Southeast Ventura County YMCA Annual Support Campaign Kicks Off

The Southeast Ventura County YMCA has kicked off its annual fundraising campaign. With a fundraising goal of $524,500, the money raised will fund scholarships to offset the costs of membership and programs for those in financial need. Last year, the SEVC YMCA distributed nearly $400,000 in scholarships.

The three Southeast Ventura County YMCA branches are Triunfo YMCA (serving Agoura Hills, Westlake Village and Oak Park) Conejo Valley YMCA (serving Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Moorpark and the Santa Rosa Valley) and Simi Valley Family YMCA (serving Simi Valley).

This year, a portion of the money raised will go toward two new signature YMCA programs: Safety Around Water (SAW), designed to teach children water safety and basic swimming skills and Find My Genius, a six-week summer achievement gap program for low- and moderate-income students who are not reading at grade level. Both programs are provided at no cost to participants.

A part of the community since 1964, the nonprofit charitable organization serves over 25,000 local residents annually. Last year, branches of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA provided financial assistance to 1,187 children, seniors and families. Funds raised also support camps, preschool, youth sports, teen programs, families programs and healthy living classes.

Any size gift is appreciated. "We know that parents often struggle to pay for youth activities for their children," says Ronnie Stone, Southeast Ventura County YMCA CEO. “Adults want to keep fit but a gym membership is financially out of reach. That's where the Y can help. We don't turn anyone away because of financial hardship."

Over 170 YMCA volunteers are contacting individuals, businesses and foundations during the campaign to request donations. The campaign runs through mid-March.

To contribute, contact the YMCA corporate office at 805-497-3081 or visit http://www.sevymca.org to make a donation online. Donations can be designated to a specific YMCA branch.