Mottino Family YMCA: Celebrates a Milestone of Service

from Best of Oceanside Magazine Spring 2023

Chamber Leaders Provide Networking Training for Oceanside Students

The Joe and Mary Mottino Family YMCA has been a cornerstone of the Oceanside and Vista communities for nearly five decades. Established in 1973, the Santa Margarita Family YMCA was designated as an extension of the YMCA of San Diego County. Despite moving and operating at various locations over the years, the Y never wavered in its mission to serve North County.

Thanks to a significant capital gift in 2001, the Santa Margarita YMCA became the Joe and Mary Mottino Family YMCA and for the last 20 years has provided over 1 million experiences via membership and programs to the local community.

Today the Mottino YMCA is looking to the future and expanding its services to serve even more families and seniors in the community. This includes doubling their camp program, offering free-swimming lessons, distributing produce boxes for neighbors and redesigning their onsite childcare program.

“The way we go about delivering the mission, which calls us to build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all, has evolved to adapt to the ever-changing needs of our communities,” said executive director Roby Trada.

A recent Community Needs Assessment identified financial insecurities, the need for subsidized care programs, health gaps and educational disparities as prevalent issues in Oceanside households. To address these needs, the Y is launching the Mottino Preschool, which will provide local childcare services. They are also working on expanding affordable childcare offerings as well as innovative senior and youth programs to address social isolation and mental health issues.

At the Joe and Mary Mottino Family YMCA, the staff believes in the power of dreaming big, and they are excited to see what the next 20 years will bring. They invite the business community to join them to create a larger impact and become a catalyst for change in the region.

A COLLECTIVE OF LIKE-MINDED INDIVIDUALS WITH ONE COMMON GOAL : TO DEVELOP BOTH PROFESSIONALLY + PERSONALLY

Why I love working in Oceanside: I love the people that come to the Y and helping those that might be intimidated with the fitness equipment. Showing that we are here to help them reach their goals in a way that they feel confident. It’s getting over the first hurdle of asking for help, and once that happens just recognizing them by their name and watching them go through the equipment with ease. That’s what makes working in Oceanside my love.

Cesareo Gomez

I love Oceanside for its stunning beaches and friendly community. The Mottino YMCA allows me to serve as a catalyst of positive change by providing access to health and wellness resources and programs that empower individuals and families to live happier and healthier lives.

Roby Trada

I have been in Oceanside for 17 years and what I love most is that there are so many diverse areas from the beach to the farmland with pockets of homes in between. The unique collection of people is what makes us a rich community of arts, culture, and experiences. I love Oceanside and all it has to offer.

Susie Ferrer

I love Oceanside because I was born and raised here, and all my family is here. I love this small community beach town, the diversity between us and the pride the locals have for this city. These are some of the many reasons why I want to continue to live here for years to come.

Tyra Darrow

I love Oceanside because Oceanside is like a small community. It has the soul and vibe that other coastal communities don’t have.

Melissa Rodriguez

Life is better connected! I love the Oceanside community because I love being a part of something where I can help connect our children, youth, and families with each other and with resources. I have never felt this inspired and connected before becoming a part of the Mottino Family YMCA in Oceanside.

Brittany La Mantia

I love Oceanside because we are all about community. Young men open doors for you, people smile and say good morning, women drop off food for someone who is sick, we share with the homeless, and do so much more. Oceanside is old-fashioned, yet very State of the Art. We have new restaurants, brand new athletic facilities, entertainment venues for the whole family, a 5-star rated Community College, and of course a beach known for world-class surfing. I’m fortunate to live in paradise! cuisine; Oceanside has become my home. I truly cannot imagine living anywhere else besides Oceanside.