Gentry Magazine (October, 2018)
By Kevin Larsen, Times Staff Writer
Silicon Valley is justly world famous for constantly creating the high-tech tools of tomorrow. Thanks to the YMCA of Silicon Valley, the next generation of our area’s leaders and upstanding citizens is being equally well trained to face the future.
The YMCA of Silicon Valley has been fostering a heightened sense of neighborhood engagement for more than a century and a half. Founded in 1867 in San Jose, this iconic institution provides an enormous array of services that enable young people to thrive in a sheltered space. From summer camps to childcare, its animating ethos is to keep youth grounded, make a positive impact on their community, and provide a broader environment to grow as individuals.
The 501(c)(3) nonprofit outfit’s stated aim is to strengthen community spirit through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Its dozen locations serve some 250,000 members and participants. The organization works with almost 300 local schools and counts as its partners over 200 other community organizations located throughout Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.
Volunteerism is at the heart of its mission. Rachel Basso, marketing communications manager at the YMCA of Silicon Valley, tells Gentry that, “When people are giving their time and energy to worthy causes, it’s very much a two-way street. Volunteerism benefits both the giver and the recipient.”
Amber Fu, currently a student at Gunn High School, represents the very best of the values that the YMCA of Silicon Valley tries to imbue. She was honored with a 2018 Youth Volunteer of the Year award for her outstanding efforts at increasing awareness surrounding mental health issues. After a series of suicides in Palo Alto several years ago, Fu founded a club chapter at her school that teaches important coping strategies in times of acute stress. Her community outreach efforts have since expanded to include participation at the annual Palo Alto Community Health Fair.
Whether it’s adolescents who willingly embrace philanthropy and giving back, or high-achieving adults generously mentoring younger generations, the organization’s enduring influence echoes through the ages. Former Mayor of Sunnyvale Dean Chu fondly recalls loading Christmas trees at the YMCA at the tender age of 9.
“Because of the divides in Silicon Valley, the community needs even more places where people can come together to support each other,” says YMCA of Silicon Valley President and CEO Sandy Berlin Walker. “Our YMCA is one of the few outlets where people of all backgrounds, resources, and ages can gather and get to know one another.”
Approximately one-fifth of the YMCA of Silicon Valley’s operating revenue derives from private and public support such as donations, foundations, and grants. — KAREN SALAMA
To learn more about this remarkable institution, including opportunities for volunteering and fundraising, please visit www.ymcasv.org.