The Southeast Ventura County YMCA recently held its annual gala at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. The event, which drew 340 guests, raised $367,900 to support YMCA programs.

One of those programs is Find My Genius, a five-week, no-cost summer achievement gap program for low- and moderate-income students who are not reading at grade level. It is also offered year-round as an afterschool enrichment program in the Las Virgenes, Moorpark and Simi Valley Unified School Districts. In 2023, 575 young scholars participated in the summer curriculum and another 287 took part in the afterschool program.  At the gala, the Y acknowledged the donors and foundations that make Find My Genius possible each year including the Sherwood Cares Foundation.

“Find My Genius is one of the YMCA’s signature programs. We’re so proud of our scholars and their accomplishments,” says Ronnie Stone, YMCA President and CEO. “Reading comprehension and math skills consistently improve by those enrolled in the program. Find My Genius gives every child the opportunity to thrive. The results can be truly life-changing, not only for the scholar, but for their families. If it were not for the support we receive and continue to receive, Find My Genius would not have the impact it does today.” 

Another YMCA program that benefits from donor support is Safety Around Water. YMCA instructors taught 720 children water safety and basic swimming skills at no cost to participants in 2023.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children ages 5 through 14. “We are so excited we’ve been able to offer this important program since 2017," says Stone.  "Safety Around Water helps children feel comfortable in and around water and understand the importance of always practicing safe water habits. It’s saving lives."

 The YMCA also offers before and after-school childcare at 13 school sites in Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Simi Valley and Moorpark. Afterschool programs provide a structured environment that includes homework time, arts and crafts, sports and science. All childcare staff are state-licensed and CPR and first aid certified. Almost 800 students are currently enrolled.

 Other YMCA programs and services include summer camp, Adventure Guides, programming for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (partnering with Tri-Counties Regional Center) and scholarships to families to ensure everyone has access to YMCA programs. In 2023, the Y’s Youth and Government provided 120 high school youth throughout the region with hands-on opportunities to experience government and become civically engaged, responsible adults.

 “None of these programs would be possible and available to so many members of the community without the generous support from our donors,” says Stone. “Donors are the reasons we can grow our programs to serve more families and children. Thousands of kids take part in our programs each year. No families are ever turned away because of an inability to pay.”

At the gala, the YMCA announced its plans to expand the Simi Valley Family YMCA. The facility will add a basketball gym (with volleyball and pickleball too), more studio spaces for youth enrichment programs, family locker rooms, an expanded state-of-the-art fitness facility and a large lounge for families and friends to gather. The goal is to start construction in 2025. Fundraising efforts will begin soon.

The Southeast Ventura County YMCA consists of the Yarrow Family YMCA (serving the Conejo Valley and Moorpark) and the Simi Valley Family YMCA. To learn more about YMCA programs, visit http://www.sevymca.org or view a video about its impact on the community, https://vimeo.com/sevymca/impactvideo. To find out how you can donate, contact Dani Hutchison, at 805-497-3081 ext. 109, dhutchison@sevymca.org.