News Release - Los Angeles Unified Partners with YMCA to Provide Critical Support During Firestorms (01-09-25)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Jan. 9, 2025

CONTACT:

Los Angeles Unified Partners with YMCA to Provide Critical Support During Firestorms

Los Angeles, CA (January 9, 2024) – Los Angeles Unified, in collaboration with the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, is proud to announce a partnership to provide vital support for families and students impacted by the ongoing firestorms. As part of this partnership, the YMCA is opening its doors to offer essential child care, activities, and resources to those in need.

“We are deeply grateful to the YMCA for stepping up during this challenging time to support our students, families, and essential workers,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “This partnership exemplifies the power of community and our shared commitment to ensuring no child or family is left without support.”

The YMCA is providing no-cost child care for children of essential workers and families who have been displaced, evacuated, or experienced property loss due to the firestorms. Programs are available for children aged 4 years, 9 months through 8th grade and teens between 12 and up and are designed to assist families whose schools are currently closed.

“During moments of crisis, the YMCA’s mission to strengthen the community takes on even greater importance,” President and CEO of the Metropolitan Los Angeles YMCA Victor Dominguez said. “We are here to provide a haven for families, children, and teens during these challenging times.”

Details of the Child Care Program:

Date: Starting Thursday, January 9, 2025 and remaining until schools are opened.
Eligibility: Children of essential workers and families affected by displacement or property loss.
Registration: Families must register online through the YMCA portal at YMCA Registration.

In addition to child care, the YMCA is also welcoming all teens aged 12 and up to its facilities, free of charge, providing a safe space and supportive environment during this difficult time.

The YMCA has 28 centers available across Los Angeles. Families can find their nearest location at YMCA Locations. Please note that the Palisades-Malibu YMCA was tragically destroyed by the fires, and the Santa Anita, Hollywood, and Pasadena-Sierra Madre centers are temporarily closed due to fire proximity and power outages.

Los Angeles Unified has also reached a significant milestone in its telehealth programs, now allowing parents and guardians to easily request and access mental health services for their children from home. Families can access these essential services by visiting a public-facing website or using the district’s family-focused smartphone app known as the Parent Portal. This expansion enhances accessibility for families, making it simpler than ever to connect students with mental health support when and where they need it.

Los Angeles Unified and the YMCA will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates on additional resources as needed. For more information, visit lausd.org or the YMCA website.

For the most up-to-date information, please follow Los Angeles Unified on Twitter/X at @laschools and @lausdsup, Instagram at @laschools and @lausdsup and Facebook at @laschools and @AlbertoMCarvalho1.

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