What We’re Seeing
Health is shaped by far more than medical care. Where people live, how much they earn, whether they have stable housing, access to healthy food, safe places to move, reliable transportation, and supportive relationships all play a major role in well-being.
These social determinants of health influence whether people can prevent illness, manage stress, and live longer, healthier lives.
Advancing community health means investing in prevention and early support in the places people already are – trusted community settings that make it easier to build healthy habits, strengthen connection, and access supportive resources.
THE Y'S ROLE
At the Y, we are a trusted community anchor where people can build healthy habits, stay connected, and feel a sense of belonging. Through fitness, aquatics, youth sports, and evidence-based health and prevention programs, we support well-being across every stage of life.
In partnership with health organizations and public agencies, we bring early support into the places people already are. From chronic disease prevention to mental well-being and active aging, we connect people to programs and resources that strengthen both individual and community health.
This integrated approach helps build healthier, safer, and more connected communities — where people of all ages can thrive.
OUR ANNUAL IMPACT:
Data shown reflects FY 2024–2025
PROGRAMS & SERVICEs
- Fitness Centers
- Group Exercise
- LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA
- Diabetes Prevention Program
- Veteran Programs
- Enhance Fitness
- Community Health Navigators
- Conmigo
- Swim Lessons & Water Safety Education
- Y Youth Sports
OUR VISION FOR change
FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH
Children and youth should have widespread access to safe spaces, positive experiences, and skill-building that buffer stress and promote lifelong well-being. Prevention efforts like water safety and drowning prevention can save lives and strengthen community safety.
FOR FAMILIES & OLDER ADULTS
Everyone should have access to proven prevention and early intervention strategies for leading causes of death and disability – regardless of health care access. Trusted messengers and community-based supports can reduce isolation and increase connection and well-being.
FOR PROFESSIONALS
Effective systems prioritize trauma-responsive training and reliable referral pathways for prevention and early support. Greater representation and community-based care models can strengthen trust, engagement, and outcomes.
FROM INSIGHTS TO IMPACT
We pair on-the-ground experience with meaningful data to share what’s working, elevate community voice, and inform policies that strengthen community health, safety, and a sense of belonging for all.
YMCA OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT
(FY 2024-2025)
Explore how the YMCA of San Diego County is strengthening community well-being and belonging, highlighting how our reach, resources, and partnerships multiply our mission and impact across the community.
WHAT IF THE YMCA IS THE MISSING LINK IN AMERICA'S HEALTH SYSTEM?
Explore how community-based health approaches, grounded in Open Source Wellness’s Community As Medicine model, can strengthen prevention, deepen connection, and expand the YMCA’s role in whole-person well-being.
