The YMCA Cambodia Project

   Three years ago, our Cambodian Staff had a new idea, to help Cambodian American's connect to their heritage in Cambodia. It was an easy idea to grasp considering two things: In Long Beach, we have the largest population of Cambodians outside of Cambodia and our branch reflects this by having the most Cambodian YMCA employees in the country. The idea became a goal and three years later this goal was met.  Last November, we sent 6 of our Cambodian Staff to Cambodia to participate in a cultural exchange. The trip was a huge success. It was also filmed and a documentary was produced by our very own Change Agent Productions. We are now proud to announce the documentary is complete and is available to view on YouTube (www.youtube.com/ymcacambodiaproject) or you can watch it below. We are very excited for the opportunities that this production will open up for not only our staff but also the Cambodian YMCA we have partnered with.  Enjoy the film.
        For more information on the YMCA Cambodia Project and how to get involved please visit, www.ymcacambodiaproject.org. 

2012 Strong Kids Campaign Brochures!

Download our 2012 Strong Kids Brochures in 3 different Languages!

English PDF 1.5mb

Spanish PDF 1.5mb

Khmer PDF 1.8mb

Winter Newsletter 2011/12

Click the Above Image to Download the PDF 

Community Development Board of Directors

Left to Right: Mike Alviar, Willie Elston, Henry Ung, Julie Mendell, Vicky Hernandez, Milton Cortez, Jose Lara, Sally Lew, Karen Hilburn, Scott Eberlein, Jose Joaquin, Robin Thorne, Bob Cabeza, Cheryl Lee

Our Community Development Board of Directors just finished their Annual Board Retreat last Saturday, January 14th. They worked on the Board Structure, the Branch Strategic Plan, How to get the Board more involved and the Strong Kids Campaign. We also formed our NEW Program, Financial, Development, Nominating and Program Committees. A great time of fellowship and hard work was had by all! Many thanks to Sally Lew, Curt Gibbs and Alan Kumamoto for organizing and running the event. Many thanks also to Ron Ung who coordinated the event location and logistics. Check out our very talented and good looking CD YMCA Board of Managers in the photo as well!

Season Greetings from YI and CAP!

YMCA SAFE Program

How does the After School Programs educate and bring awareness about what it means to be healthy?  SAFE! Students and families participated in the S.A.F.E program last year. SAFE stands for Students Assets for Fitness Education. Students and families learned how to make healthy choices
 from active activities to what they should eat. Students participated in the SAFE program in the after school program where parents attended parent classes.  Student’s had better attitudes and behaviors towards healthy lifestyles. Over 1,000 children and families engaged in various nutrition activities and lessons.  Family and children are now able to utilize this information to make healthier choices regarding what to eat. Being active is important in the after school program, students learned about benefits of being physically active and the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle, both physically and nutritionally. Students are playing more and staying active. The after school programs family fitness nights where students and family members can come to the program and play games with a nutrition focus.  Families were dancing to Zumba, learning Karate, taste healthy foods and more. The YMCA S.A.F.E. Program addresses several issues facing today’s urban youth. Healthy lifestyle choices are a combination of healthy habits, nutritional habits and physical activity. See the slideshow above for photos!


For more information about the SAFE Program contact Trang Truong. 

Youth Institute Thanksgiving Dinner 2011

This monday the Youth Institute took part in the 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner at St. Luke's Church in Long Beach. We had an amazing turn out with plenty of food to spare, nobody left with an empty stomach. Bob Cabeza, Vice President, gave a memorable toast sharing his experiences from his recent trip to Cambodia and how fortunate we are to have the blessings we do in America. We were all thankful to be able to enjoy the food provided, which was delicious, especially the home-cooked turkey brought by Bob's niece, Jessica. Enjoy the photos from the event below. 

Photos taken by Leo Salcido, Senior Art Director Change Agent Productions.