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Dear LA Y Team,
It seems like just yesterday we were ushering in 2024. While this year has brought so much to be proud of, it does seem like the year has come and gone in the blink of an eye. When you pause to reflect, it makes you wonder how we can accomplish so much as an organization. For me, that answer is relatively simple, and it’s how we created a space to stand out as an organization and why we continue to thrive 180 years later: appetite. We attract individuals who have an appetite for positive change and an appetite to find solutions so that everyone involved with LA Y is truly impacted in the ways we intend.
Our hunger has brought incredible impact over this past year:
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2,466 children sent to camp
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300 kids involved in 6 new Beyond the Bell expanded learning after school program sites
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3.6 million pounds of food distributed
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Over $3 million given in financial assistance
Thank you for your dedication, passion, and hunger for building stronger, more connected communities.
Heading in to 2025, let's build on this momentum. What drives you and most importantly, how can we tap into that appetite to further amplify the transformative spirit that has scaffolded so much of what we do? If you're unsure of how to get started, I urge you to start by being open. Allow yourself to be around people, topics and scenarios that you're less familiar with and pay attention to the moments that spark interest and curiosity. Whether you join an Employee Resource Group and lend your voice to help advocate for diversity and inclusion among your peers, spend time to create a development plan with your supervisor or volunteer for one of the wonderful community events happening locally this month, feed your appetite for growth by finding the things that bring you the most joy and satisfaction.
I'm excited for what the new year will bring and our journey to creating a positive YMCA experience for every person in Los Angeles. We are stronger with you on board and we are more equipped to help our communities be well, do good, and lead change.
Thank you for all that you do and together, let's head into 2025 hungrier than ever.
Victor
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