Young Mens Christian Association Of Burbank Calif

THE BURBANK COMMUNITY YMCA IS A CAUSE-DRIVEN NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION COMMITTED TO STRENGTHENING THE FOUNDATION OF OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, HEALTHY LIVING AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. WE WORK WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY TO ENSURE THAT EVERYONE, REGARDLESS OF AGE, INCOME OR BACKGROUND HAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN, GROW AND THRIVE. WE ARE A VOLUNTEER-LED ORGANIZATION THAT INCLUDES MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN OF ALL AGES, ABILITIES, INCOMES, RACES AND RELIGIONS. THE Y NURTURES THE POTENTIAL OF EVERY YOUTH AND TEEN, IMPROVES THE NATION'S HEALTH AND WELL-BEING, AND PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR OTHERS TO GIVE BACK. THE Y IS DEDICATED TO BUILDING HEALTHY, CONFIDENT, CONNECTED AND SECURE CHILDREN, SENIORS, ADULTS, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT - CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER OUR CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER PROVIDES DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES FOR PRESCHOOL AND SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN FROM ALL SEGMENTS OF OUR COMMUNITY. PROVIDING A SAFE, NURTURING ENVIRONMENT WHERE YOUTH DEVELOP SOCIAL SKILLS, PRACTICE HEALTHY LIVING CHOICES, LEARN AND PRACTICE CHARACTER VALUES, AND DEVELOP AN APPRECIATION OF SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. IN 2017, AN INFANT CENTER WAS ADDED TO THE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM IN ORDER TO MEET THE OVERWHELMING NEED FOR HIGH QUALITY INFANT CARE. THE Y HAS ADOPTED HEPA (HEALTHY EATING & PHYSICAL ACTIVITY) STANDARDS TO ENSURE CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES ARE SUPPORTED IN AREA OF HEALTHY LIVING. OUR PRESCHOOL PROGRAM, ACCREDITED BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE EDUCATION OF YOUNG CHILDREN (NAEYC), IS A CHILD-CENTERED, ASSET RICH ENVIRONMENT THAT HELPS CHILDREN DEVELOP THEIR SOCIAL SKILLS AND PREPARE THEM FOR SCHOOL LIFE. THEY LEARN TO DEVELOP A HEALTHY, POSITIVE SENSE OF WELL-BEING IN A SAFE, STIMULATING AND NURTURING ENVIRONMENT. THE Y'S OUTDOOR CLASSROOM HELPS CHILDREN LEARN HOW THE WORLD WORKS THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AND PROVIDES EXTENDED OUTDOOR EXERCISE THAT FOSTERS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A LIFELONG PATTERN OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. OUR PHILOSOPHY IS THAT THAT CHILDREN LEARN BEST THOUGH PLAY AND THAT THIS FOUNDATION PREPARES THEM FOR SUCCESS IN SCHOOL. OUR SCHOOL-AGE CHILD CARE PROGRAM OFFERS A STRUCTURED, ASSET RICH ENVIRONMENT WHERE CHILDREN CAN LEARN AND DEVELOP STRONG CHARACTER THROUGH THE GUIDANCE AND ENCOURAGEMENT OF THEIR Y INSTRUCTORS. YOUNG PEOPLE ARE ABLE TO TAKE PART IN TEAM BUILDING GAMES, ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES, HOMEWORK AND INDEPENDENT STUDY. OUR SUMMER DAY CAMP IS ACCREDITED BY THE AMERICAN CAMP ASSOCIATION AND IS AN EXCITING, ENRICHING, FUN AND SAFE COMMUNITY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS, BUILD SELF-ESTEEM, DEVELOP INTERPERSONAL SKILLS AND MAKE LASTING FRIENDSHIPS AND MEMORIES. OVER 200 CHILDREN ARE SERVED EVERY SUMMER, ALLOWING PARENTS TO HAVE QUALITY CARE FOR THEIR CHILDREN IN THE SUMMER MONTHS. THE FOCUS OF THE CAMP IS TO INVOLVE THE CHILDREN IN AN ATMOSPHERE THAT PROMOTES HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHOICES, TEAMBUILDING, LEADERSHIP, FUN, AND LAUGHTER IN AN ACTIVE, SECURE, SAFE AND ENRICHING ENVIRONMENT. OUR CAMPS OFFER A WIDE VARIETY OF