Courtesy Photo by Greg Grudt Photography.
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s 5th Annual Gala raised $367,900 to support YMCA programs. The event, held November 4 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, drew 340 guests.
The event celebrated local YMCA programs.
–Find My Genius is a five-week, no-cost achievement gap program for low- and moderate-income students who are not reading at grade level. It is also offered year-round in the Moorpark and Simi Valley Unified School Districts.
–Safety Around Water, which teaches children water safety and basic swimming skills at no cost.
–Youth and Government provides high school youth with hands-on opportunities to experience government and become civically engaged, responsible adults.
–Inclusive programming for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (partnering with Tri-Counties Regional Center).
–Scholarships to families to ensure everyone has access to YMCA programs.
The Moorpark Unified School District was honored as the YMCA’s Community Partner of the Year for its support of the Y’s child care program at Peach Hill Academy in Moorpark and its participation in the Y’s Find My Genius program. The evening also highlighted the Y’s new partnerships with the California State Alliance of YMCAs and the Tri-Counties Regional Center.
“None of these programs would be possible without the generous support from our donors,” says Ronnie Stone, YMCA CEO. “Thousands of kids take part in our programs each year. No families are ever turned away because of an inability to pay.”
The YMCA also announced its plans to expand the Simi Valley Family YMCA. The facility will add a basketball gym, three multi-purpose rooms and a family locker room. The goal is to start construction in 2025.
The Southeast Ventura County YMCA consists of the Yarrow Family YMCA (serving the Conejo Valley and Moorpark), Simi Valley Family YMCA and 13 childcare facilities. For more information about the Southeast Ventura County YMCA and its programs, visit http://www.sevymca.org.