San Diego is home to the largest military population in the United States, and San Diego County has the highest concentration of military personnel and their families. Of the more than 175,000 active duty military personnel, 71 percent are families with children ages 0 to 14. To support these families, the Military YMCA (ASYMCA) supports military families and helps them navigate the challenges of military life.
On September 3, 2024, ASYMCA held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new military family center in Murphy Canyon. The event will include U.S. Navy Vice Admiral William French, U.S. Navy, Congressman Sarah Jacobs (D-CA 51), Fox 5’s Scott Heath, San Diego Padre’s Joe Musgrove, and Community and International Impact Executive・Vice President Tom Seidler attended. San Diego Padres. The center aims to open within six months. The number of children served through ASYMCA’s after-school Achievement Academy program is expected to double, according to a news release.
Military YMCA San Diego is located in the heart of Murphy Canyon, one of the largest military housing complexes in the nation, and plays a vital role in providing military families with easy access to programs and services. After School Achievement Academy effectively addresses immediate child care needs and supports the overall well-being of military families.
Throughout its history, the Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund has consistently supported military-focused organizations. In May 2023, the Foundation awarded a $30,000 grant to ASYMCA’s After School Achievement Academy (AAA) program. The After School Achievement Academy is intended to address the urgent and critical need for child care services for the 4,000 children on the Navy’s waiting list.
“During our on-site visit to ASYMCA, we were impressed with the level of care and attention provided to the children. The staff’s dedication to creating a safe and supportive environment for military families is an attractive point. This was evident in every aspect, from the social activities to the nurturing atmosphere,” RSFWF member Arcela Ayyad said in a news release.
The AAA program has two major initiatives. First, it provides extended child care for military families, allows military spouses to join the workforce, and contributes to the economic stability of young enlisted families. Second, the program offers a strong youth development program to support the academic, social/emotional, and mental health needs of military children, the news release states. .
This project is designed to support military families in a variety of ways, including homework assistance, ensuring access to healthy meals during program time, and ultimately impacting their overall health and well-being. It was done. By shifting the burden of completing homework to program time, families were able to focus on spending quality time together in a more meaningful way. In 2023, the Afterschool Achievement Academy served approximately 200 military children and parents.
The impact of the grants is significant: increased employment and economic security for military spouses, 88% of military children improve academic achievement and meet standards, promote social and emotional development, and reduce homework burdens on families. Some results have been achieved, such as: Let’s spend more quality time together.
“Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund has helped us dream bigger, be innovative, and grow in how we serve military families,” said Lisa Talbot, director of development at ASYMCA San Diego. he said in a news release. “Their foundational support and understanding of the day-to-day needs of our nation gives us the ability to expand our horizons and make a lasting impact on junior military service families.Military YMCA San Diego is our We are very grateful for the partnership.”
The Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund is a force that leverages the power of collective giving to create positive change in the San Diego community. Since its founding in 2004, RSFWF has donated more than $5.7 million to 165 local nonprofit programs, making a measurable difference in the lives of thousands of people. Beyond philanthropy, Women’s Fund is a platform for women to connect, engage and learn about important issues in their communities. Members can attend events, network with other women, and contribute to the Foundation’s mission.
The next general meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 23rd at 11:30 a.m. at the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club. Featured speakers include Bob Simmons, American film producer, entrepreneur, and founder and chairman of STX Entertainment. We will talk about the behind-the-scenes aspects of film production. For more information on how to become a member and participate in this event, please visit www.rsfwomensfund.org or email admin@rsfwomensfund.org. –RSF Women’s Fund News Release
