YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles

Today, we express our sincere gratitude for everyone who helps make the impact of the LA Y possible. -To our staff for their dedication to our members and communities -To our members for choosing the Y and building our communities -To our volunteers for their generous spirit and commitment -To our donors - this work isn't possible without your investment and advocacy Thank you all. #HappyThanksgiving #YtoGive #ymcaLA #Gratitude #ymca #LosAngeles #Thanksgiving #begrateful

As we celebrate #NativeAmericanHertiageMonth this November, we want to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of Native American individuals. We invite you to take a moment today, together we HONOR and give respect to Native American People, Tribes, and Culture. #ymcala #ymca #LosAngeles #YForAll

Last week, the North Valley Family YMCA hosted their Annual Turkey Thanksgiving Baskets Giveaway. This year they assembled 4,600 baskets - more than ever! Thank you to the over 500 volunteers and many funders who made this possible! This is just one of the amazing ways the LA Y uplifts and serves our communities - check out your local Y to see what events are coming up next! #ymcala #ymca #LosAngeles #Community #philanthropy #inspirationalstories

Last week, the Crenshaw Family YMCA welcomed the board, executive staff, and Global Early Childhood Development Initiative team from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. From the heart of South-Central LA, we were thrilled to share the progress of our Early Learning Readiness (ELR) program, which has been able to expand across the LA region thanks to the Hilton Foundation’s generous support. Just this past year, the ELR program served over 1,000 children and caregivers to build stronger bonds and prepare for the future. ELR is offered across 12 centers of the LA Y, and provides an opportunity for caregivers to learn how to be their child’s first teacher, and to prepare them for kindergarten and beyond - at no cost. ELR is free to all thanks to the generosity of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation and the Jim Ellison & Bob Lowe Urban Endowment Fund. Learn more at ymcala.org #HiltonFoundation #ELR #CommunityImpact #EarlyLearning #DoGood #EarlyLearning #YMCALA

Earlier this month, Camp Roberts in beautiful San Miguel became a hub of youth empowerment as nearly 2,000 high-school delegates from across the state - and nearly every center in the LA Y - came together for the California YMCA Youth & Government (Cal Y Y&G) 77th Model Legislature & Court (MLC) Training & Elections. Over 400 volunteers supported this weekend of learning and connecting. At "Camp Bob" as it is affectionately called, delegates are informed of their program areas (Legislative Houses, Department of Finance, State Board of Education, Constitutional Convention, etc.) and their specific roles within those areas (lobbyist, attorneys/justices, clerks, committee chairs, etc.). More importantly, delegates and volunteers have the chance to meet their peers from across the state, exchange ideas and thoughts, make new friends and memories, and be part of one of the most impactful youth development programs in the nation. Learn more at ymcala.org or follow California YMCA Youth & Government today. #ymcala #ymca #LosAngeles #Y&G #CallY

During #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth, we invite you to take the opportunity to CONNECT with the Native American and Indigenous communities in Los Angeles. Los Angeles County sits on Chumash, Tongva, and Kizh land - learn more about these tribes and communities at native-land.ca. Please share any other resources or events you have in your neighborhoods in the comments! #ymcala #ymca #LosAngeles #YForAll

"This summer, the East Valley Family YMCA provided us a scholarship that gave us the opportunity to send our son to camp. Now we had to face the challenge of letting him go. When camp started posting pictures, we were so excited to see what our little boy was experiencing. He had the best time of his life! I saw him smiling at the campfire, bonding with his new bunk mates, creating life memories and new friendships. Camp gave him a feeling of belonging, which will ultimately improve his ability to cooperate, participate, and be a caring citizen. Campers gain new social skills from being in a group setting. They realize that they're part of something bigger than themselves. Finally, they meet and learn from people of different backgrounds, from different environments, and with various interests. We are so happy we had the chance to send him up to camp and that he had a wonderful time. Thank you, East Valley Family YMCA, and to all your generous donors." -The Terrazas family The Y gives so much more than gym access and camp is so much more than s'mores. Looking to make memories at camp for your family too? Check out ymcala.org/camp today. Looking to help others make memories? Donate today at ymcala.org/donate. #ymcala #ymca #LosAngeles #Community #inspirationalstories #inspirationalstory #sharethestory

We encourage you to take the opportunity to REFLECT during #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth. What do you think of when you hear the term “Native American?” Many traditional stereotypes and biases are unknowingly hurtful, disrespectful and inaccurate. Take the first step by recognizing and reflecting – then visit siouxymca.org/resources for videos and resources by Native American individuals and communities on this topic. #ymcala #ymca #LosAngeles #YForAll

Meet Brian Sanchez, LA Y Team Member for over 20 years. He started his career as a lifeguard then moved up to a lead swim instructor. He continued to grow over the years, leading him to his current role as Risk Management Associate. Brian's story is a testament to the incredible people across our centers, who are committed to supporting our children, youth, and communities. It's also a testament to the impact the Y has is more ways than a pool or gym - Brian came as a youth to learn to swim and today he's leading the teams who support thousands each year to do the same. Are you looking to make an impact like Brian? Check out all our opportunities at ymcala.org/careers today! #ymcala #ymca #LosAngeles #Community #StaffFeature #Stories

Transgender Awareness Week (Nov 13–19) is a time devoted to recognizing and raising visibility for transgender people and the challenges faced by the community. The Y is a place of inclusivity where all are welcome, we offer support and make efforts to raise awareness for these issues. Take a moment to learn more, grow, and celebrate! Visit: glaad.org/transweek to learn more #ymcala #ymca #LosAngeles #TransgenderAwarenessWeek #transgender #awareness