Volunteer Appreciation Month |
The gift of time is one of the many ways to assist a nonprofit, which our volunteers give in abundance. In January, we held our Annual Celebration, which recognized the ASYMCA San Diego's accomplishments and community volunteers. |
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During our Annual Celebration dinner in January, MM3 Angel Santiago was recognized as the Armed Services YMCA San Diego's Military Volunteer of the Year. As a military volunteer, Santiago used his personal time to uplift active-duty military members and their families through nutrition, social and emotional advancement, and community connection. With 100 hours of service in 2022, his volunteerism included food distributions, conferences for military spouses, ranch events, and more. ASYMCA San Diego staff and families are tremendously grateful for his donation of time. |
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Diane Golden has a passion for improving the lives of active-duty military members. Her contribution to the ASYMCA San Diego and military families made her the perfect contender for the Community Volunteer of the Year award. For more than five years, she's supported our events that provide our families with food, toys, and empowerment. Read about her deep connection to the Armed Services YMCA San Diego here.
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Businesses that invest in military members and families through our services and programs greatly impact San Diego's active-duty military community. That goal blossomed into a breakthrough volunteerism partnership between Navy Federal Credit Union and ASYMCA San Diego.
This May, Navy Federal Credit Union will celebrate 90 years of annual community service. The organization's volunteers have had the opportunity to hear the stories of military spouses and members and see the joy they've brought with a few hours of their time.
The ASYMCA San Diego is honored to be a part of Navy Federal Credit Union's history. We are so grateful that Navy Federal Credit Union strives to help us strengthen our military families across San Diego. Become a volunteer today!
Happy Volunteer Month to all of our volunteers!
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Purple Up!
It's the Month of the Military Child, and we have recognized our students across social media, print, and in the classroom.
If you follow us on social media, you'll see our students' little faces next to a short blurb about their time at the ASYMCA San Diego.
In our classrooms, students were provided two writing prompt activities. They wrote about being a military child and a letter to a military member. Students also had the opportunity to discuss their experiences in a conversation circle.
Students continued to express themselves on "Purple Up Day," where the staff and students wore anything purple to celebrate being a child of an active-duty military member.
These moments in our after-school program reflect the importance of providing students with an environment filled with activities and friends who live the military lifestyle.
The stories continue after Month of the Military Child. Donate here today to help us provide an educational environment for military children!
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Our Horse of the Sun Ranch offers respite for military families to relax and reconnect
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There are lots of ranches in San Diego County, but one ranch, less than an hour east of the city, is unique.
The Horse of the Sun Ranch, operated by the Armed Services YMCA, is open to the public but primarily serves military families. The Pine Valley-based ranch was donated to the organization about three years ago by its previous owner.
“There are a lot of pressures on military families that the general population doesn’t understand," said Ken Callaway. He runs the ranch and works for the Armed Services YMCA.
As a vet himself, Callaway understands the unique challenges faced by military families.
“High unemployment, high spousal unemployment, high child care costs," he said. "We bring them to the ranch and let them — especially pre- and post-deployment — connect as a family."
Callaway said there are a lot of things to do on this ranch.
"They can come up here, and mom and dad can enjoy barbecue, and the kids can run and scream and they get to play with the horses, kids get to ride," he said. “Families can come and spend five or six hours here (and) enjoy pony rides for the kids. They can do archery. They can do laser tag, arts and crafts, hiking."
Or families can just enjoy some quiet time in nature. Surrounded by the Cleveland National Forest, the ranch sits in its own little valley with trees and a creek running along side of the property. It is a bucolic scene.....
Continue reading KPBS reporter John Carroll''s story here!
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Giddy up! Horse of the Sun Ranch is offering riding lessons for adults and children. |
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Ready to start a new hobby that the whole family can enjoy? Horse of the Sun Ranch offers lessons for both adults and children looking to learn how to ride. Enjoy a stress-free horse ride while keeping your kids happy. We offer quality lessons to develop equestrian talent, confidence, and communication. Sign up today. |
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Donor and Partner Spotlight |
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Partnering with the business community, local leaders, and community members continues to drive results for our programs and events that aim to support military families. We greatly appreciate our donors and partners for their dedication to "strengthening our military family". Become a donor at asymca.org/how2helpsd. |
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CRC CARES Foundation
All Surface Roofing & Waterproofing
Daryl ldler
Marine Group Boat Works, LLC
Flagship Cruises and Events
Stater Bros. Harvesting Hope Charities
Jeffrey Olsen
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Follow us on social media! |
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