YMCA of the East Valley Annual Report 2022-2023

FORWARD TOGETHER

YMCA of the East Valley Annual Report 2022

LETTER FROM DARWIN

As we reflect on this last year, we are thankful for the opportunity to make an impact in our community. Every day, our community partners, members, volunteers, and staff work together to deliver the promise of strengthening our communities by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other.

We have been determined and steadfast in uncertain moments throughout the last few years. Still, we have continued to be a leader in preventing accidental drownings with our Safety Around Water program. We continue to be a space for our youth to be after school for thousands each day. And we will continue to bridge gaps to support our most vulnerable neighbors. As our community continues to heal and more families walk through our doors each day, the Y will be here. The Y will continue to bring families together by fostering connections through youth sports, camps, and fitness activities.

As we continue to re-build and evolve our programs and network of services, we are grateful to you, our valuable partners. The strength that comes from working together makes the challenging possible.

You have been a vital partner in ensuring our Y delivers its core Y programs, along with finding different ways to respond to our community’s emerging needs. Through it, all our members, staff, volunteers, donors, and other dedicated community organizations have joined in the effort to advance new avenues of service.

Thank you for walking alongside us on this journey.

Darwin Barnett CEO | YMCA of the East Valley

TINA’S LEGAL AID STORY

I needed to remove my ex-husband from my son’s conservatorship as it was no longer in my son’s best interest. I was given a referral of agencies by the court that might be able to assist me. The ones I called were unwilling to help me with the changes. I appeared three times unprepared before the judge and needed extensions. I was on my last chance at getting this completed. I called YMCA Legal Aid and explained my urgent predicament. The gentleman who did my intake questions was very kind, and Paula Salcido graciously offered to help me. My paperwork was expertly prepared, and at my court appearance, things finally went smoothly. I was extremely stressed, not knowing where to go for help, and am forever grateful for the help that we received.

CHILD CARE & PSU

Like many working parents, Michelle struggled to find child care for her two youngest children. “It was hard for me. My parents would help when they could, but they also worked,” shared Michelle.

“So I had to cut back hours or go in at night when my job could work with me. It has been very hard with COVID since I work in nursing, and it is a very competitive field. I even had to go down to part-time at work just because I didn’t have care for my kids.”

A recent Household Pulse Survey from the Census Bureau finds that over 1 in 4 families with children under the age of 5 reported that they could not send their kids to child care because of safety concerns or because their usual option was closed, unavailable, or unaffordable.1

“It’s very hard with what people charge for daycare. You have to step back and think, ‘Is it worth me working?’ With my oldest, it made me feel like I was just working to pay for daycare, and I felt like I was missing a lot of what was going on with my kids because I was working all the time,” shared Michelle.

A friend from church recommended the preschool all her children had attended, YMCA PreSchool University. When meeting with PSU staff, Michelle learned about financial aid and state-subsidized care. With that new knowledge and having a trusted friend refer her, Michelle felt confident in enrolling her children with the Y. In July of 2021, Emma (5) started preschool. By the end of 2021, PSU was able to accept Ethan (2) into the toddler class.

“At Preschool University, I know they are learning and in good care. They

have a good curriculum, and I see that with my son,” said Michelle. ”Ethan is talking more than his older siblings did at his age. He comes home singing songs.”

because of these volunteers warms my heart,” shared Michelle.

We at the Y, believe in nurturing children and families through affordable, quality child care.

Michelle hopes she can also lend a helping hand through the Y Annual Campaign. “It is nice to be able to donate to another family in need and help give their kids the type of schooling and daycare they need.”

This August, Emma will be starting kindergarten and enrolling in afterschool care with the Y. “I think she will be more prepared than my oldest,” shared Michelle. “The Y has benefited both my kids. Just being able to interact with other kids their age. And the teaching, I feel my daughter has learned a lot just in the year she has been there, more than I could have taught her since I work.”

“Thank you. It is very helpful that you [Annual Campaign volunteers] take the time to help people who cannot pay out of pocket. Not having to worry about if I can pay for someone to watch my kids. Not having to worry about it coming out of my pocket

By removing the financial barriers of child care, we ensure that all children in our community have an equitable start. Together, we can bridge the gaps in affordable child care by providing financial assistance and supporting all families in our community.

