Annual Report 2021 by YMCA of the East Valley

COMMUNITY

WORKING TOGETHER YMCA of the East Valley | Annual Report 2021

LETTER FROM

DARWIN

The last sixteen months have been challenging for all of us. The long stretches of isolation and loss of loved ones, jobs, and life as we knew it, have taken a toll on our health and wellbeing. As a charitable organization open to all, we want our members and everyone in our community – regardless of age, income, or background – to have the opportunity to grow stronger in spirit, mind, and body in the post-pandemic environment. Without the support of our community and donors, our work would not be possible. We are thankful to all that supported us during this challenging time and continue to support us. As our community continues to recover from the hardships of the last year, we know that together we will continue to bring healing back to so many. Community support allowed us to provide much-needed service to children and families. Last year donor donations helped 6,292 members participate in Y programs. Those families had the opportunity to participate in aquatics, family camp, youth sports, circus, KEY Distance Learning, which provided a safe space for students during school closures for working families, and many more. As our community continues to recover from the hardships of the pandemic, the Y will continue to offer assistance to any who walks through our doors. Whenever we see a neighbor who needs support, the Y stands ready to help with open arms and caring hearts. We are grateful for the impact of our programs and look forward to exciting ways we can expand our reach in new and meaningful ways.

Darwin Barnett

CEO | YMCA of the East Valley

ESSENTIAL INFO

At the Y, neighbors from all walks of life, can discover common ground and broaden their perspectives. We connect people to a greater sense of purpose to make our community stronger.

26%

of our members rely on financial assistance.

1,153

MELISSA KIDDER Since 2016 Dr. Melissa Kidder has been battling pancreatic cancer and all the added complications that have sprung up along the way. Melissa loves to swim and even worked as a lifeguard in college. “I am physically stronger today (and continue off chemo) because of the opportunity I had to swim and gradually get better,” said Melissa. “I wish to thank YOU and the Y for setting up the opportunity for us to have the continued pleasure of being able to swim laps during the pandemic,” share Melissa “and completely avoid Covid. I am so grateful that I am still here and can keep fighting.”

Donations made to the YMCA.

333.80

Is the average amount donated to the Y. 3

JASMINE

& JOEY T

he best part of last summer for 9-year-old Joey was swimming each week and playing games at the Y’s Adventure Day Camp. “Last year’s day camp at the Y provided a sense of normalcy for Joey,” said Jasmine, mother of Joey (9), Jair (5), and Jasmine (3). Amidst the shutdowns and isolation of the Covid-19 pandemic, children’s mental health crises increased. Data from the CDC shows an alarming increase in emergency hospital visits for mental health concerns for children. From March to October 2020, hospitals across the country saw a rise of over 24 percent for children ages 5 to 11 and 31 percent for those ages 12 to 17 years old compared to 2019.

Children have been part of families reeling from job losses, struggling with virtual schedule overload, and even grieving the loss of relatives. Cabin fever exacerbated these struggles and family conflicts, and closed schools left many children isolated from their support systems of friends and teachers. “Parents would call to see if we had any programs available because they wanted to get their children out of the house and active,” said Jamila Coulson, YMCA Youth and Adult Program Director. “When I would mention the available programs, I could feel “tears of joy” coming from them. The kids were so happy to be able to work with other children.” Looking for ways to get her children and herself outside of their home and active safely, Jasmine said her

family signed up for all types of youth programs at the Redlands and Highland Y. From registering her 3-year-old, Jasmine, up for swimming and ballet to Joey joining street hockey and martial arts. “The classes were smaller. It was perfect,” says Jasmine. “The Y was one of the only places that offered activities and sports outdoors for the kids, and even for me to be able to workout. It was a life-saver,” shared Jasmine. “Without it, I would have been more stressed as a parent.”