DYNAMIC ACTIVITIES: SPORTS, ARTS AND CRAFTS, AND FIELD TRIPS THAT PROVIDE LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCES AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY. IN 2021, THE BURBANK COMMUNITY YMCA COMPLETED AN RFP PROCESS WITH THE BURBANK UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT AND WAS AWARDED THE OPPORTUNITY TO OVERSEE THE PRESCHOOL PROGRAM AT HORACE MANN CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER. WITH THE SAME PHILOSOPHY AND PROGRAMMING AS OUR ONSITE PRESCHOOL, HORACE MANN HAS ALLOWED US TO GROW OUR CAPACITY TO HELP MORE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN THE BURBANK COMMUNITY.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT - AQUATICS EVERY YEAR THE Y PROVIDES SWIM LESSONS AND AQUATICS PROGRAMS TO OVER 500 PEOPLE, FROM INFANTS TO SENIORS. IN ADDITION TO PROVIDING PROGRESSIVE SWIM LESSONS AND SAFETY SKILLS, THE VARIOUS WATER ACTIVITIES PROMOTE GOOD HEALTH THROUGH LOW IMPACT, REGULAR EXERCISE. THE Y HELPS TO PREVENT DROWNING (THE SECOND LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH AMONG CHILDREN) BY PROVIDING SAFETY AROUND WATER SKILLS FREE OF CHARGE TO CHILDREN FROM LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS IN THE 1ST AND 2ND GRADE. SWIM LESSONS AND WATER FITNESS PROMOTE TEAMWORK, SELF-CONFIDENCE, AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS. THESE PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED AT FEES AFFORDABLE TO THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE, WITH FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT AFFORD THE FULL FEE. EACH MONTH OVER 500 SENIORS PARTICIPATE IN OUR WATER FITNESS CLASSES AND SENIOR FITNESS CLASSES. WATER FITNESS CLASSES PROVIDING GREAT CARDIOVASCULAR AND STRENGTH CONDITIONING EXERCISE WITHOUT EXCESS STRESS ON THEIR JOINTS. THE SENIOR FITNESS CLASSES ALSO HELP TO DEVELOP A SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND BELONGING FOR A GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS THAT OFTEN LIVE IN ISOLATION AND LONELINESS. MANY HAVE DEVELOPED FRIENDSHIPS THAT GO BEYOND THE BRICK AND MORTAR OF THE BUILDING.

HEALTHY LIVING THE Y AIMS TO IMPROVE THE NATION'S HEALTH AND WELL-BEING. MANY ADULTS AND THEIR FAMILIES STRUGGLE TO MAKE REGULAR HEALTHY CHOICES AS EVIDENT BY NEAR EPIDEMIC RATES OF OBESITY AND DIABETES. WE BRING FAMILIES TOGETHER, ENCOURAGING GOOD HEALTH AND FOSTERING SOCIAL CONNECTIONS BY SUPPORTING THOSE WHO STRUGGLE TO MAKE REGULAR HEALTHY DECISIONS. AS A RESULT, THE YOUTH, ADULTS AND FAMILIES OF BURBANK GET THE SUPPORT THEY NEED TO ACHIEVE BETTER HEALTH AND FIND BALANCE IN SPIRIT, MIND AND BODY. WE HELP TO PREVENT CHRONIC DISEASE BY PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES TO SUSTAIN EXERCISE AND EAT HEALTHY IN ALL PROGRAM AREAS. WE KNOW THAT WITH THE PROPER SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT, OUR MEMBERS CAN SET REALISTIC GOALS FOR SELF-IMPROVEMENT AND DISEASE PREVENTION THROUGH AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE, PROPER NUTRITION, AND HEALTH EDUCATION. ALL Y PROGRAMS ARE VALUES-DRIVEN AND STRENGTHEN THE FOUNDATION OF OUR COMMUNITY. THE Y IS AFFORDABLE, ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE, MADE UP OF PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AND FROM EVERY WALK OF LIFE, ALL WORKING SIDE-BY-SIDE TO ENSURE THAT EVERYONE, REGARDLESS OF GENDER, INCOME OR BACKGROUND, HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO LIVE LIFE TO ITS FULLEST. WE SERVE OVER 12,000 PERSONS IN OUR COMMUNITY. WE INVOLVE ALL AGES, ABILITIES, RACES, NATIONALITIES AND RELIGIONS AND PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO THOSE WHO NEED IT.

