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Mission Momentum: Winter 2025 Edition
As we enter this special time of year, I find myself reflecting on the joy, connection, and sense of belonging that fills our YMCA communities. From community tree lightings to our own holiday gatherings, I am inspired by the spirit our members bring to every event. It reminds me of how many lives the Y…
Welcome Dr. Roberto Gonzalez to our Board of Directors
The Channel Islands YMCA is proud to welcome Dr. Roberto Gonzalez as the newest member of its Board of Directors. Dr. Gonzalez brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in higher education, along with a deep commitment to equity, access, and community-centered service.Dr. Gonzalez currently serves as the President of Oxnard College. He holds…
Will Santa Barbara Lead the Way in Caring for the Most Vulnerable, Again?
Young People at Risk of Sexual Exploitation Are a New Crisis that Requires a ResponseWe face a new and similar crisis today — and I am hoping once again Santa Barbara will respond with passion, energy, and coordinated resources.This time, the population crying out to us are the vulnerable children and youth in Santa Barbara…
New Transitional Housing for Foster Youth Moves Forward in Santa Barbara
Six months after plans were first announced, the Lyons House is now moving forward in Santa Barbara, providing the county’s first transitional housing program for youth aging out of foster care.With more than 400 children currently in the foster system, organizers say the need for housing and support remains urgent.The Channel Islands YMCA is stepping…
Adelante Charter School and Montecito Family YMCA Make a Splash with Summer Swim Program
This summer, 96 Adelante Charter School (ACS) campers dove into five weeks of 25-minute group swim lessons through a long-standing partnership with the Montecito Family YMCA. Each child received five sessions—totaling 480 lessons—ranging from first-time swimmers conquering fears to water-safe students refining strokes.The YMCA provided partial scholarships, with the remaining funding secured by ACS ELOP…
Livestrong Cancer Program Doubles Participation in Santa Barbara
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The YMCA’s Livestrong program for cancer patients is experiencing record growth in Santa Barbara, with participation nearly doubling over the past year.Kiki Wells of Santa Barbara is battling stage four cancer. But she isn’t backing down.“My third goal was to say the word cancer ten times a day … the more…
Channel Islands YMCA Association Collects Over 1,100 Backpacks in 6th Annual Backpack Give Back Drive
The Channel Islands YMCA Association is proud to announce the successful conclusion of its 6th Annual Backpack Give Back, a community-wide campaign that collected over 1,100 backpacks for local vulnerable youth in need, more than doubling the total collected in the past two years combined.Each year, the Backpack Give Back initiative helps ensure that vulnerable…
Amy Tovias joins the 805 Focus!
In July, our Operations Director, Amy Tovias, was featured on 805 Focus with Cynder Sinclair to highlight the transformative work happening across our core programs. In this engaging 20-minute interview, Amy shares what sets Youth & Family Services apart from traditional YMCA branches, the number of youth we serve annually, an overview of each of…