A Year of Rising, Thriving, and Serving Together

2025 at The Santa Monica Family YMCA

As we close out 2025, our team has been reflecting on what this year has meant for our Santa Monica and Venice community. Again and again, two themes surfaced: growth and connection.

We began the year responding to urgent community needs, and we’re ending it with a powerful reminder of what happens when a community shows up for its kids—through our annual Giving Tree.

When Crisis Hit, Our Doors Opened Wide

Early in the year, families impacted by the Palisades Fire needed a safe place to land, regroup, and access support. Our team quickly jumped into action by reopening our facility and converting our community room into an Emergency Response Resource Hub for those affected by the fires.

Through community partnerships, we coordinated meals for first responders serving at the Santa Monica Police Department and National Guard Command Post. We also opened our doors to the Red Cross, allowing them to provide financial relief to more than 500 individuals whose homes were impacted.

These moments reinforced something we’ve always believed: the YMCA is more than a swim and gym—it’s a lifeline. We extended free memberships and program access to those impacted, including Pali High School youth who lost their school and were temporarily relocated to downtown Santa Monica. Support shouldn’t depend on circumstances.

Impact That Lasts All Year Long

Throughout 2025, our community continued to rise. Together, we created access, opportunity, and connection for thousands of young people and families, including:

• • • $201,000+ in financial aid and program scholarships, ensuring access regardless of ability to pay
    • 2,600+ youth served across Y programs
    • 1,000+ youth basketball players participating in seasonal play
    • Free Safety Around Water lessons for youth at our neighbors, the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Monica

Engaging Our Community in New Ways

This year marked an important shift. We didn’t just expand what we offer—we reimagined how we engage.

• • • For active older adults, we continued investing in wellness opportunities that keep people moving, learning, and connecting through programs like SmartFit.
    • For youth, we launched new experiences such as the Audre Slater Foundation Makerspace, made possible through a remarkable gift and designed to spark creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning.
    • For families, we expanded opportunities to connect through free community events like Healthy Kids Day and new offerings such as Parents’ Night Out.
    • For community, keep in touch through our NEW Facebook page or Instagram.
      

These programs reflect what we’re becoming: a more modern YMCA—where wellness includes both movement and imagination, and where every stage of life has a place to belong.

Reinvesting in the Y Experience

We also continued to reinvest in our facility, because a safe, welcoming, and modern environment matters. This year included:

• • • New AC units and pipe replacements to modernize building systems
    • Security enhancements and exterior improvements based on assessments from the Santa Monica Police Department
    • Interior refreshes across key areas to improve member experience
    • Achieving Green Business Certification through the California Green Business Network (CAGBN) in collaboration with Sustainable Works
      

Every upgrade was made with one goal in mind: serving our community better—today and for the long run.

Ending the Year With Heart: The Giving Tree

We close the year with something that captures the soul of our YMCA: the Giving Tree. Because of the generosity of our Y community, nearly 100 youth received holiday gifts—bringing joy, dignity, and love to families who need it most. From emergency response to holiday hope, this is what it means to be an anchor for our community.

Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond

As we move into the new year, we remain committed to modernizing our facility and reinvesting where it matters most. In 2026, we’re especially excited about:

• • Rooftop renovations to reduce leaks and modernize aging systems
  • Converting the Boys and Girls Locker Rooms into a Family Locker Room
  • Continuing to reimagine outdated areas into spaces that better support wellness, families, and youth development
  • Celebrating 99 years of consistent community service since 1927!
    

These improvements are made possible through our Endowment Program, which helps ensure long-term financial stability and allows our YMCA to remain flexible and responsive to community needs. I’m deeply thankful for a supportive Board that prioritizes reinvestment in the evolving needs of our community.

Thank you for believing in this mission. There truly is no Y without YOU—your presence, generosity, and commitment make every story above possible.

Here’s to another year of rising, thriving, and serving… together.

With appreciation,

Hodge Patterson
CEO, Santa Monica Family YMCA