News

Record Breaking $233,783 Raised

West Contra Costa YMCA Annual Partners Campaign volunteers raised a record-breaking $233,783 for the 2010 APC campaign, a huge feat during tough economic times. This demonstrates the commitment by campaigners and donors alike to support YMCA programming throughout our community.

We couldn’t have achieved victory without co-chairs Roberta Quan and Joann Moczulski. Roberta was an inspiration to all by being top campaigner despite a very personal loss. Her husband, John Quan, passed away after a long illness. Roberta missed a couple of meetings, but continued to raise money throughout the campaign. Roberta and her husband have been loyal supporters of the YMCA and its programs since the Hilltop Family YMCA opened in 1993.

Much appreciation goes out to each of our volunteers who worked diligently to exceed our goal of $225,000, but special thanks goes to volunteers that took leadership roles: Jay Tucker (Board Division), Gail Yando (Hilltop), Vicki Flaxman (Community Services), Co-Chairs Judy Morgan and Katrinka Ruk (Major Gifts). Many thanks to Team Captains: Norberta Castro, Angela Ross, Quiana Garner, Cheryl Maier, Alex Sample, Vickie Blomquist, Gail Yando, Marilyn Hertzberg, Lionel Wood, Eric Childs, Ava Wanlin and Irving Cuevas.

All money raised during the Annual Partners Campaign will support YMCA programs that strengthen the community and provide financial assistance benefitting thousands of youth, teens and families. The West Contra Costa community will be strengthened through: Hilltop’s Splash (Water Safety) Week, Day Camps, Kids Fitness classes, Coronado and Rodeo Community YMCAs, YMCA Youth and Government, Y-Team Counseling, and YMCA Camp Ravencliff.

Youth and Government

Providing opportunities for our youth to grow and develop strengthens our future. The West Contra Costa YMCA Youth and Government program provides the opportunity for local teenagers to learn about and interact with government. This year, nine students and two advisors attended the five day Youth and Government in Sacramento, February 11-15, 2010. This conference culminates one year of meetings and trainings, which enabled delegates to learn the process of passing a bill before the California State Senate.

“My experience was refreshing and fun…. My time in Youth and Government was well spent, so I will definitely be returning next year!” – Imani Sanders, delegate.

“”The experience is extremely rewarding – for I am witnessing our participants transform into young people that are more responsible, engaged, and empowered.” - Inez Rosa, volunteer advisor.

Our Youth and Government program is made possible through generous donations to our Annual Partner’s Campaign. Please consider investing in our future by donating today.

A Summer of Fun Had By All at the Coronado Community YMCA

Children throughout the community participated in our 8-week-long Summer Day Camp at the Coronado Community YMCA in Richmond. Mornings were filled with boisterous cheers as campers participated in group rallies to kick-off the day. Afternoons were filled with engaging activities, field trips, and special projects. “Staff and the kids had an enormous amount of fun this summer, experiencing new activities and exciting field trips,” remarked Shahad Wright, associate program director.

Staff used their imaginations to create awesome on-site activities. On Fashion Day, children worked together to create designer outfits using newspaper. Energetic Camp Counselor Lameale Brice then led children down the catwalk as they showed off their designer duds. “Wild and Out Wednesdays” included engaging activities such as karaoke, ice cream making, cooking, ballet, and puppetry.

Fun was not isolated to the community center, as campers explored the Bay Area during several field trips. Destinations included the California Academy of Science, San Francisco Zoo, San Ramon Olympic Swim Park, Marine World, 2^nd Annual Overnighter in the Presidio, Great America, bowling, ice skating, San Francisco Golden Gate Park and a visit to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Experience the fun. Consider joining us next year for our 2010 Summer Day Camp.

Richmond-Rosie’s Girls Project a Huge Success

Rosie’s Girls is a national program for middle school girls designed to build self esteem, leadership and physical confidence through exploration of trades and non-traditional activities. The program was based on a national program developed by Vermont Works for Women. The Richmond Rosie’s Girls program was organized by a partnership of local organizations including the YMCA of the East Bay, Rosie the Riveter Trust, West Contra Costa Unified School District, National Park Service and City of Richmond. The Richmond Rosie’s Girls program received generous financial support from Wells Fargo Bank and Chevron Richmond Refinery.

The Richmond Rosie’s Girls program was housed at LaVonya DeJean Middle School and included 24 girls. Participants learned about and applied skills in carpentry, welding, electricity, horticulture and other trades. They were introduced to Police and Firefighter trainings and career possibilities. Because Richmond is site of the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historic Park, the girls learned first hand about the legacy by visiting and working in the historic setting and were introduced to “Sheros.” They spent a day at Ford Point visiting businesses and placing stepping stones at the Verde Victory garden. In addition, the girls had an overnighter on board the USS Pampanio, a submarine docked at Pier 45 in San Francisco.

The 3 week summer program ended on August 14 with a celebration at the Coronado Community YMCA in Richmond. The girls proudly displayed their beautiful and amazing chairs that they learned to build in the carpentry class. Each girl expressed how proud they were with the new skills acquired they previously thought only boys could accomplish. They thanked the “Sheros”, their teachers, project partners, and the funders for such a wonderful experience they won’t ever forget.