Without the outlets at the Y, my kids would have been negatively impacted mentally. According to Psychology Today, children and adolescents report many positive physical and mental benefits from sports. For example, they have lower obesity rates, lower use of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs, higher graduation rates,

and fewer struggles with mental health than their non-athlete peers.1 “Without the outlets at the Y, my kids would have been negatively impacted mentally,” said Jasmine. “The YMCA is a great facility for kids’ activities, to learn sports that are safe and fun, and learn good values. It’s an organization that helps you out when you are in need,” shared Jasmine. With the help of Financial Assistance last year, 315 children were able to get active with Y youth sports. All children deserve the opportunity to come to the Y and be a part of the team, like Joey. Every donation to the YMCA of the East Valley helps support individuals and families in our community to lead a healthier life in body, mind, and spirit. 1. Psychology Today. June 21, 2021. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ us/blog/the-field-and/202106/mentalhealth-issues-urgent-in-youth-athletes 2. CDC. November 13, 2020. https:// www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/ mm6945a3.htm?s_cid=mm6945a3_w

Approximately 1 in 4 youths experience a mental health disorder.2 4

OUR REACH

IN NUMBERS

LEGAL AID

554 Families and individuals assisted with affordable legal aid.

The Y offers a wide variety of fitness programs for everyone. Our organization provides a welcoming community that will be supportive along a member’s health journey. You’ll find people in the facility looking to live a little bit healthier at every age and every level of activity. In addition to our local fitness facilities, we provide educational programs to promote healthier decisions and offer a variety of classes that support physical, intellectual, and spiritual strength.

MEMBERSHIPS

23,748

Members received assistance to achieve their health goals while being an important part of the community.

YMCA PRESCHOOL UNIVERSITY

Children building social and emotional skills in an enriched environment.

DAY CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS

472

Children experienced a summer filled with excitement & adventure.

K.E.Y SCHOLARSHIPS

1279

Kids were given the resources & attention needed to excel in learning & staying active.

AQUATIC SCHOLARSHIPS

196

Community members used swimming as a way to build a healthy lifestyle.

YOUTH SPORTS SCHOLARSHIPS

315

Children were taught team-building skills in a fun and exciting way using sports.

MEALS SERVED AT PSU

30,880 Nutritious and delicious meals provided to children.

PRESCHOOL

UNIVERSITY W

hen Amber needed care for her three young foster children, she asked a friend for child care recommendations, they told her about the YMCA Preschool University. So when Amber learned her two oldest boys, Cole(3) and Cooper(2), were old enough to attend, she enrolled them at PSU. When Cole first arrived at PSU, he was withdrawn and slow to warm up to people. Cole had PTSD and, from the request of his social worker, needed help with his social-emotional development, and Cooper’s language skills were so delayed he was close to nonverbal. Many children in the foster system have trauma following abuse or neglect and often come from families struggling with

multiple environmental stressors. Even the act of removing a child from their home for their safety adds further stress through the disruption of relationships.1 Studies have shown early relationships in infancy and childhood are essential. The disruption of caregiving relationships can lead to lifelong developmental consequences. Unsurprisingly, nearly half the children in the foster system have developmental delays.1 One of the ways to help support young children, especially those with high risks for developmental delays, is with preschool and early childhood education programs. High-quality early education programs help assure children are safe, learning, and active

and provide connection to another caring adult trained to support child development and young children’s social and emotional well-being.1 Since enrolling Cole and Cooper in PSU, Amber says they have both excelled. “It is really exciting to see how far they have come,” said Amber. “You can see that the teachers really know how to work with the little kids on their level and teach them.” “Cole has developed in many ways; he is sociable, independent, and curious about the world around him,” said Susana Serrato, Lead Teacher at YMCA Preschool University. “He has gone from speaking 3 to 4 words phrases to carrying out a short conversation. I would have never known that Cole had PTSD until I had the opportunity to speak to Amber about his progress one day.” Early childhood is a critical stage in growth and development. The basic architecture of the brain starts before birth and continues through adulthood. Early experiences affect the quality of the architecture and set the foundation on which future development will grow. Children’s experiences with the people who consistently surround them

influence the structure of their developing brain. 2 “The foundation they give them there is setting them up for success,” said Amber. “I think what they are doing with these little guys is amazing.”

