During this unprecedented time, the YMCA of the East Bay remains steadfast and rooted in the commitment to its mission: to empower youth, advance health, and strengthen communities.

Families are facing new and very difficult challenges and the Y has quickly pivoted resources and programming to serve the most vulnerable. We need our community and partners to help ensure our strong focus on the development of our youth, and the health and wellness for all ages. The Y serves all through financial assistance, with equity and access to all its programs and services.

EARLY CHILDHOOD IMPACT

Young children (birth to 5 years old) in low income communities can experience toxic stress from poverty which leads to lack of impulse and emotion regulation, making it difficult to be ready for their first experience of school: Kindergarten. In the YMCA's Early Childhood Learning Centers, trained early childhood educators provide the optimal learning environment to ensure children receive the support and care vital for their futures. The Learning Centers provides these critical services:

Health screenings , family engagement services , mental health support , individualized education , developmentally appropriate classes, materials & playgrounds , parent workshops, counseling, education & job opportunities

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

The Y's Digital Learning Hubs were created to help youth all day with their distance learning. Youth Development staff assist the children with their school classes and provide enrichments such as art, physical activities, nutritious food, homework assistance, and STEM. As a result, families, especially essential workers, receive safe and quality care.

The Y's Youth & Government and Y-Scholars programs continue to meet the needs of teens seeking ways to contribute to their communities. The Y&G program teaches civic engagement and responsibility, and inspires teens to become active in our democratic process. This is more important than ever! The Y-Scholars program supports low income, first generation college-bound student with their dreams to gain a college education.

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

While our branches may not be open, engaging people of all ages is critical for the health of our communities. Through the Y's Virtual Fitness programming, we are reaching many who are struggling to keep active, especially seniors. Our mission to meet the needs of the most vulnerable can still be achieved through the virtual classes, personalized coaching, and health and wellness resources and workshops.

Camp Loma Mar has had to adjust to address the challenges of the pandemic and fires, but we still had the opportunity to host Family Camp sessions over the summer. Financial assistance was provided and kids experienced some of the benefits of camp, even though it was just for a weekend. As we plan for the future, financial assistance for families and children will be more important than ever to give access to those who have never experienced the joys of outdoor camp.

Help us deliver our mission.

The Y delivers crucial programs and services because of the ability to be flexible and adapt. The Y is evolving, but what is not changing is the mission that every child has access and opportunities to learn, that teens reach their full potential, and that our communities become healthier.

Your financial support is critical. Be generous this year.