LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA

LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is a research-based program offering people affected by cancer a safe, supportive environment to participate in physical and social activities. Y staff, trained in supportive cancer care, work with participants to achieve goals such as building muscle mass and strength, increasing flexibility and endurance, and improving confidence and self-esteem. In addition to physical benefits, LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA focuses on the emotional well-being of survivors and their families by providing a supportive community where people impacted by cancer can connect during treatment and beyond. 

Isla Vista Coalition for Healthy Communities

The Isla Vista Coalition for Healthy Communities 805 focuses on enhancing the quality of life in Isla Vista and the surrounding Communities. Through education, collaboration, and programs, the coalition hopes to reduce high-risk substance use as well as increase resilience for children, young adults, and families.

St. George Youth Center

St. George Youth Center provides a safe, fun, alternative space for teens during the high-risk after-school hours. Our goal is to create a space where all youth and teens feel safe, supported and empowered to be the best version of themselves. The youth center is open to young people in grades 5th -12th, and we support the strength and achievement of youth and their families through a variety of educational, recreational, cultural and leadership opportunities.

Isla Vista Teen Leaders

The Isla Vista Teen Leaders, a leadership group based out of the St. George Youth Center, empowers youth to make informed, healthy decisions for themselves and create meaningful impact in their community. Participating youth cultivate leadership skills and practice community engagement through workshops offered by community partners, event planning, meeting with local leaders and officials, and many other activities that foster youth development. IV Teen Leaders also support youth substance use prevention efforts by serving as youth representatives in the Isla Vista Coalition for Healthy Communities 805, a community coalition funded by the Drug-Free Communities Support Program. Isla Vista Teen Leaders is open for 7 - 12 graders who live in Isla Vista or Goleta, and they meet every Wednesday and Thursday starting at 4:30pm at St. George Youth Center.

St. George Youth Center

Teens & Government

Teens & Government is a model legislature and court program for high school students that offers insight into government processes and knowledge to solve community problems by utilizing democratic processes. By stepping into roles of judges, lawyers, or Youth Governors, participants research, write, and debate to pass their own bills in an attempt to resolve real issues. The program includes trips to Fresno and Sacramento, collaborating with over 3,000 students across the state to experience the legislative world and meet California senators, assembly members, and judges.

Open Doors

At the YMCA, we believe that no child, family or adult should be turned away because of their inability to pay. YMCA financial assistance is made possible through generous donations from individuals and foundations opening a world of YMCA programs and activities for all in the community.

3rd Grade Learn to Swim

The YMCA partners with elementary schools to offer free swim lessons to every 3rd grader. Together, in partnership with local schools, we are changing and saving children’s lives by teaching much-needed skills to be safe in and around the water.

Operation Ventura

Operation Ventura is a program that gives homeless, foster, and transitional living youth in Ventura County a chance at enriching experiences to better their future. Through this program, the Ventura Family YMCA offers a swim class and another youth class to these children at no cost to their families.