Dear YMCA Community,

The mission and legacy of the Y is to identify needs and unite community partners, Y staff, and donors, like you, and show up for those who need us most. There is a widening divide between youth and families in our neighborhoods who can afford their basic needs and access quality health services and life-enriching experiences, and those who simply can’t.

From services that help young adults find a pathway to careers, to encouraging girls to become active in sports programs, we are finding new ways to meet needs and bridge gaps, especially for those who are furthest from opportunity, to ensure Anaheim residents have access to what they need to thrive.

Above all, we cannot do this life-changing work alone; the partnership of Y donors and community leaders serves as a critical catalyst for our work and collective impact.

Additionally, over the past weeks, our Y leaders chatted with Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken and Councilmember Natalie Meeks at the new YMCA Complex to highlight the importance of the Y as a hub for community activities, resources, and services. Also, this past week, members of the Y board joined me to visit various elementary school sites to see firsthand our critical work in the community.

Also, this fall, in partnership with the AESD leadership team, the new YMCA Basketball Academy started offering skill training to all 23 Anaheim Elementary schools, free to kids who cannot afford this opportunity, in afterschool programs.

I’d also like to thank our newest Board member Mahlia Siddiqui, who joined the Y in September from the PepsiCo corporation, and her company’s generous gift to the Y. Also, Gina Arreola from Disney has accepted the opportunity to lead as the Y’s Program Committee Chair, a vital role in ensuring that our programs align with our mission and make a positive impact on the community we serve.

Lastly, I am incredibly excited to see our Y’s Capital Development work continue, as we look upon the vision to create a brighter future for thousands in our community. Follow our campaign’s progress on the Capital page on our website: www.anaheimymca.org

Thank you for your commitment to the Y.

In gratitude and community,

Brent Finlay, President & CEO