1. U.S. News. Feburary 1, 2022. https://www.usnews.com/news/ best-states/articles/2022-02-01/ states-where-families-have-thebiggest-challenge-finding-child-care

2. Kids Data. April 12, 2018. https:// www.kidsdata.org/topic/1849/childcare-cost/table# fmt=2358&loc=366&tf =108&ch=984,222& sortColumnId =0&sortType=asc

I even had to go down to part-time at work just because I didn’t have care for my kids.

SENIOR COMMUNITY & HEALTH

loneliness affect mood and mental health and create higher rates of poor physical health. Social isolation significantly increases a person’s risk of premature death from all causes, a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity. 2

“T

he Y is my sweetheart; I started on Valentines Day,” shares Linda. Six months into her health journey, Linda had a membership to a different gym but was looking for more. “I heard great things about the Y,” she shared.

Linda has made going to the Y part of her daily routine. “I’m there two or three hours a day. If you are like me, a widow or widower, you have too much time on your hands.”

As people get older, there is a natural tendency to settle into inactive routines and grow increasingly sedentary, leading to being less social and isolated. Unfortunately, studies show that seniors experience loneliness more than the rest of the population.1

“I’ve lost an excess of 30 pounds since I came to the Y.” Linda is now just 5 pounds shy of her total weight loss goal of

from the Y brings her back each day. “If I miss a day, I feel like I haven’t visited a friend that day. I feel really lonely. I miss it. I really miss it when I don’t go,” she shares. “They encourage you, and it is a family feeling.”

“I really enjoy my Y,” shares Linda. “I love the staff; they are so sweet. They come and check on me, see how many miles I’ve done on the bike, and make sure my show is on the TV. They are good to this old lady,” laughs Linda.

According to the CDC, studies have shown that isolation and

110 pounds since starting her fitness journey over a year ago. But working out is only one aspect of Linda’s Y visits, the sense of support and feeling of community that she receives

We’re committed to helping older adults stay physically and mentally healthy. At the Y, we know by creating a supportive environment for people of all ages to thrive, we strengthen not just individuals but the foundation of our community. With the support of donors, we can eliminate financial barriers that impede seniors from accessing health and wellness resources, making new connections, and finding a community of support.

1. Senior Lifestyle. July 15, 2022. https:// www.seniorlifestyle.com/resources/ blog/the-mental-health-benefits-ofsocializing-for-seniors/

2. CDC. March 25, 2022. https://www.cdc. gov/aging/publications/features/lonelyolder-adults.html

Nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated.

If I miss a day, I feel like I haven’t visited a friend that day. I feel really lonely.

OUR REACH IN NUMBERS

The YMCA is the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by empowering young people, improving the health and well-being of people of all ages, and inspiring action in and across communities.

LEGAL AID 634

Families and individuals assisted with affordable legal aid.

We strengthen communities by connecting people to their potential, purpose, and each other. We know that when we work together, we move individuals, families, and communities forward. Guided by our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, the Y is dedicated to giving people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity.

MEMBERSHIPS 20,251

Members working together to achieve their health goals while being an important part of the community.

PRESCHOOL UNIVERSITY 103

Children building social and emotional skills in an enriched environment.

AQUATIC SCHOLARSHIPS

Children experienced a summer filled with excitement & adventure.

YMCA after school care provides opportunities for children to learn, grow, and thrive as they make their way from K-5th grade.

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

AROUND THE Y

The Y welcomes everyone, which is why our programs, services and initiatives are so wide-ranging. Our programs help our members live healthier and develop long-lasting connections. Our members, program participants, and neighbors all want the same thing: safe, inclusive, connected communities where everyone can thrive. The Y makes a personal commitment to this vision by welcoming people of all backgrounds and dimensions of diversity.

We inspire kids to realize their potential, prepare teens for college and career, provide opportunities for families to bond and support people of all ages and backgrounds to be healthier in spirit, mind and body.

