YMCA of San Diego County

The YMCA of San Diego County was recently featured in a The New York Times article highlighting San Diego’s leadership in adopting the HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) framework. This work aligns closely with our Positive Youth Development approach and the Y Experience, guiding how we serve our community in a strength-based, evidence-informed way. We’re grateful for the leadership of Abby Shull and Brandi V. Paniagua, M.A.Ed in advancing HOPE training at the Y and we’re proud to see our Y leading the way in innovative, community-centered practices. 📖 Read Childhood Trauma Doesn’t Have to Be a Lifelong Curse in the New York Times: https://lnkd.in/dkpgn4PC 👏 Erin Esposit

The 41st Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Human Dignity Award Breakfast was a powerful and moving reminder of the impact we can make when we come together with purpose and compassion. Hosted by the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA, the morning honored Dr. King’s legacy through stories of service, leadership, and unity. We are deeply grateful for the continued leadership of Executive Director Anna Arancibia and Dee Sanford, who has been leading this event since 1999. We proudly congratulate 2026 Human Dignity Award recipients Dr. Leonard Thompson III and Rev. Walter G. Wells, whose lives reflect the values Dr. King championed. With an inspiring keynote from Dr. John E. Warren, the message was clear: Dr. King’s dream is carried forward through our actions, our voices, and our commitment to one another.

As a trusted child care leader with a proven record of protecting and safeguarding children throughout our 150+ years of history, our Y is proud to have one of the nation’s leading and most respected childcare experts, Kim McDougal, guiding our Y’s Child Care services. Kim recently shared in a San Diego Union Tribune interview, “Child care providers are some of the most hardworking, selfless, incredible humans - raising our future generation.” Kim’s leadership with the Y’s mission, ensures families receive the highest quality care and support. Thank you, Kim, for making such a difference in the lives of so many!

We’re proud to share that our CEO, Todd Tibbits, has been named one of San Diego Business Journal's Top 500 Most Influential Leaders in San Diego for the 3rd year in a row. This honor reflects his dedication to supporting youth emotional well-being through the Positive Youth Development approach, working with partners to address the childcare crisis, raising awareness about solutions for the Tijuana watershed, and drawing attention to youth homelessness. Under Todd's leadership, our Y was also selected as one of only two Ys worldwide to join the United Nations “Unlock the Future” coalition, and Todd led the nation’s first YMCA binational agreement with YMCA Mexico. In addition, the Escondido Union School District has started swim lessons at the renovated pool in the new Escondido YMCA - A Campus for Well-Being. This is one of the region's largest water safety programs, created through strong partnerships to help prevent child drownings. A year of substantial impact! Congratulations Todd!

A sincere thank you to ASML and their dedicated employees who spent the day at our Escondido Y building 23 bikes from the ground up for Escondido elementary students in our community. Their hands on service, collaboration, and generosity exemplify what strong community partnership looks like. We deeply appreciate ASML’s commitment to supporting local youth and strengthening our shared community. Ron Lelakes Courtney Cordero

Our donors said it best. They give to the Y because one interaction can change a child’s life, because every family deserves a safe and supportive space, and because the Y brings people together in a way that truly matters. On this Giving Tuesday, we invite you to give to the Y. Your gift supports youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. You help ensure every child and family has a safe, welcoming place to grow, connect and be supported, no matter their background or financial circumstances. Give today and help us continue building a community where everyone belongs. ymcas.org/GIVE

Happy Thanksgiving! Your generosity is the harvest that feeds our community. Today and every day, we are grateful for our donors, volunteers, and supporters who make the work of the Y possible. Because of you, thousands of young people across the county are discovering confidence, building skills, and forming friendships that lift them up. Adults of all ages are finding wellness, connection, and support through programs designed to nurture health, belonging, and growth. None of this would happen without you. Your generosity is the heartbeat of our mission and the foundation of a healthier, stronger community for all. Thank you for walking alongside us and for being an essential part of our Y family. 🧡

This month, our Y came together to honor Native American Heritage Month. Our staff gathered at the McGrath Family YMCA to acknowledge, celebrate, and learn more about the rich history, culture, and contributions of Native and Indigenous peoples. Our Community, Bridging & Engagement team hosted a meaningful gathering where we learned, connected, and enjoyed delicious Indian tacos together. A special thank you to our Executive Vice President & Chief Mission Advancement Officer, Shelly McTighe-Rippengale, for sharing the story of our McGrath Y’s connection to the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, including the significance of the land our McGrath Family Y sits on, which historically was part of a Kumeyaay village. We honor the first caretakers of this land and remain committed to continued learning, relationship-building, and recognition. 🧡 Christie Ines Yorty Greg Erickson Stephanie Chapel Yoo Julian Villegas

November is HOPE Month. As we look back on Solidarity Journey 2025, we are filled with gratitude for every single person who walked with us, supported us, and helped bring attention to youth homelessness and the work to end it in San Diego and beyond. This year’s journey, led by David Baker, Youth Systems Director, and Justin C. Lipford, Association Director of Mission Advancement, took us from Tijuana to Escondido moving alongside young people, program teams, partners, and community leaders. Every step was a reminder that the Solidarity Journey is about much more than distance. It is about showing up with compassion, listening with intention, and building real relationships that center dignity and humanity. To everyone who walked, rode, donated, volunteered, shared, or encouraged us in any way, THANK YOU. Your presence and support created hope. Your belief in the work strengthened our commitment to young people. Your energy helped bring this movement to life. As we close out HOPE Month, we invite you to continue standing with us. Visit SOJOCali.org to learn more and get involved.

For more than four decades, the 41st Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Human Dignity Award Breakfast has brought leaders, partners, and community members together to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and recognize individuals who continue advancing dignity, equality, and justice across San Diego. It remains one of the region’s most meaningful gatherings because it inspires action, strengthens collaboration, and reinforces our shared commitment to equity and dignity for all. If you plan to attend, now is the time to secure your seat. Visit ymcasd.org/mlk for tickets, sponsorship opportunities and more! Todd Tibbits Anna Arancibia Paula Dunn