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Causes: Human Services, Physical Fitness & Community Recreational Facilities, Sports, Young Mens or Womens Associations
Mission: The channel islands ymca is a charitable organization providing programs based upon christian principles to men, women, and children of all ages, races religious beliefs and economic status, to develop and enrich the spirit, mind, and body. Our movement strenghtens community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. We help people develop the skills and relationships they need to be healthy, confident and connected to others. Kids discover who they are and what they can achieve. Adults learn more, do more and lead healthier lives.
Programs: Healthy living: improving health and well-being in santa barbara and ventura counties, the channel islands ymca is a leading voice on health and well-being. With a mission centered on balance, the y brings families closer together, encourages good health and fosters connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests. As a result, thousands of youth, adults and families are receiving the support, guidance and resources needed to achieve greater health and well being in spirit, mind and body. Health, well-being & fitness - resources and guidance to maintain or improve physical activity, health and wellness. The channel islands ymca includes the camarillo family ymca, ventura family ymca, montecito family ymca, santa barbara family ymca, lompoc family ymca and the stuart c. Gildred family ymca in santa ynez. Five of these facilities include lap pools and all include exercise equipment and multi-use spaces to provide wellness classes available to people of all ages. The ymca also provides free health fairs/screenings, exercise activities and nutrition advice for members and nonmembers alike. During the year, over 44,738 people were members of our association. A few years ago we launched the livestrong program at the ymca . During the year 74 cancer survivors particpated in the program to gain back their strength, meet other survivors and find the mindset to live life to its fullest. Other programs focus on: family time- bringing families together to have fun and grow together. Sports & recreation- healthy lifestyle activities that bring together people with shared athletic and recreational interests. Group interest- social networks and activities that bring together people that share common passions and personal interests.
youth development; nurturing the potential of every child and teen. We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. The y is guided by four core values: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Through the y, our youth are cultivating the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and educational achievement. Child care - safe, nurturing environment for children to learn, grow and develop social skills. As one of the largest providers of affordable child care and day camps in santa barbara and ventura counties, the channel islands ymca offers high-quality child care to working families regardless of income level. In many instances, the y makes it possible for the parents of young children to remain gainfully employed knowing their children are thriving in a safe and supporting environment. During the year 1,650 children were enrolled in afterschool care. Summer and sleep away camps - an exciting, safe community for young people to explore, build self-esteem, develop interpersonal skills and make lasting friendships and memories. Y camping experiences have been enriching the lives of children for more than 100 years. Camps are effective in helping children develop a set of values that will serve them for a lifetime. Y sleep away camps use activities like hiking, swimming and craft activities to help children develop an appreciation of nature, positive values and good group skills while having fun. Y camps provided exposure to new experiences that help the camper grow in spirit, mind and body. Our goal is to have each camper return from camp with a higher sense of self-esteem, new friends, a greater appreciation of the outdoors, a respect for diversity, a sense of community and responsibility and a learning of how to work with others. During the year, 378 youth attended sleep away camps. Education & leadership- knowledge, character development, guidance and encouragement to help youth develop and realize their potential. For over 130 years, the channel islands ymca has provided programs that reach out to the community. Some of these programs include adventure guides (renamed from y-indian guides), dances, ymca youth and government and other leadership programs. During the year 102 teens participated in our teen leadership programs. Swim, sports & play - positive, fun activities that build athletic, social and interpersonal skills. Swimming is an essential skill in our coastal communities. For generations, participants of all ages have learned water safety skills while discovering fun, wellness, and self-confidence in a y pool. Our swim staff are expertly trained to help swimmers, from the most timid to the most advanced, progress even further in their abilities and confidence levels. This year, 438 3rd graders learned lifesaving swimming and water safety skills for free through collaborations between schools and the y.
social responsibiility: giving back and providing support to our neighbors. The channel islands ymca has been listening and responding to our communities' most critical social needs for over 130 years. Whether developing skills or emotional well-being through education and training, welcoming and connecting diverse demographic populations, or preventing chronic disease and building healthier communities, the y fosters the care and respect all people need and deserve. Through the channel islands ymca, volunteers, donors, leaders and partners are empowering people of all ages to be healthy, confident, connected and secure. Social services - training, resources and support to empower our neighbors to make change, bridge gaps and overcome obstacles. Youth and family services ymca, our social services branch, encompasses programs dedicated to serving at-risk youth and families. Noah's anchorage youth crisis shelter (noah's) provides services to runaway and at-risk youth, ages ten to seventeen. During the year, we received over 380 crisis calls on our 24-hour hotline. Street outreach services (sos) assists youth living on the streets of our community with basic needs from food to socks, sleeping bags and toothbrushes. Through this program youth receive health care education, referrals, counseling and case management. During the year 120 at-risk youth were served at the shelter. The st. George family youth center, in isla vista, serves hundreds of youth, providing bilingual after-school homework assistance and mentoring. The center provides a variety of after-school programs as well as fieldtrips and other enrichment opportunities. The center also serves as an advocate for parents of teens, assisting them during meetings with school administrators and during court appearances with their children. 713 students participated at the youth center during the year. The st. George family youth center is about helping kids to achieve, families to become stronger, and the community to thrive. My home at artisan court provides a place where former foster youth ages 18-21 can find a home and build a path to independence. This supportive transitional housing program is the result of a collaboration with the santa barbara housing authority. Research tells us that 65% of young people leaving foster care don't have a place to live and 40% will be on public assistance or incarcerated within four years. At my home, young people who were facing homelessness are not simply housed, they receive the support they need to mature into self-sufficient adults. Our on-site staff and volunteers provide case management, education advocacy, work readiness training, life skills classes and counseling. During the year 33 at-risk youth were offered spaces at my home. Volunteerism & giving - during the year volunteers donated 21,296hours valued at $606,084 to help move people and communities forward, delivering the benefits of good health, strong connections, greater self-confidence and a sense of security to all who seek it. Voluntary contributions that fund, lead and support the y's critical work. The y is accessible to all people. Financial assistance is offered to individuals and families who cannot afford a membership. The channel islands ymca provided over $1. 2 million dollars in financial assistance to children, families and individuals for memberships and programs such as: childcare, camp, sports and after-school programs. Advocacy - collaborations with policy makers, community leaders and private and public organizations to develop youth, prevent chronic disease, build healthier communities and encourage social responsibility.