The front doors opened just after breakfast began. A little girl came hurrying in. Earlier that morning, her mother had called the front desk, asking if they could hold breakfast just a few minutes longer. She didn’t want her daughter to miss a meal.
Moments later, the girl slid into a seat beside her friends. She smiled, and started her day with a full plate. Paloma Sanchez, Director of Summer Day Camp, watched as the girl settled in with her breakfast. For her, it was one of many moments that captured what this program truly meant: no one left behind.
Paloma knows the YMCA’s impact on a personal level. She grew up in the same programs at the YMCA of West San Gabriel Valley. Now, with a degree in psychology and dreams of becoming a school therapist, she has come full circle.
"I want to be a role model and be there emotionally for the kids," she said.
Through out-of-school time funding from the Ballmer Group, secured in partnership with the California State Alliance of YMCAs, Paloma and her team were able to create lasting changes this summer.
"Parents weren’t stressed," she said. "That peace of mind lets their kids enjoy summer. They made friends, played sports, and some even started volunteering."
For many families, the relief was financial as well. Campers went on field trips to places that have never been, that without the funding they could not have afforded. Others took swim lessons, including older kids who had missed out during the pandemic. The YMCA made sure no one missed out, even offering loaner swim gear for kids who forgot theirs.
In the kitchen, the impact reached even further. YMCA staff member Memoree Musquiz, Chef, led weekly cooking classes where children learned to chop, stir, and prepare healthy meals. The recipes used ingredients kids were not always used to, but by the end, many were eager to help every day and proud of what they created together.
Behind the scenes, acts of care were everywhere. Valarie Gomez, CEO of the YMCA, took home loads of laundry each week to wash for families who did not have access to machines or could not afford laundromats. It was a simple gesture, but a powerful message that this YMCA is more than a program provider. It is a partner walking with families every step of the way.
Even small moments held deep meaning. Paloma reflected on the days they set up water slides and brought out water balloons. Kids ran in the sun, counselors joined in, and laughter filled the air. It was fun, but more than that, it was connection. It was trust. It was community.
"The Y is like a family," Paloma said. "Whether it’s the camp, the gym, or the classes, it’s about giving back and supporting the community."
The YMCA of West San Gabriel Valley programming continues through multiple school breaks and holiday seasons. Whether through multi-day sports camps, daily swim lessons, or creative projects like crafts and cooking, the YMCA provided consistent, enriching environments when school was out. The funding allowed the YMCA to hire more staff, lower adult-to-child ratios, and offer more individualized support, especially for youth with different skill levels or learning needs.
Through the generosity of the Ballmer Group, the YMCA of West San Gabriel Valley turned days of uncertainty into seasons of belonging, growth, and joy.
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