While the YMCA has established a strong membership in many Orange County communities, a critical need exists to expand our reach in Santa Ana and its neighboring communities.  The YMCA is uniquely positioned to help these children and families make the positive changes needed in their lives.

The Segerstrom Family recognized the many challenges this community faces.  They also determined that the YMCA of Orange County is the organization most qualified to improve the lives of these people.  Generously, the Segerstrom Family donated property in Santa Ana to build a new YMCA facility as part of a vision to build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

This site is ideally located in Santa Ana at Armstrong Ranch, a development that features a 2,500-student public high school that opened September 2005, single-family homes, and the future location of Christ Our Savior Cathedral.  Within 1.5 miles of the new YMCA site are eight K-12 schools serving 12,000 children. Many of these children come from homes with tremendous hardships.

The YMCA is committed to significantly expanding the number of lives we touch in personal and meaningful ways in Santa Ana, South Coast Metro, and Costa Mesa.  We will make an impact on the core human issues these individuals struggle with everyday - health concerns, child development, safety worries, education needs, economic capabilities, special needs, spiritual crises, and family bonding.

In Spirit

First and foremost, the YMCA is committed to strengthening lives through the six pillars of character – Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship. 

It is vital that children and adults experience both physical and emotional security within their relationships and within their community.  YMCA programs build character and self-esteem, enhance moral values, and provide family bonding activities. 

A YMCA in Santa Ana will provide a safe place for thousands of youth to explore possibilities in a nurturing and positive environment.  Parents of these children will gain peace of mind knowing their children are participating in programs of integrity and purpose after school and on weekends. 

A new YMCA in Santa Ana provides a gathering place to socialize with others in a value-centered environment.  Many societal issues such as gang activity, alcohol and drug abuse, and teenage pregnancy will decrease as a result.  We will help revitalize the spirit of kids, families, and the community as they work toward a brighter future.

In Mind

For many reasons, youth in Santa Ana experience trouble in school performance.  Many come from parents who may have immigrated to our country seeking a better life.  Half of the adults in Santa Ana never had the opportunity to graduate from high school themselves. 

The YMCA is committed to helping all pursue their endeavors to make our communities and world better through education.  We provide after school programs in tutoring and mentoring to give youth the chance they need to understand schoolwork and improve their grades.  While we will continue to remain on many Santa Ana and Costa Mesa campuses for this support, a new YMCA in walking distance of eight schools will provide additional opportunities and increased participation. 

Santa Ana high school non-graduation rates range by school from 8% to nearly 30%.  The YMCA will aim to improve upon the academic accomplishments of all students participating in our tutoring programs.  Valley High School, with the lowest graduation rate and the second high school closest to the YMCA site, will be a special target to strengthen and improve upon this grim statistic.  With an increased number of youth being successful in school, the YMCA will contribute to increased graduation rates. 

In Body

The latest data from the National Center for Health Statistics show that 30 percent of U.S. adults 20 years of age and older — over 60 million people — are obese.

This increase is not limited to adults. The percentage of young people who are overweight has more than tripled since 1980.  In Santa Ana, residents suffer from diabetes and obesity at increased rates – for genetic reasons, for dietary reasons, and for lack of exercise.

Collaborative efforts are critical to solving issues in this community.   Hoag Hospital and Latino Health Access are but a few who are active participants with us in planning programs and facilities that will encourage families toward positive lifestyle changes that may reduce behaviors leading to obesity, diabetes and other chronic healthcare conditions.  These programs will support YMCA of the USA’s initiative - ACTIVATE AMERICA - helping youth live healthier lives by combating childhood obesity and diabetes.

The YMCA helps people maximize their health and energy through exercise and fitness programs, through youth and adult sports activities, through nutrition education, and through stress-reduction.  Our exercise programs and equipment will meet the needs of all fitness levels.  Because it is important to start off right, the “ready-to-be-fit” population will begin in the 12-Week Fitness Starter Area, with one-on-one coaching and mentoring to introduce newcomers to fitness activity and equipment.

For most people in Orange County, swimming is one of those activities you picked up and experienced every summer.  In Santa Ana, less than a handful of public pools exist, making it nearly impossible for youth to learn water safety and vital skills.  This leads to tragic accidents and fatal drownings. 

New 32,000-Square-Foot YMCA
in Santa Ana Will Feature:

1. Wellness and Community Services Center
2. Cardiovascular Fitness and Strength Training Center
3. Aquatic Center complete with a swimming pool, therapy whirlpool, and children’s fountain
4. 12-week Fitness Starter Area
5. Outdoor Recreational Facilities including a speed soccer arena
6. Youth and Teen Adventure Center including a climbing wall and ropes course
7. Multi-purpose Group Fitness Room for dance and aerobic classes
8. Kids Center
9. Learning and Technology Center with a computer lab and study center for tutoring and mentoring
10. Multi-Purpose Meeting Rooms for financial literacy classes, employment counseling and communal meeting space (View building layout)