Armed Services YMCA -- San Diego Branch

Serving 72,000 people annually, providing free social services, emergency food, respite care and 30 other programs and services to enhance the quality of life of military personnel and their families.

How do you help people in my community?

San Diego County is home to a military community of over 250,000 active-duty service members, their spouses, children, and other dependents.  These individuals live, work, go to school, and are active participants in the numerous San Diego neighborhoods they inhabit, but are often overwhelmed when first moving to the area.  Most have left family and friends thousands of miles away, are unaware of established community resources, and are frequently and constantly adjusting to the ever-changing military lifestyle.

Why do you need my support?

The Armed Services YMCA relies on community support to continue our mission of “Serving Those Who Serve America.”  Individual contributions, United Way/CFC donations, foundation and corporate grants, and fund-raising events all help build a stable financial base, but it is a constant and ongoing effort.  Every contribution makes an impact!

As the local military community continues to grow, we also face an increase in requests for services – additional sites for youth programs, growth of programs to other local bases, more counseling sessions to meet increasing demands.  While many programs have already experienced growth, the ASYMCA requires more resources to accomplish our goal of program expansion, in turn reaching out to more military members and their families.

Although the ASYMCA only serves active-duty military personnel and their families, it does not receive any government funding.  The ASY actively collaborates with support services provided by the military – however, the needs of the military community far outweigh the means and number of programs the military can provide.  The San Diego Armed Services YMCA is there to supplement these military services.

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

The ASYMCA staff and Board of Management members are cognizant of the fact that donors have entrusted the organization with their money.  The staff works to keep expenses at a minimum while maximizing opportunities to garner donations.  Our Finance Committee reviews financial statements monthly and provides direction on financial decisions.  The Board of Management oversees all committees and consists of military leaders, banking, finance, and legal professionals, and business and volunteer community leaders.

Can I Volunteer? How?

Volunteers are especially important to ASYMCA programming at the Naval Medical Center and the Youth & Community Outreach Department.  Additional volunteers are needed year round on a temporary basis depending on what events are taking place – demand is especially high during the holiday season to assist with our annual Holiday Food & Toy Drive.

To get involved as a volunteer with the San Diego Armed Services YMCA, please call our Volunteer Coordinator Jeanie Spies at (619) 532-8156 or by emailing her at jbspies@nmcsd.med.navy.mil..