LIVING OUR CAUSE LETTER FROM THE CEO IN THIS ISSUE MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ENJOY THIS ISSUE? SHARE YOUR STORY!

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1 LIVING OUR CAUSE YMCA OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY 6135 TAM O SHANTER DR., STOCKTON CA June 2013 LIVING OUR CAUSE A NEWSLETTER FOR MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS OF THE Y MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IN THIS ISSUE Healthy Kids Day 2013 Letter from the CEO Summer Programs New Board Member: Myles Harris Staff Highlight: Michael Gomez Student Highlight: Tylor Moore Parent Appreciation Night Pioneering Healthier Communities Scholarship Campaign LETTER FROM THE CEO The Y has been a very busy place these last few months. Through our events and programs we are helping kids stay healthy and engaged in learning throughout the summer. We want to give families a chance to enjoy some quality outdoor time together and provide broader access to Y programs for those who are facing financial challenges. We know these events and programs are helping people see a way to a brighter future a future that will include good health and fullness of life. Creating a brighter future for the community involves a lot of hard work from our dedicated staff and it takes more than that! None of what we do at the Y would happen without the efforts of our volunteers and the generous support of donors. Message from YMCA USA ENJOY THIS ISSUE? Feel free to share this newsletter with anyone who you think may find it useful. SHARE YOUR STORY! us at: story@ymcasjc.org As you read this issue of LIVING OUR CAUSE, you ll see how your time, talents and treasures are helping the Y go further in promoting youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. And in return, a brighter future for our community. Thank you for your continued support of the YMCA of San Joaquin County! Rich Good Executive Director 1

2 HEALTHY KIDS DAY SUMMER PROGRAMS Summer Day Camp Age: K-8 grade Location: Kennedy Park, 6/17 7/26 Linden Elementary, 5/28-8/2 Lincoln High, 6/1-8/16 McKinley Park, 6/17 7/26 Oak Park, 6/17 7/26 Weston Ranch High, 5/28-8/2 LEADING THE WAY INTO A HEALTHIER SUMMER Summer is the time for kids to grow, but sometimes when the school year ends, children's exposure to stimulating activities also comes to a standstill. "At the YMCA of SJC, we want to ensure that more kids excel in school and are at lower risk for childhood obesity. We know that parents struggle to keep their kids physically active and intellectually engaged, especially in the summer," said Mike Vann, YMCA Program Director. YMCA's Healthy Kids Day is part of the Y's national initiative to improve the health and well-being of families. By increasing access to quality activities and resources, this exciting event addresses critical gaps in youth health and education. Children are able to learn, grow, and achieve their fullest potential. This year's Healthy Kids Day event was held at University Park in Stockton and West High School in Tracy. Over 2,700 attendees and 100 community organizations participated. All participants were given tips, tools and many other resources to engage in healthy living habits. Aquatics in Stockton & Tracy Date: 6/11-8/2 Age: infant adults Location: Stockton Brookings Community Pool Kennedy Park Pool Lincoln High McKinley Park Pool Oak Park Pool Weston Ranch High Tracy Pinkie Phillips Aquatics Center For more details visit JOBS AT THE Y? We have employment opportunities in the areas of youth development, aquatics and health and wellness. For more information, visit our employment web page at: ymcasjc.org/our-y/employment The Y encourages kids and families to get a jump on summer and carry the spirit of staying intellectually and physically active. Visit to learn more about the event. 2

