Being a lifeguard at the YMCA has helped me grow as a person. I get the chance to interact with members of our community from all walks of life and backgrounds. I’m continuously learning through the training the Y offers as well as my fellow co-workers on the job. I like how we support each other and how we work as a team. Being an SLI (Swim Lesson Instructor) at the Y has been a blessing for me. I have an opportunity to be around the sport I love while impacting kids in pursuing the love of swimming.
-Keane 

Our family has been a part of the MATES YMCA after school care for eight years and it has been an incredible part of our lives. We have been very thankful for the annual financial assistance we have received for the majority of those years.

Everyone has a story, and from the “outside” perspective most people would not understand why we would even be considered for assistance.  However, given the chance to explain our circumstances including job loss and career challenges over the years, allowed us to have a little help, especially with having two children overlap in childcare for several years. After school childcare has been invaluable for our family, knowing our children were in a safe, comfortable space with so many aspects of engagement including homework help, art, physical activity, and just plain “fun” time. My oldest daughter even mentioned she might want to consider teaching as a profession, and has also already committed the majority of Summer 2024 to the LIT program.

Personally, I have had the privilege of seeing many of the consistent counselors grow in their own professional development and achieve next levels in their careers. Above all I consider many of them as friends who have had an incredible impact on the lives of my children, and that gratefulness is hard to put into words.

- Mates Family

Since Abigail started Find My Genius, our house has been much more peaceful. Her homework gets done during the program, and we can go home and enjoy each other’s company. Find My Genius has allowed for more quality family time, and I have peace of mind that Abigail is receiving the support she needs with her school work.

-Diana E. FMG Afterschool Parent

What does the YMCA means to me? It is a safe place for my children to hang out after school, a place where they can get help with homework. It has been a blessing for me during a very difficult year. FMG and the child care teams are amazing, kind and caring. My children look forward to seeing all of you every day. In a short amount of time, the Y has come to mean family, friends and a constant in our lives. I am beyond grateful to you all.

Truly I could go on, but I know this needs to be on the shorter side. The Senior Child Care Director has been there listening to me cry so many times. Losing my husband, my children’s dad, was the hardest thing in the world. You all have made the healing process easier for us. Thank you.

Love and hugs, 
Tina P.

Joining the YMCA was the best addition to my life. The facility has wonderful staff who are eager to support you anyway they can. They are positive and want to see you succeed. They challenge you to be the best you can be. I joined to focus on building my confidence, to live independently longer, lower the risk of falling, support and increased coordination and balance, build confidence and support mental agility. The YMCA accepts most medical insurances, the only cost is my personal investment.

- Carrie S.

The YMCA represents a strong family support system. Every employee that we have gotten to know over the years through the childcare program is appreciated and loved more than they will ever know.  They are also the unsung heroes of our community. When our governor publicly declared childcare givers as front line workers after the start of the pandemic, the YMCA staff hit the ground running. They created the most amazing summer camp experience for the kids. Every year they raise the bar higher and higher. The YMCA is an absolute blessing.

Sincerely,  
The Kelley Family

I started coming to this YMCA 2 years ago. I have continued driving 20 miles every day to this location because I feel a sense of community here, the staff is very welcoming and friendly and is always very helpful and even provides encouragement to help keep me motivated. I am happy with my growth and progress physically and also internally. Thanks to everyone at  the YMCA in Simi Valley.

- Jeremiah B.

My name is Susana and we have had a family membership for 5 years. In the beginning, I was just bringing my sons in for youth classes.  I was looking for activities that would keep them busy and give them a break from electronics.  Both my sons, loved each activity they were enrolled in, with boxing as their favorite.  Then, one day a person working at the front desk encouraged me to utilize the gym and take the classes. I took the advice and have been extremely active since then and love it!  I feel so much better physically and mentally. Also, the social aspect has been wonderful as the Y is so welcoming and the staff so friendly. My husband was also encouraged by the front desk to try the gym and he quickly became a regular 3-times per week and really likes the fitness staff! He also feels better.  We love the Y and tell all our friends to join!

The YMCA summer camp has been a fun, interactive, safe place for my kids to attend over the summer. Each day the kids are greeted by a friendly camp counselor, camp has weekly themes, activities, crafts and special events planned. The campers are able to spend the summer outdoors with peers of their age group, and have fun! This year, my son was able to participate in the LIT program. He enjoyed being a part of the leadership team. It allowed him to gain knowledge as a counselor, help plan activities and develop independence. The staff communicates openly, are supportive of my family’s needs and attentive to my kids. I look forward to hearing about the adventures my kids will have at summer camp next year.

- Miles