Dear YMCA Family Members,

Warmest of greetings to each of you from the heart of our vibrant community!

Looking back over this past quarter, we can celebrate achievements and milestones that have shaped the lives of our families and I hope you’ve had an opportunity to see them firsthand. If you’d like to visit one of our program sites, we’d be happy to host you and others to see the impact our programs have on the community. Email me at bfinlay@anaheimymca.org to schedule a visit.

In diverse-rich communities, the youth drowning rate is more than double the national average; nearly six out of 10 Latino children are unable to swim, twice as many as their Caucasian counterparts. Our goal this year is to serve over 3,300 youth in our world-class Learn to Swim program to ensure that every child has access to lifesaving water skills and knowledge. Lessons are taking place at Pearson Park Pool, and the high school pools located at Anaheim, Canyon, Cypress, and Kennedy. Registration is going quickly so don’t delay.

Through our diverse programming, we have created a lasting impact on the well-being of our community. Not a day goes by that I don’t hear or read a positive comment about the work the Anaheim Family YMCA is doing to change lives. Our caring staff make programs and classes special to all our residents, regardless of their financial situation. I am proud of our mission that never turns its back on anyone in need.

Please take a moment to mention us to your friend by sharing our Y story, you can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

A summary of some of our most significant accomplishments include:

• 8,500 meals are provided weekly to families in need.
• 23 schools providing a safe and nurturing summer day camp for kids to flourish. Through educational, recreational, and character-building activities, we have empowered the next generation to realize their full potential.
• Our YMCA Community Complex has certainly seen some activity this past quarter:
  • New sponsors are promoting their organizations and helping us expand our sports programs to accommodate a broader range of activities, ensuring that members stay socially engaged and physically active.
  • Our official soccer partner, the Orange County Soccer Club has been holding youth skills camps at our Community Complex.
  • In partnership with LA84 Foundation, we celebrated a Day of Play Equity at our program centers, as we strive to serve more girls in our Youth Sports Leagues by providing FREE access to volleyball, street hockey and soccer programs, with the help of a $50,000 grant.
  • The JR42 Baseball Clinic, for youth to practice drills and learn about the legacy and leadership of Jackie Robinson, took place at our Community Complex.
• Our annual support campaign “We Build People” raised a record $335,291 to provide scholarship assistance and keep programs affordable and available to thousands of children across the communities we serve. Thanks to everyone that supported the We Build People Campaign this past year!
• Disneyland Resort continues to support our AVANZA Teen Workforce Development program and together we have made a significant impact on the lives of high school students looking to enter the workforce.
• The Y just wrapped up another incredible summer at Camp Miehana, an unforgettable experience for over 100 campers who got to explore nature, discover new talents and try new activities, all while gaining independence and making lifelong friendships.
• Speaking of camp, Kay Carpenter was honored at our 2023 Alden Esping Putting Classic with over 120 attendees. All proceeds benefit youth attending our Y Summer Resident Camp.
• The Angels Baseball Foundation hosted a special game night for 400 Y kids and families, all from a generous donation of 100 tickets from Steve Shear with the Angels matching additional tickets.
• YMCA Board of Directors, Moving the Mission Forward:
  • Community stakeholders MJ Cooke, Kevin Patch, Katie Cawelti and Dara Maleki have joined our Board of Directors to help us fulfill our critical mission.
  • Our Y board approved the hiring of Netzel Grigsby and Associates to lead our Capital Campaign fundraising plan for the expansion of the YMCA Community Complex into Phase 2.
  • Marty Dutch, longtime Y supporter and former Anaheim YMCA camper at Camp Fox, has successfully completed her term as the Y Board chair and is now succeeded by Michael Johnson with Nicole Provansal serving as Vice Chair and Jesse Ben Ron as Board Secretary. We will always appreciate her time and service to our families and community.
  • City of Anaheim mayor Ashleigh Aitken attended our July Y Board of Directors meeting sharing her vision for the city of Anaheim.

The Anaheim Family YMCA will continue to build healthy lives, strengthen & empower youth development, and promote social responsibility in all we do. I express my deepest gratitude for your unwavering commitment to our YMCA and the community we serve. Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones and with your continued support, we will build upon our successes and embrace the future with optimism and determination.

Thank you for being the heart and soul of our YMCA family. Your generosity and belief in our mission make all the difference as we always strive to do even more.

With warmest regards,

Brent Finlay,
President and CEO