Ron Lelakes Appointed Executive Director to Lead Escondido YMCA; Community Listening Sessions Planned to Boost Local Collaboration
ESCONDIDO, Ca. (Feb. 10, 2025) — The YMCA of San Diego County today announced a renewed commitment to serve the Escondido community through intentional partnerships, comprehensive programs, and innovative approaches aimed at fostering community well-being.
“As we unveil our renewed vision for Escondido, we’re proud to announce the first round of transformative partnerships with Escondido Union School District, National University, and Neighborhood Healthcare,” said Todd Tibbits, president and CEO of the YMCA of San Diego County. “These collaborative and intentional partners are fundamental to our strategy and will help support our Y’s vision to be the catalyst to transform lives and community.”
The Y’s mission in Escondido embodies three key priorities designed to promote community connectedness and opportunity. This vision is founded on the existing needs of the Escondido community that were collected in partnership with a third-party consultant.
- Fostering Community Well-being
With a focus on holistic health, the Y is dedicated to ensuring all programs and services foster a strong sense of belonging. By leveraging collaborative partnerships, promoting community-integrated health strategies, and relying on evidence-based solutions, the Y seeks to break down barriers and empower every individual to reach their full potential. - Leverage Collective Impact Through Intentional Partnerships
Collaboration lies at the heart of the Y’s strategy. By partnering with local nonprofit organizations and stakeholders, the Y aims to maximize resources and deliver initiatives aligned with the community’s unique needs. These intentional partnerships promise to bring impactful, sustainable change to the Escondido area. - Youth Development
Positive Youth Development is a key priority for Escondido, with programs such as gymnastics, sports, day camps, and licensed child-care initiatives providing a safe and engaging environment. Additionally, the Y is prioritizing water safety education, ensuring that all students in the Escondido Union School District have access to swimming lessons and life-saving water safety programming.
“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,” said Luis A. Rankins-Ibarra, Ed.D, superintendent of the Escondido Union School 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.”
Partnering with impactful nonprofit organizations will further bolster the Y’s vision to develop the Escondido YMCA as a campus for community well-being, with each organization exploring meaningful ways to contribute to the site.
“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,” said Rakesh Patel, M.D., CEO of Neighborhood Healthcare. “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.”
“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,” said Mark D. Milliron, Ph.D., president and CEO of National University. “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.”
The Y will host a series of community listening sessions beginning in spring 2025 to ensure its services align with resident needs and aspirations. These sessions will engage families, caregivers, youth, and community partners through surveys, interviews, and collaborative meetings.
To spearhead these efforts, the Y has appointed a new executive director, Ron Lelakes, to lead the Escondido YMCA – A Campus for Community Well-being.
“Stepping into the role as executive director at such a pivotal time is truly an honor. I am delighted to work alongside our strategic partners at the Escondido Union School District, National University, and Neighborhood Healthcare,” added Lelakes. “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.”
The YMCA of San Diego County is dedicated to building a vibrant and inclusive Campus for Community Well-being while paving the way for new opportunities through sustainable and collaborative efforts. Residents can expect enhancements to programs, stronger community partnerships, and a commitment to ensuring the Y becomes a hub for connection, empowerment, and well-being in Escondido.
This new campus will also bring a variety of YMCA employment opportunities, providing rewarding roles for individuals passionate about making a difference. 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. For more information about the Escondido YMCA, please visit ymcasd.org/Escondido.
MEDIA CONTACT
Dan Cruz, (619) 925-7671
dcruz@ymcasd.org
ABOUT THE YMCA OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY
The YMCA of San Diego County is one of the largest Y associations in the nation, serving over 400,000 San Diego County residents and employing more than 4,500 people. Through a variety of programs and services focused on community well-being and belonging, the Y unites individuals – regardless of age, income, or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The YMCA of San Diego County nurtures a healthy spirit, mind, and body so all can thrive while honoring our faith-based heritage. Visit www.ymcasd.org to find your local YMCA or call (858) 292-YMCA (9622).