OTHER PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS SUMMER LEARNING LOSS HAS BEEN SHOWN TO ACCOUNT FOR UP TO TWO-THIRDS OF THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT GAP BETWEEN CHILDREN FROM LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS AND THEIR HIGHER-INCOME PEERS. THE Y HAS RESPONDED BY PARTNERING WITH THE BURBANK UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT TO PROVIDE A SUMMER LEARNING CAMP DESIGNED TO MITIGATE SUMMER LEARNING LOSS, CURB NEGATIVE SOCIAL BEHAVIORS, AND HELP UNDERSERVED CHILDREN GAIN THE SKILLS NEEDED TO SUCCEED IN SCHOOL AND TO BE COLLEGE AND CAREER READY. THIS PROGRAM IS PROVIDED AT NO COST TO THE LOW INCOME FAMILY WHOSE CHILD IS BEHIND IN SCHOOL. THE YOUTH AND GOVERNMENT (Y&G) PROGRAM IS A MOCK LEGISLATURE AND COURT PROGRAM WITH AN EMPHASIS ON LEADERSHIP FOR HIGH SCHOOL SOPHOMORES, JUNIORS, AND SENIORS. Y&G HAS BEEN TEACHING DEMOCRACY TO HIGH SCHOOL AGE STUDENTS FOR MORE THAN 70 YEARS. THE STUDENTS MEET SEMI-MONTHLY TO EXPERIENCE THE LEGISLATIVE AND COURT PROCESSES WHILE ALSO LEARNING TO WRITE A BILL. THEIR BILL IS PRESENTED AT THE STATE CAPITOL IN SACRAMENTO. AS A PRELUDE TO THE PRESENTATION IN SACRAMENTO, THE STUDENTS TAKE PART IN A MOCK PRESENTATION IN THE CITY OF BURBANK COUNCIL CHAMBERS WHICH ATTRACTS MANY CIVIC LEADERS THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY. THE STUDENTS EXIT THE PROGRAM HAVING DEVELOPED PUBLIC SPEAKING, DEBATE AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS WITH THE WORKING KNOWLEDGE OF OUR GOVERNMENT AND HOW TO PROPOSE A BILL. THE COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN PHENOMENAL AND THE STUDENTS GAIN A HIGH LEVEL OF CONFIDENCE AS THEY INCREASE THEIR SKILLS. OUR YOUTH BASKETBALL PROGRAM, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SHOWCASE BASKETBALL, PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL YOUTH TO DEVELOP THEIR ATHLETIC SKILLS AS WELL AS AN APPRECIATION FOR A LIFETIME OF FITNESS AND CONTROLLED COMPETITION WHILE OFFERING A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE AND POSITIVE ROLE MODELS FOR GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP. MANY OF OUR PARTICIPANTS JOIN BECAUSE THEY GET THE CHANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN GAMES UNLIKE OTHER ORGANIZATIONS WHERE ONLY THE BEST PLAYERS GET TO PARTICIPATE. THE PROGRAM PROVIDES A WONDERFUL FORMAT FOR PARENTS TO ENCOURAGE THEIR CHILDREN TO DO THEIR BEST AND FOR CHILDREN TO DEVELOP TEAM BUILDING SKILLS AND LARGE MOTOR SKILLS. IN JULY 2021, WE OPENED UP THE SOCIAL IMPACT CENTER IN OUR MAIN FACILITY. THE SOCIAL IMPACT CENTER IS BURBANK'S FIRST AND ONLY LGBTQIA+ RESOURCE CENTER. DESIGNED FOR INDIVIDUALS OF ALL AGES WITH A FOCUS PRIMARILY ON MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH, THE SOCIAL IMPACT CENTER PROVIDES A SAFE SPACE FOR YOUTH TO LEARN LIFE SKILLS, ATTEND WORKSHOPS, AND IMPROVE THEIR MENTAL HEALTH IN A VARIETY OF PROGRAMMING. THIS IS A PLACE THAT ALLOWS INDIVIDUALS OF ALL AGES TO CONNECT, BUILD RELATIONSHIPS, AND MAKE A CHANGE WITHIN THE COMMUNITY. IN AN EFFORT TO IMPROVE POPULATION HEATH, THE Y HAS PARTNERED WITH THE PROVIDENCE SAINT JOSEPH MEDICAL CENTER IN PROVIDING A LIVE WELL PROGRAM TO BURBANK CITIZENS. THE LIVE WELL PROGRAM PROVIDES BASELINE SCREENINGS FOR PEOPLE AT RISK IN OUR COMMUNITY, ALONG WITH EDUCATIONAL EVENTS, EXERCISE CLASSES AND NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING, IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE RISK OF CHRONIC DISEASE LIKE DIABETES, OBESITY AND HEART DISEASE. THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN ON-HOLD DUE TO COVID, BUT WE HOPE TO RESTART THE PROGRAM IN 2022. COMMUNITY OUTREACH - ONE OF THE Y'S THREE AREAS OF FOCUS IS SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, WHICH WE DEFINE AS GIVING BACK AND PROVIDING SUPPORT TO OUR NEIGHBORS. THE Y HAS BEEN LISTENING AND RESPONDING TO THE BURBANK COMMUNITY'S NEEDS FOR OVER 95 YEARS. WE HELP DEVELOP SKILLS AND EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING THROUGH EDUCATION AND TRAINING, WE WELCOME AND CONNECT DIVERSE POPULATIONS WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY, AND WE WORK TO PREVENT CHRONIC DISEASE BY HELPING TO BUILD A HEALTHIER COMMUNITY THROUGH COLLABORATIONS WITH POLICYMAKERS. LISTED BELOW ARE JUST SOME OF THE COLLABORATIONS WE HAVE DEVELOPED WITHIN THE COMMUNITY: BURBANK UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, THE CITY OF BURBANK, BURBANK COORDINATING COUNCIL, PROVIDENCE SAINT JOSEPH MEDICAL CENTER, KIWANIS, LEADERSHIP BURBANK, FAMILY PROMISE AND THE NON-PROFIT COALITION. WE BELIEVE THAT ALL OF OUR PROGRAMS PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP CHILDREN AND ADULTS GROW MENTALLY, SPIRITUALLY, AND PHYSICALLY, ENRICHING THE LIVES OF ITS MEMBERS FOR A HEALTHIER BURBANK.