A COLLABORATIVE VISION
Transforming Lives and the Community
Welcome to the Escondido YMCA – A Campus for Community Well-Being! The YMCA of San Diego has been actively engaged in Escondido and the surrounding communities for more than 60 years. Most recently, the Y has provided gymnastics programming, before- and after-school child care, Expanded Learning Programs, services to help families find child care, transitional housing for youth and more.
Today we’re excited for a new vision that will transform the way we serve the Escondido community for years to come. The Y is dedicated to paving the way for new and exciting opportunities that promise to enrich the lives of residents in a sustainable business model. We’re designing this facility to inspire wellness and foster a sense of belonging for every member of our community. TOP NEEDS OF THE ESCONDIDO COMMUNITY
We are committed to providing opportunities to improve the social determinants of health:
- Access to quality health care
- Access to post-secondary education for career pathways
- Opportunities for youth engagement
OUR IMPACT VISION
FOSTERING COMMUNITY WELL-BEING
PARTNERSHIPS
Collaborating with local organizations and stakeholders, to better position ourselves to meet the diverse needs of the community effectively and sustainably. This approach ensures that resources are maximized, and initiatives are aligned with the community’s needs, paving the way for a more impactful and lasting change.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
- Our youth enrichment programs, including gymnastics, sports and day camps, will foster an environment of belonging, achievement and relationships.
- Continue to provide recreational and licensed child-care programs year-round.
- Ensure that students in the Escondido Union School District (EUSD) are safe in and around water. Recognizing the critical importance of water safety education, the Y will and provide comprehensive swimming programs that are open to the community.
- Cultivate the next generation of change-makers equipped to make a positive impact on their communities and beyond. By encouraging young people to see the value in community leadership, they become role models, promoting a culture of awareness and responsibility. This, in turn, fosters an environment where everyone can thrive.
OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS
ESCONDIDO UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
The YMCA will offer programs for students of the Escondido Union School District, focusing on enhancing educational opportunities, expanding learning and fostering social-emotional development. EUSD, the Y's foundational partner, is committed to providing quality learning experiences for all students in a supportive environment. Through a shared space agreement, this partnership will provide enriching activities that include:
- Expanded Learning Programs
- Swim lessons
- YMCA sports programming
- YMCA STEAM program
"We are immensely pleased to partner with the Escondido YMCA to refurbish and reopen their pool facilities, providing critical swimming and water safety lessons to all 16,000 students in our district. This collaboration is more than just an infrastructure project; it's a commitment to the well-being and safety of our students. The YMCA has always been a pivotal part of our community, offering extensive programs that benefit our students after school. Reopening the YMCA pool is the beginning of an expansive partnership that will bring our students not only essential life skills but also enriching experiences through various outdoor and educational activities planned around this facility."
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
National University is San Diego's largest private nonprofit university, offering accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners. The YMCA will collaborate with National University to offer educational opportunities for community members who face challenges attending traditional college due to barriers such as:
- Child care responsibilities
- Flexible and accessible educational pathways
- Full-time employment
"We are excited to collaborate with community partners who, like National University, are committed to providing access to high-quality programs and developing innovative solutions to help students of all ages succeed. This year, with the invaluable support of our partners, NU will be introducing new services designed to empower our students with the wraparound support they need to balance their careers, education, and family responsibilities. These partnerships exemplify our dedication to addressing the diverse needs of non-traditional learners, creating not just a place to study, but a vibrant community where they can thrive and achieve their full potential."
NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTHCARE
Neighborhood Healthcare is a private, nonprofit community health organization. Our partnership will allow the community to have much needed access to health care, including:
- Dentistry
- Pediatric care
- Mental health care
"A community is only as healthy as its residents, and by partnering with the Y, we have a unique opportunity to improve the health and well-being of Escondido’s youth. Together, we are creating a space where young people can access the care, support, and resources they need to thrive. This collaboration aligns with our mission to positively impact individual and community health regardless of situation or circumstance."
RON LELAKES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ESCONDIDO YMCA - A CAMPUS FOR COMMUNITY WELL-BEING
Executive Director Ron Lelakes will play a pivotal role in steering the Escondido YMCA – A Campus for Community Well-Being toward building community engagement and empowerment while fulfilling the vision for the campus and the Y’s mission.
"I am delighted to work alongside our strategic partners at the Escondido Union School District, National University, and Neighborhood Healthcare. The Escondido YMCA - A Campus for Community Well-Being is poised to make a greater impact than ever before. I look forward to participating in the upcoming community listening sessions to ensure our services align with resident needs, engaging families and future community partners to shape a bright and inclusive future for all.
COMMUNITY LISTENING SESSIONS
COMING SOON
The Y will host a series of community listening sessions. These sessions aim to gather valuable input from residents, ensuring programs and services developed truly reflect the community’s aspirations and priorities.
CAMPUS OVERVIEW
WITH PARTNERS AND PRIMARY SERVICES
This is an overview of the Escondido YMCA – A Campus for Community Well-Being.
LINCOLN APARTMENTS
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING FOR YOUTH
Support provided by YMCA Youth & Family Services can be the difference between a life of stability and wellness or one of chronic stress and uncertainty. Buildings like this one in Escondido are a critical component of the Y’s innovative service model and will allow for increased impact in youth’s lives.
Strong Minds and Bodies
Gymnastics at the Y
Last year, more than 800 young gymnasts found strength, skills and fun learning gymnastics at the Y.
ymcA CAREERS
This new campus will bring a variety of YMCA employment opportunities, providing rewarding roles for individuals passionate about making a difference in the community. Starting March 1, 2025, the first phase of these opportunities will be available for viewing and application. Those interested in joining the YMCA’s impactful team are encouraged to visit ymcasd.org/jobs to explore the opportunities.
Escondido YMCA - A Campus for Community Well-Being
1050 North Broadway
Escondido, CA 92026
(760) 745-7490
See directions
QUESTIONS OR FEEDBACK?
Contact us: escondidofeedback@ymcasd.org
