Thank you for being a Y supporter!

For 133 years, the YMCA of San Diego County has
been committed to making the greatest possible impact on the lives of all
people and on the future health of families in our community. This is our top priority.

We have a 10-year strategic vision All Families
Count to significantly increase the time families spend together, and
specifically, to engage 1 in 10 households in programs that will help children
and their families of all backgrounds learn, grow and thrive.

Recently there has been media attention about the
Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA in regards to the youth membership category. Below
are the facts behind this story, which has not been represented correctly in
media reports you may have heard:

  • The
    YMCA of San Diego County, which consists of Headquarters and 15 operating
    units/branches is committed to serving more families and youth than ever
    before. The change in our policy regarding youth memberships enhances this
    commitment by encouraging families to spend more time together.
  • The
    youth membership was discontinued by all San Diego County YMCAs, with the
    exception of the Ecke branch, as of June 2014. Each Y has successfully worked
    with its community to transition youth members to other membership levels or
    means of participating.
  • The
    Ecke branch requested additional time to complete the youth membership
    transition. Ecke will discontinue offering youth memberships as of June 30,
    2015, but will honor youth memberships through their expiration date.
  • It has
    been the trend of YMCAs across the nation to discontinue the youth membership.
    Other Ys have eliminated youth membership, due to the inconsistency the name
    creates the misconception that it is a standard membership with full access
    to the facility.
  • Youth
    membership, which is typically for youth ages 12 and under, was designed to
    provide program discounts. It was not designed to allow youth access to Y
    facilities without program registration or for drop-in care.
  • Youth have the
    option of registering for all programs as a participant, however frequent
    users can benefit from family memberships.

While these changes have been implemented, it is
important to note, that it is the YMCA of San Diego County's standard that
no one is denied membership or access to programs and services at any of our
branches due to the inability to pay. We have funds allocated for financial
assistance to support this. In the past 11 months (fiscal year ends June 30,
2015), the YMCA of San Diego County has awarded $2,842,000 in direct
scholarships.

Unfortunately, it has also been inaccurately
reported that funds raised at our branches are being diverted to headquarters.
This is absolutely not true.

Not $1 the YMCA of San Diego County raises stays
with the YMCA of San Diego County it all goes to the community. In
the current year, $2.5 million has been granted to the local branches with the
greatest need. Likewise, all fundraising at branches are restricted funds and
stay at the branches. In fact, the YMCA of San Diego County's contribution to
subsidize low-income branches has steadily increased in the last five years
from $1.8 million to $2.5 million, a 34% increase.

The YMCA of San Diego County continues to grow
thanks to the commitment of our supportive community, dedicated staff and
volunteers, and our committed donors. From April 2014 to April 2015 the YMCA of
San Diego County has experienced a 14% growth in total membership, and
specifically a 22% growth in family memberships. This shows an increase in
youth participation more than ever at our local branches. It also further
supports our efforts to have families spend more time together.

Our economic impact on San Diego County grows as
well. We are one of the largest employers in the county with 5,000 employees at
any one time. We have 39 locations and 250 program sites which serve the
community. Approximately 15,000 children frequent our Child and Youth
Development programs on a daily basis. Our roots are strong and we will
continue to do what we do best serve
the community.

The YMCA of San Diego County has a vision to have
more families spend time together, learn together, grow together and thrive
together. We are doing this and the results show.

We look forward to continuing our All Families
Count initiative and welcome any feedback you may have. Please send praises or
concerns to [email protected].

Thank you for your continued support of the Y. It
is because of you and your commitment that we will move forward and support our
communities, families and youth.

All Families Count,


Baron Herdelin-Doherty
President and CEO
YMCA of San Diego County