Impacting the Community

As a leading nonprofit, the Y is committed to strengthening communities throughout the nation. Your local Y seeks to fill gaps in community services and develop activities, strengthening communities across San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties.

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Healthy Living

Improving the nation’s health and well-being. The Y is a leading voice on health and well-being. With a mission centered on balance of the spirit, mind, and body, the Y encourages good health and fosters connections through fitness, sports, and shared interests, to achieve greater health and well-being for the whole person.

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Youth Development

All kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. That’s why, through the Y, thousands of youth in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties are cultivating the values, skills, and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, and lifelong achievement.

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Social Responsibility

Since 1887, the Channel Islands YMCA has responded to our communities’ most critical social needs, bringing together thousands of volunteers, donors, leaders, and partners to help people across San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties stay healthy, confident, connected, and secure.

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The Y is a non-profit

Believing that everyone should have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive, the Y nurtures potential and brings people of diverse backgrounds together. The Y has a local presence and national reach, mobilizing local communities to effect lasting, meaningful change.

The Channel Islands YMCA is a charitable organization providing programs based upon Christian principles to people of all ages, races, religious beliefs, and economic status to promote Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.

For the history of the YMCA, visit ymca.net/history.

Our Impact

For over 100 years, the Channel Islands YMCA has been committed to creating a stronger, healthier and more connected community for us all.

Impact Reports

1.2 M

In scholarships provided

57,000+

Serving annually

8,500

Kids attended day & Sleep away camp

Our Staff

Our executive leaders are at the forefront of the Channel Islands YMCA delivering its mission. They foster an environment of inclusiveness within our organization and throughout the community through our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

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Our Local Y History

Here at the YMCA, we are committed to the highest ethical standards of a non-profit community organization. The Channel Islands YMCA, an association of seven YMCAs, is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. We are governed by, and accountable to, an independent board of directors of community leaders and volunteers.

1887 — The Beginning

The YMCA was established in both Santa Barbara and Ventura, beginning a long tradition of serving local communities.
1887 — Ventura YMCA Opens

On September 30, the Ventura YMCA opened in a house at Santa Clara and Oak Street and became known as the YMCA of Ventura County.
1910 — A Permanent Home

Construction began on Santa Barbara’s first official YMCA building at the corner of Chapala and Carrillo Streets.
1912 — Expanding Our Programs

The new Santa Barbara YMCA facility opened, offering athletics, swimming, summer camps, clubs, social services, and community programs.
Today — Channel Islands YMCA

Today, the Channel Islands YMCA brings together seven YMCAs, guided by community leaders and volunteers and continuing its commitment to strengthening communities across the region.

Our Annual Reports

Here at the YMCA, we are committed to the highest ethical standards of a public charity. The Channel Islands YMCA, an association of seven YMCAs, is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. We are governed by, and accountable to, an independent board of directors of community leaders and volunteers. Whatever you give to the YMCA, and whenever you give it, you can rest assured that your donation will be in good hands.

Annual reports