The YMCA of Orange County is a special organization for our communities. They offer programs that span youth development, fitness & sports, camps, community services and programs for families to make deeper connections. Personally, I have been both a participant and a volunteer in their Adventure Guides program with all 4 of my kids. Over the last 8 years I have created a stronger bond with each of my kids while outdoors camping with several other dads and their children. This program creates opportunities to experience Southern California locations inclusive of unique venues like spending a night at the Wild Animal Park, spending a night on the Midway, visiting the Magic Castle, or simply local camping in our local mountains or out in the desert. Each of these opportunities simply put is an opportunity to make memories that will last a lifetime. Given my involvement through this program and the personal benefits I have expanded my involvement with the OC YMCA and recently joined their Board of Directors and am excited to see more broadly what they do for our communities. They truly are making a difference!
The YMCA of Orange County is doing so much for our community. Not only do they provide traditional Physical facilities (Gym) for working out, but childcare for families after school, or while parents work out at the Gym facilities, but they do so much more for families, like scholarships for families that can't afford their programs. They also focus on helping people with support for "mind, body, and spirit" by addressing helpful programs to treat all aspects of people's lives, e.g., from raising kids, through child development programs from infancy to adulthood, sports leagues, learn to swim classes, senior classes, silver sneakers for seniors, and much more.
They create opportunities for families to have quality time together participating in Y sponsored events. Their parent -child programs build long -lasting relationships special experiences for families. The Y has support group through their New Horizons program to support families with disabled or challenged children and adults. They provide outings and day care enrichment programs for the disabled. The Y is the largest childcare provider in Orange County, and they are because the school districts know the Y provides the best after school programs available.
The staff is very professional and manage their operations with financially strong practices. They have proven to be outstanding stewards of the donations they receive and put the money to good use to help the community. They keep overhead to a minimum, just enough to efficiently manage their programs and facilities. They have an endowment program and have hired outstanding investment advisors to manage their money. They have a clearly written investment plan and manage the advisors to that plan. This Non-profit organization is as good as any for profit operation, with responsible leadership, and they also CARE about the members, kids, families of the community. I support this YMCA with my time, and money because I believe they continue to have a huge positive impact on Orange County families, and their other service areas.
We've been with the YMCA sports program for many years and it's been a core component of raising our kids. When we first moved here, we were unfamiliar with available options but trusted that the Y would be a solid choice because of its reputation. We've been very happy with that choice. Now my son actually coaches at the Y and it's heartening to see how the organization continues to help him grow from a different vantage point.
The YMCA is one of the most impactful nonprofit organizations that I have experienced. They contribute so much across various aspects of the community - from youth, to seniors, to veterans, to people with special needs, and to families. It truly is a charity that brings together people as a community. I've also seen the YMCA grow as an employer, and to bring an incredible culture to its employees. The YMCA employees love working there - they feel valued; they feel heard; they feel like their contributions matter; and they are making a difference. I have been proud to see the YMCA grow as an organization over the past few years, and am excited about the possibilities that the future brings.
I've been involved with the YMCA of Orange County for almost 20 years as a board member and dad of two boys that benefited immensely from the Adventure Guides program. But the Y is much more than Adventure Guides. The YMCA of Orange County plays a significant role across Orange County, offering a variety of programs and services dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Its focus on youth development is impactful through its before and after-school programs, camps, and sports which assist working parents and contribute to children's growth and development.
The Y’s commitment to health and wellness is reflected in its five fitness centers and diverse range of exercise programs. These facilities and classes provide opportunities for individuals to improve their physical and mental well-being regardless of their fitness level.
Another aspect of the YMCA's impact is its support for people with special needs. Programs like New Horizons and Inclusion create spaces where adults and children with disabilities can participate in social activities, develop new skills, and build friendships. These initiatives contribute to a more inclusive community environment.
Community engagement is another key area of the YMCA's impact. By offering various volunteer opportunities, mentorship programs, and service projects, the Y enables residents to contribute to their community and foster a sense of belonging.
The YMCA also serves as a social hub, providing a space for people to connect and form relationships. In today's increasingly digital world, this face-to-face interaction can be particularly valuable for building a stronger sense of community.
Overall, the YMCA of Orange County lives up to its mission of building healthy spirit, mind, and body for all and strives to enhance the well-being of individuals and families through its diverse programs and services.
I hope to be a part of the YMCA of Orange County for the next 20 years and beyond.
The YMCA is a place that welcomes all. They provide an invaluable resource that serves the community by offering programs that are committed to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. When I was looking for a way to give back to my community, I joined the YMCA's Board of Directors. Our Mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build heathy spirit, mind and body for all.
We have the privilege to live in a community that is one of the most generous places in the world. Our impact is both global and local. We are also blessed with some of the most amazing churches and non-profits impacting a diverse community of humans designed in God's image. I am grateful for the YMCA of Orange County and how the collective organization far exceeds expectations in every aspect of its love and mission to strengthen our community by providing safe spaces to empower every individual through programs committed to health & wellness, before & afterschool your development, special needs, and community service.