What is YMCA's history in North Hollywood?
The YMCA movement was founded in London in 1844. In 1851 the first YMCA in the USA was established in Boston. The San Fernando YMCA started in the valley in 1927 and the name changed to East Valley Family YMCA and was organized in 1945. Over the years it has benefited from widespread community support and enjoys an extraordinary good reputation.

What services does the YMCA provide?
Childcare Swim Lessons,Youth Fitness Classes, Youth Performing Arts Classes, Group Exercise, Personal Training, Open Swim Fitness Facility, Resident Camps Youth and Government Programs (for high school kids), Model United Nations Programs (for middle school kids) Roller Hockey, Sports Group Exercise Youth Fitness/Dance Classes Yoga, Boot Camp, Belly Dance Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Theater Zumba, Pilates, Line Dancing

Does the YMCA have a wish list?
We’re always looking for resources that can help us enhance our programming. That could be free services we can provide as a benefit to our members, or additional supplies. If someone is interested in giving, they can contact us directly and reach a director in the department they’d like to assist.

Do you need volunteers and, if so, for what type of activities?
We’re always looking for volunteers to teach youth classes and adult classes. We’re also in need of greeters, people to help with special events, and volunteers that would be willing to help us promote and spread the mission of the YMCA either through our Annual Support Campaign or other community outlets. The YMCA was built on volunteerism and the more volunteers we have modeling for our members and the community, the more we’re representing the essence of who we are as an organization.

What do you feel are the YMCA's greatest accomplishments?
In my opinion, here are some of the YMCA’s biggest accomplishments:
Our effort to combat childhood obesity through our Youth Fitness Programs, Active Kids Active Families Program, and PLAY – our PE program for schools Giving youth and teens a positive outlet for creativity and character development through our Childcare, Youth Programs and Youth and Government Program Providing space and programming for families to work out, spend time together, connect and make friends

What do you want to accomplish in 2012 for the North Hollywood YMCA?
I would love to increase community partnerships this year. It’s truly going to take us working together to really make an impact in fighting childhood and adult obesity. I would love to have more doctors and other health practitioners host free screenings and seminars at our YMCA so we can raise awareness and be even more of a resource to help our members meet their fitness goals.

For more information about the East Valley YMCA - visit www.ymcala.org/eastvalley/

5142 Tujunga Ave.
N. Hollywood, CA 91601
818-763-5126