Santa Monica Family YMCA
The Santa Monica Family YMCA association is dedicated to serving the Santa Monica, Venice, and surrounding coastal communities by providing programs and services that enrich the quality of the physical, mental, spiritual, and social lives of individuals & families consistently since 1927. In all we do, we are guided by principles of love and respect for all people, embracing diversity in all its forms to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Our core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility guide us in everything we do.
We are committed to strengthening the foundations of community through:
- Youth Development — Nurturing the development of every child and teen to achieve their full potential
- Healthy Living — Improving health and well-being for all, and
- Social Responsibility — Motivating people to support their neighbors and the larger community through service to others.We believe that positive and lasting personal and social change can only come about when we invest in our children, our community and our health.
Your YMCA Facilities
Our YMCA is uniquely positioned just a few blocks away from the Pacific Ocean in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica, allowing us to serve residents of Santa Monica, Venice, and surrounding coastal communities as well as visitors from all over the world. The impact of our YMCA is not limited to the coastline, but stretches all the way to the San Bernardino National Forest with our Camp Big Bear set on the shoreline of Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains.
From the Beach to the Bear, our commitment is to community, serving consistently across our program areas and services. Check out our facilities below!
SANTA MONICA FAMILY YMCA
CAMP BIG BEAR
Our Association Leadership
Welcome to the Santa Monica Family YMCA association, we believe in rising together; stronger, healthier, and more connected than ever. Rooted in nearly a century of consistent service and fueled by a bold vision for the future, our team is honored to walk alongside you as we strengthen the spirit of our community.
Over the past two years, we’ve deepened our commitment to equity, safety, and belonging. Whether you’re a longtime member or walking through our doors for the first time, you belong here. No one is turned away for an inability to pay, because we believe access to health, wellness, and opportunity strengthen the foundations of our community.
Everything we do, from empowering youth through leadership and life skills, to advancing wellness for every generation, to responding with care during times of crisis, is grounded in our mission to build a better us. Guided by our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, we are creating safe spaces where everyone can rise, thrive, and lead.
Through our strategic initiatives in community engagement, accessibility, and inclusive growth, we’re not only responding to today’s needs but shaping tomorrow’s possibilities. Whether you’re here to swim, serve, stretch, or start fresh; this is your Y.
Thank you for being part of the journey. Let’s rise and thrive together.
Hodge Patterson, IV
Chief Executive Officer
Our History
The Santa Monica Family YMCA was first incorporated on April 19, 1901. The Santa Monica Family YMCA had its second start at a meeting held June 13, 1927 in the cafeteria of Santa Monica High School. Under the leadership of Dr. C. H. Lewis, our first president, the Y embarked upon a mission to establish a place where local residents could share “friendship and faith.”
Through the Great Depression and other financially troubled times, the Y offered many youth and adult activities including high school clubs, basketball leagues, and Indian Guide programs. Our first “real” home was at Third and California. In 1946, the Sixth Street property was purchased for our expanding needs. Thanks to a successful capital campaign, the YMCA in partnership with the YWCA opened the doors to its new facility on January 15, 1950.
The Y continued to grow with additional purchases and the development of Camp Big Bear. Other notable events were the founding of the Y”s Men”s Breakfast and Evening Clubs, our separation from the YWCA, and the official incorporation of the word “Family” into our name.
In 1983, the Y opened the Ralph W. Kiewit Fitness Center, the first part of a three-phase plan to enlarge existing facilities. Included in the Kiewit Center were a new fitness area with Nautilus equipment, a multi-purpose room for fitness and aerobic classes, and more space for our growing childcare programs.
1989 saw the grand opening of Phase II, which added the lap and teaching pools, two multi-purpose rooms, fitness center, and outdoor walking track.
In 2002, the Phase III Expansion project was completed to include a new gymnasium, racquetball courts, child watch center, computer lab, Teen and Senior Centers, weight room, and new Child Development Center.
Our Equity Statement
Equity Statement
In pursuit of our mission where all are valued and respected by the Y, the Santa Monica Family YMCA is committed to advancing equity for all so that everyone has an opportunity to reach their full potential and live life to its fullest. We nurture and intentionally promote a culture free of bias and injustice. We recognize the uniqueness of each individual person and celebrate all dimensions of diversity. We are committed to dismantling oppressive systems and hold ourselves accountable to identify and put in place long-term policies designed to eliminate racism and inequity. We commit to intentionally and consistently make progress to become an anti-racist, multicultural organization that advances equity for all and stands against all forms of prejudice.
Equity Guiding Pricinples
- Lead with respect and empathy in all interactions and activities
- Recognize, value, and embrace all dimensions of diversity and work towards the greatest possible inclusion
- Foster a safe exchange of ideas, beliefs, and perspectives within/through the Y
- Advance social equity and bridge-building across and within all communities