The foundation they give them there is setting them up for success. At the Y, we believe in nurturing the growth of all children through quality and affordable programs. When you support the Y, you support families in our community and help them access child care that develops healthy and happy children. ** Names have been changed to maintain confidentiality. 1. LA County. 2013. http://file.lacounty. gov/SDSInter/bos/supdocs/77132.pdf 2. Harvard University. 2016. https:// 46y5eh11fhgw3ve3ytpwxt9r-wpen gine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/ uploads/2016/05/From_Best_Practices_to_Breakthrough_Impacts-4.pdf 3. Youth Today. 2020. https://youthtoday. org/2016/10/a-bridge-to-child-carefor-foster-kids-in-california/

1 in 4 foster children experience PTSD.3 9

CHILD CARE

PRESIDENT’S GOLDEN CIRCLE

Richard Haller The Will J. Reid Foundation Tanya Angeles Jocelyn Berrios Sue Angell Robert & Martha Best Bill & Sue Hardy Zayanne & Mark Thompson Joyce Anglin Carole Beswick Shirley Harry Doug & Terri Thorne $ ( 1,000 and above) Ramona Angulo Rodolfo Betancourt Bill & Lori Hatfield UBS Financial Services, Inc. Daniel & Heather Abushanab Anonymous Bob Biberston Pat & Rhonda Hoag Clemmie Van Mouwerik Sajid & Elizabeth Ahmed Anthony Araujo David Bienstock James R. Holmes Dale Ventres Alruso Tax Services Gianni Arrington Esther Bienstock HUB International Insurance Jaimee & Bobby Viola The Annette M. Williams Arrowhead United Way Janice Bienstock Services Inc. Neal & Joyce Waner Charitable Foundation Nertha Arroyo Randy Bishop Kennedy & Kennedy Craig & Carole Wesson Anonymous Cindy Aselage Alex Blanco Kiwanis Club of Redlands- Noon Marion D. Wiens Darwin & Ivette Barnett Alex Avila Nancy Blastos Janet Lee Wise Healthcare, LLC Dale & Alma Bauer Tommy Avina Peter Blickensderfer Lou Anne & Mark Malak Sandra & Steven Yegge Jerry & Marilyn Bean Allison Axelrod Marc Blount Mathewschildren and families t the Group Y, we believe inAlaina nurturing Beaver Medical Frank Ayala Liem Boehn Mathews Steven & through Vickie Becker affordable,Nathan quality child care. Our purpose has Shannon Bailey Jerry & Mary Bohn COMMUNITY David & Robin Maupin Barbara Baker Susan Bohn Don & Ellen Berry been to be a place of support to the community. DONORS always William J. Meehan Adalid Ballesteros Ray Boice Linda Boas Frankie A YMCA child care programsTyler have provided a consistent space & Keri Miner Mike Ballinger Amber Bolden The Bolden Family Alicia B. Acosta for children in our community come and receive care that Eric S.to Munson Kenneth Ballou Cal Boothby James & Leona Booth Norma Acosta parents know and trust. Boyd & Helen Nies Toni Ballou Sheri Borg Kathryn Brown & Jim Hendon Federico Adame Rita & Thomas Osborne Grace Balmet Janee Both Gragg Jennifer Adams Elaine Brubacher By removing the