The Santa Monica Family YMCA
The Santa Monica Family YMCA is dedicated to serving the community by providing programs and services that enrich the quality of the physical, mental, spiritual and social lives of individuals and families. In all we do, we will be 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.
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
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 Lead Staff
We welcome you to our proud legacy of serving the community and exciting future together! The Staff and Board of the Santa Monica Family YMCA look forward to connecting with you. Our team is here to support you as we strengthen the foundations of our community.
We ensure everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the access and opportunity to live, grow and thrive. No member of our community, regardless of age, income, or background, is ever turned away due to inability to pay.
Everything we do is designed to nurture the potential of children and teens (Youth Development), improve health and well-being (Healthy Living) and motivate people to support their neighbors and the larger community through service to others (Social Responsibility) while instilling core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Welcome to the Y!
Hodge Patterson, CEO
