Y: * Continued establishing its 26 local YMCA branches as Community Empowerment Hubs conducting in-language outreach and providing services and assistance accessing basic needs, essential items, wraparound supports, childcare, eligibility and information for tax, rent relief, and child tax credit, and more. * Distributed over 4.1 million pounds of fresh produce and food for individuals, families and seniors in need. * Leveraged seven of the YMCA's facilities to provide 18,000 showers for families and individuals experiencing homelessness. The program was offered in partnership with the City of Los Angeles and LA Sanitation and Environment and offered safe hygiene facilities, showers and restrooms for unsheltered Angelenos. * Potentially saved 6,000 lives by hosting and supporting blood drives. The LA Y joined forces with the American Red Cross to solve the city's severe blood shortage due to the pandemic. * Assisted over 5,000 immigrants and newcomers with naturalization and citizenship support, awareness and resources through the Y's New American Welcome Centers. * Led county-wide public health outreach and events at the Y's branch facilities to provide the community safe and easy access to essential health services such as COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, in addition to education and awareness, all to keep the community healthy and safe. * Engaged 4,200 teens in the democratic process in civics and volunteer efforts which are designed to transform the next generation of change makers. * Involved over 10,000 volunteers in Governance and Program and Services Development where their determination and generosity delivered vital support and services to positively impact the lives in the community. * Secured donations from over 8,000 donors which sustained the LA Y's efforts in being resilient to take swift and creative action to provide emergency services to our neighbors and communities.
PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: Committed to cultivating the growth and development of our youngest members, the LA Y offers quality programs that support and nurture the potential of every infant, child and teen and are accessible to all. The LA Y continues to adapt its programs to best provide the necessary resources to build strong children, strong families and strong communities. In a safe and structured environment, children learn skills and develop relationships that lead to positive behavior, build on educational achievement and develop healthy habits that will carry them throughout their lives. This year, the LA Y: * Served more than 47,000 youth through our Y programs and services. * Provided trusted child care to 20,000 children through before and after school programs, summer day camps, and child care, supporting parents and families returning to work. Partnered with Los Angeles Unified School District to provide free summer enrichment and after school learning programs to support school children in their education and development. * Offered 7 preschool sites in a safe and nurturing environment, taught by accredited faculty and with curriculum aligned with the State of California's education standards.