Ymca Of The East Valley

Causes: Human Services, Physical Fitness & Community Recreational Facilities, Sports, Young Mens or Womens Associations

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, families and communities through programs that develop spirit, mind and body.

Programs: Health and fitness and camping: these programs are geared to promote physical fitness, youth development, healthy living, improved mental well-being, social growth and responsibility and sportsmanship. Healthy lifestyle programs are offered that enable entire families to participate in programs that educate participants on healthy diets, healthy living and exercise. The y believes that these programs strengthen the family as a unit when the entire family participates. Teamwork and positive motivation is fundamental in these programs. Sports leagues are designed so that every child plays in games. Day camping programs offer children and teens an educational and enriching experience and provide leadership opportunities as well. These programs are generally offered during school breaks and afford the parents the opportunity to work while being confident that their children are being well cared for in a stimulating environment. A summer learning loss prevention program funded by the la times family foundation, a mccormick foundation, enabled 208 kids from low income families the opportunity to participate in the no cost program, which on average improved their mathematics grade level by 56%, and their reading level grade equivalency by 63%. Summer camping trips for youth and families at camp edwards provided memorable experiences, helping to develop confidence and self-esteem. Families report that they receive unparalleled bonding experiences during camping trips. Community programs included a program geared to help recognize and prevent suicides, and teen emotion management series designed to help teens avoid stress and manage emotional health. A computer builders and program design class was offered to the community. Scholarships and financial assistance amounting to $525,199 was awarded to families and individuals to enable them to participate in ymca programs.

before and after school programs: the children in the program were among the poorest, most ethnically diverse and at-risk youth in san bernardino county. During the fiscal year, the program served approximately 8,200 students per day at 39 school sites. The large majority of the students served were from low income families; many of these families were single-parent homes. The purpose of the before and after school programs is to provide a safe, supervised, engaging and challenging environment, daily nutritional snacks, homework assistance, academic enrichment activities, structured recreational activities, assemblies, special presentations, and family nights in an environment that fosters lifetime learning. The program seeks to enhance each students academic, social, emotional and physical development in a safe environment. The program seeks to promote academic achievement in curricular areas, increase daily student attendance rates, reduce student suspension and expulsion rates and to develop positive student behavior and cooperative social skills. Reducing students' use of alcohol, drugs and tobacco, and incidents of violence and juvenile crimes is a major objective of the program. A wide variety of educational programs and activities are offered at no cost to the students. One of the primary goals of the program is to help students graduate from high school and help them become college ready. The program encourages parent involvement. The program includes community partnerships with san bernardino city unified school district and several other local entities. The impact of the program is measured by monitoring api test scores and by working closely with personnel from the students' regular school day program to monitor children's educational progress. Additionally, surveys are conducted involving students, parents, teachers, administrators and other employees from agencies involved in the program to measure its impact. Achievements from participating in the before and after school program includes improved api test scores, improved daily attendance and a decreased chance of being suspended or expelled from school.

child care:childcare is available for children ages 18 months through 5th grade in a safe, nuturing, stimulating and educational environment. Financial assistance is available. Teachers model the y's character values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Children gain the self-confidence needed to try new things and acquire the skills necessary for a lifetime of learning. Nutritious breakfasts, lunch and afternoon snacks are provided at the preschool program. Meals are free to all children. After-school care was provided at 13 school sites during the fiscal year. Snacks and homework help were provided.