The YMCA is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and enjoyable experience for everyone who enters our doors or participates in our programs. YMCAs have been part of California’s communities for over 160 years, providing a space for wellness, community and essential services.
As we face concerns over the spread of COVID-19 as Californians, our YMCAs stand with you in keeping our communities safe, healthy and whole. Our YMCAs, as nonprofit community organizations, face a set of complex decisions in how we continue to provide critical services, ensure public health, and remain resilient to see our communities through the challenges.
We are closely monitoring and following guidance from government agencies at the federal, state, county and local levels, including the Center for Disease Control, California Department of Public Health, California Department of Education, California Department of Social Services, school districts and county and local health departments. Each local YMCA is responsible for taking the steps it deems necessary to best ensure the safety of everyone in its community.
Our YMCAs are following guidance for maintaining clean, safe environments in our facilities. We have taken measures to modify our programs, facilities and equipment access to accommodate social distancing. In some cases we have cancelled or limited programs, offered virtual classes, or used full or partial closure of facilities to ensure the health and safety of members and participants.
Many of our YMCAs serve children and families through childcare, preschool, early care, and afterschool programs, as well as a range of day camp and resident camp programs. At school sites we are working directly with school districts regarding program continuation or closure. In other settings, we are making program decisions based on the guidance of the regulatory agencies and the directives of public health departments at the state, county and local levels.
Please visit your local Y branch's website for their most current operating status and updates. Find your local branch's website here.
All of our decisions, however difficult, are intended to balance the needs of the community and the interest of public health and safety. As employers of tens of thousands of Californians, the impact of the decisions by our YMCAs is felt not only by the individuals and families we serve, but also by the dedicated, hardworking Californians who form the staff of our YMCAs.
While the course of the COVID-19 challenge we face is uncertain, we are steadfast in our commitment to stand with Californians to provide an enduring space for wellness, community, and essential services. How we do that may change over the course of the weeks ahead, but why we do it will not. We are stronger together, and we welcome all Californians to stand with us.