We rely on our members, program participants, donors, and volunteers to work alongside us to strengthen communities. Whether you want to mentor young people, improve your family’s health and well-being or support your neighbors, your involvement with the Y helps bring about positive and meaningful change.

For a better us.®

DavidSan Bernardino SilverSneakers ® Member

“I am a lap swimmer. Three years ago I learned the Y had a pool and I could come for free. I’ve been coming ever since. Being able to come to the Y has made a huge difference in my energy level.“

Mikayla

Camper at Camp Edwards

“I love to do the Circus here. I used to do gymnastics, self-taught, and [Circus Camp] really helps me find my limits. It’s been great. Such fun experiences. My favorite [part of camp] is meeting my cabin mates and making friends. It just makes the experience even better. ”

Ariadne

Redlands Family YMCA Parent

“The overall experience has been great, I’m really pleased that my daughter has an affordable, structured program she can [attend]. The instructors are respectful and caring. The affordability is a plus, I’m thankful for their income-based program that allows me to afford the costs.”

PARENT & CHILD SWIM

In an effort to bridge the gap in swim lessons and water safety education, the YMCA of the East Valley has offered the Safety Around Water program for free to children in the local community since 2017. Funded by the generous support of our donors, our Safety Around Water program has taught 4809 youth water safety skills in the last five years.

the community for safety. It is important for parents to know that these programs exist,” says Claudia.

For over 110 years, the YMCA has been teaching swim lessons. This year the YMCA of the East Valley taught 217 swim lessons through scholarships.

With a pool in her backyard and her energetic twoyear-old, Claudia knew she had to find swim lessons for her son Phoenix. “I searched online for somewhere that offered swim lessons nearby,” said Claudia. In her search, she found Parent & Child swim lessons at the Highland Family YMCA and signed up. “We think it is important for him to learn to swim and get out of a pool,” said Claudia.

According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death among children aged 1–4 years, and drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death among children 5–9 years. More than 60% of fatal drownings of 0–4 year-olds occur in swimming pools. 1

After only eight classes, twoyear-old Phoenix is making great strides in his swim survival skills. “We love it. I feel so grateful that he can now get to the edge of the pool and pull himself up,” shared Claudia. “The wall crawl, or gripping the edge of the pool and moving around is one of his favorite things to do.”

At the Y, we know that water safety education is vital to the health and safety of our community. Yet survey data shows that 3 in 10 parents say water safety isn’t a priority due to affordability concerns. 2 Personal experiences and barriers parents face when it comes to swimming and water safety can have generational impacts.

In a study published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, formal

The Y knows that in order to create a community of strong swimmers, we need to eliminate the financial and social barriers that many face. With the support of our donors, we are working each day to reduce the risks and eliminate child drownings.

1. CDC. July 10, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/ healthywater/swimming/ publications.html#eleven

swim lessons were associated with a 88% reduction in the risk of drowning in 1- to -4-year-old children. 3

“It is amazing that the Y offers access to programs like these to

2. YMCA. September 13, 2021. https://www.ymca.org/sites/ national/files/2021-09/YMCA%20 Infographic_ER-Update.pdf

3. JAMA Network.March 2, 2009. https://jamanetwork. com/journals/jamapediatrics/ fullarticle/381058?resultClick=3

Swim lessons were associated with a 88% reduction in the risk of drowning in 1- to 4-year-old children. 2

It is amazing that the Y offers access to programs like these to the community for safety.

8,359

SAW Program at the YMCA of the East Valley

Total number of YMCA members receiving Financial Assistance.

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.

80TH

Performing season of the Great Y Circus®

378

2022

Each year, volunteers & donors help us make our community a better place to live through the YMCA’s Annual Campaign. Through generous donations to our Annual Campaign, we can give every individual the Y experience, regardless of their ability to pay. Every dollar raised through our Annual Campaign allows us to impact thousands of lives each year. 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.

YMCA OF THE EAST VALLEY

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

Sajid

Janet Grenda Board Chair

Janet Greenfield Past Chair Kailey Hatfield-Odero Secretary Bruce Satzger Treasurer

Members