financial Ralph barriers of child care, we ensure that & Christine Pacini Luann Bangsund Jonathan Bravo Paul Adams Char & Larry Burgess PCH Architects all children in our community have an equitable start.Juanita Together, Sylvia Banta Breunle Family Aguilar Allison & Gary Cambridge Maria Banuelos Peggy Brier Pence Construction, Inc. we can bridge the gaps in affordable child care by providing Pete Aguilar Kim Robert Clark Cheyenne Barajas Leticia Briggs Del & Jessie Powell Aguilar Family financial assistance and opening up access to quality care to Frances Coles & Richard Stefanie & Eric Bargas Brockardt Family James & Rowena Ramos Angie Ake all in our community. Griffiths Barich & Associates Insurance Kevin Brooks Redlands Community Antonio Ake Richard & Colleen Corneille Marketing Inc. Shirley Brown Foundation Antonio Ake Sr. James & Judith Culpepper Peter Barmack Ilene Buchenau Redlands Plumbing, Heating & Maria Ake Tom & Julie Cutler PSU ParentDel Barrett Jeff Bullard Air Conditioning, Inc. Diane Alblinger Isabella Barrientos Marty & Jane Davis Sarah Bullard Redlands Print Shop & Copy John & Kathleen Albrektson to go back to school and get my “I was a singleDona parent struggling Bartholomew Peter & Serena Davis Center, Inc. Ronald Burris Yolanda Alcala bachelor’s degree and because I had with child careBrian and IBaumann walked in one Thomas & Kay Dobbertin Elaine Rosen Mauricio Cadavid Barbara Alejandre the support from the Y to enroll my Kenia Bautista day and started asking questions. Edison International Jennifer Cadkin Rotary Club of Redlands Nancy Alexander second son I was able to complete Richard Bawden My biggest fear was how much Jose & Yvette Calderon Jerry & Staci Fields Bruce & Susan Satzger All Pet Feed & Tack Inc. Jordy Zuriel Becerra my degree. This year I have decided this was going to cost me. When I Katelyn Calderon First Baptist Church of Redlands James & Carol Snodgress AlphaSights, LTD Steven Bedo to go back andFamily complete my Caldwell Paul & Juliana Foster Marilyn Solter Jamie Altamirano walked in I was so surprised that Eva Beisner master’s degree. I know I wouldn’t Katherine Campbell there is help from the Y and in the Franci & Scott Free Nancy & Tilden Spencer Angelica Alvarez Jodi B. have been able to do that without Jera Canchola community for parents like myself Scott & Franci Free Family Jeffrey Ambriz Statistical Research Inc Lauren Bennett Tim & Marie Donor Advised Fund the support of theCantwell Y.” Yvette Amezcua that need help with child care.” Ken & Robin Stein Elizabeth Berg Jeff Capen Brian & Lindsay Graham Aida Amezquita James & Virginia Stellar Sheila Bergman Ofelia Capetillo Janet Greenfield Diane Anderson “The Y has played a big part in my Sunrise Rotary David Bernal Abigail Carbajal family and my career. I was able Justin Anderson