3 A LEADER IS ONE WHO KNOWS THE WAY, GOES THE WAY, AND SHOWS THE WAY. -JOHN C. MAXWELL MYLES HARRIS JOINS BOARD OF DIRECTORS The YMCA of San Joaquin County is pleased to announce that Myles Harris has become a part of the Board of Directors. Myles is a Personal Financial Representative for Allstate Insurance Company and a proud supporter of the community. Myles graduated from Oregon State University and has spent the last 24 years working at Allstate. He currently serves as a board member of the San Joaquin County Sheriff Foundation and is a member of Rotary. He and his wife enjoy watching their kids at Y youth sports games. I joined the YMCA board because I believe in their mission to strengthen the foundation of community. I have 4 children and know how important it is for families to stay connected. I look forward to helping the Y build a stronger community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, said Harris. We want to ensure that children have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive through different programs, said Scott Harper, YMCA board president. Each board member s knowledge, business experience and passion will help the Y continue to do exceptional work every day to create a community where youth can reach their full potential. STUDENT HIGHLIGHT SUBMITTED BY: JOEL MUNOZ TYLOR MOORE SENIOR, FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL Tylor is the first person in his family to graduate high school and already has big plans for his future. A few weeks ago, he was sworn into the United States Army. Tylor was an active part of JROTC, Water Polo, Wrestling, and Drama, along with various other on-campus activities, while still making the Y a part of his experience at FHS. Competing in various group activities, starting a Risk Club and volunteering is just a short recap of his involvement with the Y. Tylor has always been a good influence on his peers and has played a key role in encouraging others to keep active. We are proud of his accomplishments and his diligence in striving for success. We wish him the best of luck! STAFF HIGHLIGHT SUBMITTED BY: ISELA ROBLES MICHAEL GOMEZ RECREATIONAL COORDINATOR Michael Gomez is the Recreational Coordinator at Edison High's YMCA Afterschool Program. His leadership and dedication has been essential for creating an effective recreational program for students. Michael has developed a dedicated soccer team that faithfully meets twice a week, and he has helped prepare Edison High students for the Cinco de Mayo handball tournament. He also organizes a variety of other youth sport activities for students to engage in daily. His knowledge and skills help students learn and discover their own interests. He continues to promote and foster a positive atmosphere of the Y s four values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. YMCA team members and students look up to Michael, not only as a coach, but also a mentor. He truly is an inspiration and a great example of a cause-driven leader. 3

4 YMCA HIGH SCHOOL AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM HEALTHY LIVING PARENT APPRECIATION NIGHT PIONEERING HEALTHER COMMUNITIES (PHC) Y HIGH SCHOOL AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM In March, students planned a Parent Appreciation Night. Their primary focus was to acknowledge parents for all that they do. Parents, Y-Staff, volunteers and students attended the event at Chavez High School s Library in Stockton. Students read letters they wrote and honored those who made a difference in their lives. It was a wonderful chance to celebrate their parents' commitment. Director Andersen Brown shared, The students decided to put together this event because they thought parents often don t get the appreciation that they deserve. It was amazing to see them work together and put so much thought in making this possible for their parents. Through this process I ve seen a lot of leadership qualities and friendships being built. That s what makes being part of the Y more meaningful to me. The Y has worked with school administration for the last four years to help students establish good habits. None of the success could happen without the support of parents and families. PHC is part of the YMCA s Healthier Communities Initiatives which focus on making policy and environmental changes that support healthy lifestyles. They are built on the concept that local communities can work together to give all community members healthy choices. Many families in East Stockton have relied on nearby convenience stores for basic groceries that do not stock a wide variety of healthy foods. Under the direction of a committee comprised of local community leaders, families will now have access to healthy fresh foods through the newly organized Certified Farmer s Market. The goal is to provide access to healthy foods, family fitness activities and park improvement to the community of East Stockton. The farmers market is open to the community every Wednesday from 4pm to 8pm at Eastside Community Park. Fresh produce and other items are available to purchase. Free Zumba classes will also be provided along with cooking demos and information booths of local resources. Vendors will accept cash, EBT, WIC, senior vouchers, and ATM with credit logo. Together we are changing our community and transforming lives! PHC FARMER S MARKET Date: Every Wednesday until 10/23 Time: 4pm 8pm Place: East Side Community Park *Corner of Horner & Del Mar Ave 4

5 HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE SCHOLARSHIP CAMPAIGN Last year 108 kids were not able to participate in Y programs due to the lack of funding. We are powerful advocates for the community because we are the community. Help us keep the Y available for kids and families who need us most. When you give to the Y, your gift to the Y will have a meaningful and enduring impact, right in your own community. To make a gift visit: MESSAGE FROM YMCA USA TIRED OR DEHYDRATED? Hydration is an important component of healthy living. Drinking enough water isn t just important before a workout or on hot and humid days. Hydration is critical to our energy levels throughout the day. Water carries oxygen and nutrients to our cells, helps the body regulate temperature, eliminates toxins and waste, and provides a moist and cushioned environment for body tissues and joints. Drinking more water and eating more water-soluble foods increases your hydration level and can lead to more energy and better nutrition. Here are some suggestions: KEEP WATER HANDY at your desk, in your refrigerator, near the couch and drink continuously throughout the day. DON T WAIT UNTIL YOU RE THIRSTY we don t typically feel thirsty until we ve already lost a good deal of water, so it s important to drink small amount throughout the day. MINIMIZE CAFFEINE AND ALCOHOL they act as diuretics and can contribute to dehydration. EAT PLENTY OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES all contain water. Top water density foods include citrus, cucumbers, tomatoes, jicama, beets, carrots, celery, melon, strawberries, and avocado. MAKE YOUR WATER MORE INTERESTING if plain water doesn t do much for you, add fruit or herbs to jazz it up. 5