The YMCA is a great place to go for any kid. For some kids, it's the only great place to go. The truth is, because of family problems or low incomes, a lot of people can't afford the opportunities to go places and be with people who can give them the caring attention they need. That's why the YMCA is so important. We give people the positive experiences they need to grow up and to lead happy productive lives. But we always run out of money before we run out of people who need our help.

For over 150 years, the YMCA has been offering exciting programs to help all people realize their fullest potential. Each year the South Bay Family YMCA serves over 20,000 youth, families and seniors through the variety of programs you can see listed on this website, including day camp, childcare, parent/child programs, community programs, aquatics, youth sports & gymnastics, senior programs, and fitness/wellness programs.

Each year in February, we conduct our Annual Support Campaign where members of the community are asked to make a donation toward YMCA programs and services for low-income youth families and seniors, toward the YMCA scholarship program, and toward specific programs thrusts. As a non-profit organization, contributions are a critical source of income to help people who cannot afford programs and membership fees. As a part of our YMCA mission to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities, you have an opportunity to be a part of making a difference by saying "yes" when a volunteer calls upon you to ask for your help.

Please consider becoming a part of the team that promotes the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. At the YMCA, it is the generosity of the individuals that live in the communities we serve who can make a big difference in the lives of hundreds of kids, families and seniors that need our help. If you'd like to contribute to the 2003 YMCA Annual Support Campaign please contact Tony Fajardo, Department Head at 619-421-8805 or tfajardo@ymca.org.

 

Below is a letter from one of the thousands of families we are able to serve through donations generated from our Annual Support Campaign.

Dear South Bay Family YMCA, I wanted to write to tell you just how much the membership you have given my daughter and I means to me. I have a muscular disability, which keeps me from walking or doing any exercise at all. These last few years I have been gaining weight from inactivity and feeling more and more hopeless and depressed. What I needed was exercise, and it seemed I could not get what I needed. When my doctor suggested swimming, it gave me hope. Until I found out how much it would cost! Being on SSI I can barely afford to pay my rent let alone swimming. I applied to the YMCA and was granted a scholarship and it has changed my life! First, I have lost about 30 pounds of weight so far. Second, I feel hopeful again that I can lose the weight and resume somewhat of a normal life again. The swimming allows me to exercise hard for over an hour, and then the spa allows me to relax the muscle spasms caused by the exercise. Just being able to move and walk in the water is such a blessing! It feels great and the exercise relieves the deep depression I have been in lately. The best thing of all is that this is such a wonderful time for my 12-year old daughter and I to do something we both enjoy together. She loves the pool and adores the wonderful lifeguards. They are really such special people and she has made friends with them all. My daughter is very athletic and loves doing physical things. I haven't been able to enjoy these things with her for years. Now we can do something together again! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You truly have saved my life! Everyday gets better and better now. I couldn't have done it without the help of the YMCA! Yours in health and happiness…