IMPACT A

Karina Montiel

10 10

Andrea Guevara PSU Executive Director

“We have been committed to helping families during the pandemic. We never shut our doors. It took staff coming together to learn and plan how to safely support families.” “We want parents and families to know we are here to help and support them. If they can not pay the full fee there are different avenues, subsidies, scholarships. Sometimes it is just a matter of helping them through the system to find the resources they need.”

Kim

Parent & YMCA Member “Kids club has been a life-saver,” said YMCA member Kim. “It allows me to work out, and my kids get to play; they crave interaction with other kids.I like to go to group ex classes. I am a people person. It has been a wonderful thing for our family.”

11 11

LEGAL

SUPPORT N

avigating the court system can be difficult for an average person under the best of circumstances, but for Richard, who was struggling with brain fog after recovering from COVID-19, the task seemed impossible. After unexpected medical expenses, Richard and his wife fell behind on credit card payments. Living on a fixed social security retirement income, they could not pay for medical care and living expenses. In an effort to pay down their debt, the couple decided to work with a company that consolidates debt. Unknown to Richard at the time, one of their creditors was unwilling to consolidate the debt and instead opted to file a lawsuit. After receiving a civil summons for credit card debt in the mail, “I thought

to myself my gosh, what am I going to do?” said Richard. “I was really in a mess.” Richard had 30 days to complete the requested court forms. “I went to the court, and the clerk wouldn’t accept my paperwork. I had filled it out all wrong. I saw this guy 3 or 4 times; he told me to get legal advice,” said Richard. The courthouse clerk gave Richard a list of legal aid resources available in the Inland Empire. “After trying to call a few and having no luck getting a hold of any of ‘em. I went down to the Y,” said Richard. He had 15 days left to file the required forms. “Presently, San Bernardino and Riverside courts do not offer self-

help services in civil cases beyond small claims and landlord/tenant cases,” said Paula Salcido, YMCA Legal Aid Director and Attorney at Law. “The YMCA, Legal Aid Program, is available to provide vital information about the civil court process, explain available options, and prepare court forms if the choice is to file a response with the court.” The creditors did not want to work with the debt consolidation company. “They were asking for a bunch of money every month, and me and my wife have social security as our income. We couldn’t afford that,” said Richard.

She made things so crystal clear; I had no problem.

“She gave me the information and talked to us in a way we could understand it,” said Richard. Paula explained that Richard and his wife were Judgment-proof, and creditors could not seize their assets. “She told me what to say to them. It was the best experience I ever had,” said Richard. “Our $30 consult fee is an affordable option and allows an individual to access legal information and make an informed choice on their next steps in the legal process,” said Paula. Unlike other clinics, the YMCA’s Legal Aid Clinic is entirely community-funded and receives no federal or state support. This year alone, 554 individuals and families have received legal assistance at the Y. Through your generous donations, the YMCA’s Legal Aid Clinic can provide low-cost services to all in need in our community. ** Names have been changed to maintain confidentiality.

Richard was able to sit down and speak with Paula, the Y Legal Aid Director. “She made things so crystal clear; I had no problem,” shared Richard.

1. California Justice Gap Study. 2019. https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/ documents/accessJustice/JusticeGap-Study-Executive-Summary.pdf

About 1 in 4 Californians will experience a finance related legal issue.1 12

2021 ANNUAL

CAMPAIGN

1,963

Camp Edwards

2,215

Other

5,577

Circus Our annual campaign helps raise awareness and funds so that everyone can participate in Y programs. Last year with the pandemic, we had to offer fewer programs to meet requirements thus had fewer traditional scholarships. Thanks to the support of our annual campaign, the Y was able to pivot many of our programs and offerings to meet the needs of our community. Particularly for essential workers and families returning to the workplace. Our child care needed $ 355, 697 of YMCA support to continue to provide services to families. With your support, our essential programs and services help lift the healthy mindset of an entire community, boost the potential of thousands of kids, and build family togetherness.

11,642

Youth Sports

12,624

Aquatics

47,841

Day Camp

75,723

Distance Learning

276,870

Financial Assistance awarded 2020–2021 14

119,285

Membership

6,292

Total number of YMCA members receiving Financial Assistance.

SAW Program at the YMCA of the East Valley YMCA of the East Valley has developed a unique partnership with Redlands Unified School District to have every 2nd grader go through our Safety Around Water program. Funded by the generous support of our donors, our Safety Around Water program has made learning life-saving water skills accessible for all second graders in our community.

YMCA CIRCUS The Redlands Family YMCA has been cultivating community through circus arts and a shared passion in creating jaw-dropping, aweinspiring, and grin-inducing circus routines - because it’s not a circus unless there are clowns. The oldest community circus in the world, The Great Y Circus has participants from ages 3 to 67. ®

255

Days the Y ran in-person child care programs. There are 260 working days in a calendar year.

15 15

YMCA OF THE EAST VALLEY Redlands Family YMCA Highland Family YMCA San Bernardino Family YMCA Preschool University Camp Edwards

OUR MISSION The YMCA of the East Valley is an association of people of all ages, ethnic groups, and religious affiliations founded on Christian principles and dedicated to building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities through programs that develop spirit, mind, and body.

ymcaeastvalley.org