Mental health is movement. It’s not one big leap; it’s small steps every day, like:
✅Moving your body
✅Taking a deep breath
✅Connecting with someone
✅Joining a class that lifts your spirit
At the YMCA of Greater Long Beach, we’re here to support your journey every step of the way. #WeAllHaveMentalHealth
Mental Health is connection.
Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Whether it’s through a friend, a fitness class, or a quiet moment in our wellness spaces, the YMCA of Greater Long Beach is here for you. Because we all have mental health, and we’re stronger together. Let’s talk. Let’s listen. Let’s support. #WeAllHaveMentalHealth
Mental health is more than what we think. It's how we feel, move, and connect. It’s spirit, mind, and body. At the YMCA of Greater Long Beach, we believe everyone has mental health, and everyone deserves care, compassion, and support. This month, we’re opening the conversation. Join us. #WeAllHaveMentalHealth
Fred Hoshiyama’s legacy is one of resilience, leadership, and lasting impact. Born in 1914, Hoshiyama dedicated nearly four decades to the YMCA—from 1941 to 1980—except for the years he was unjustly incarcerated during WWII. Even then, he didn’t stop serving others. While in the internment camp, he created YMCA-style programs to support the social, educational, and recreational needs of fellow Japanese Americans. In the 1970s, he helped revitalize the YMCA student movement, and today, a scholarship in his name continues to empower Y staff of Asian American Pacific Islander heritage to grow as leaders. His story is a powerful reminder of how one person can shape a movement. #AAPIHeritageMonth
📷: @yarchives
Founder Erin Gruwell was honored today to be the keynote luncheon speaker at the NAYDO Conference! The North American YMCA Development Organization is dedicated to creating safe community spaces for people of all ages, and the Freedom Writers were thrilled to share about our own experiences creating safe spaces for young people.
Thank you @powerofnaydo and @ymcalb for having us! We had a blast meeting your amazing changemakers and signing books today. 📚📝🧡
Did you know the roots of modern surfing in the U.S. trace back to a YMCA? Olympic gold medalist Duke Kahanamoku trained at the Central Y, where he set world records in the 400 and 500 relay races in 1916. After retiring from competitive swimming, he toured the world giving swimming exhibitions - and along the way, introduced the mainland U.S. to the sport of surfing, a tradition deeply rooted in his Hawaiian heritage. His legacy lives on in the waves and in the Y’s commitment to community and culture. #AAPIHeritageMonth
📷: @yarchives
On Friday, we celebrated the ground breaking of our newest project funded by our wonderful partners @calfire . In collaboration with @ymcalb and with the support of Dake Landscape and the offices of @cw_maryzendejas , @senatorgonzalez , and @asmlowenthal , we are renovating six YMCA preschool playgrounds to create healthier and richer play spaces for children and families. “These improvements will not only enhance the play and learning experience for children, but also deliver meaningful environmental and public health benefits,” said Dan Knapp, CCLB Executive Director and CEO. “We are proud to partner with the YMCA, and we’re grateful for CAL FIRE for funding this project that will bring sustainable, community-centered green spaces to life.” Project benefits include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating extreme heat, improving air and water quality, reducing energy use, and enhancing stormwater management. The redesigned spaces will also provide hands-on environmental learning opportunities for corpsmembers and promote outdoor recreation, supporting overall community health and well-being.
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#thecclb @californialocalcorps@thecorpsnetwork@longbeachcity
May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and we’re honoring the powerful legacy of AAPI leaders in the YMCA movement. Did you know the first Chinese American YMCA opened its doors in San Francisco in 1911? From English and Mandarin classes to health lectures and even a machine shop, it was a hub of learning and community. Today, the Chinatown YMCA continues to be a cornerstone of connection and support. Let’s celebrate the stories that shaped our Y and continue to inspire us. #AAPIHeritageMonth
📷: YMCA of San Francisco
Did you know Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month honors communities from more than 50 countries and islands across Asia and the Pacific? This month, we celebrate the vibrant cultures and contributions that enrich our community every day. From every corner of the map, your stories shape our shared story. #AAPIHeritageMonth
Today, we wear blue to show our commitment to protecting children. At the YMCA of Greater Long Beach child safety is at the heart of everything we do. Wearing blue is more than a color - it’s a promise to stand up, speak out, and support safe spaces for every child in our community.
#ChildAbuse Prevention Month
April is #ChildAbusePreventionMonth. Did you know?
• 1 in 10 children will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday.
• 90% of children who are abused know their abuser.
• Only 1 in 3 cases of child sexual abuse are identified and reported.
Every child deserves a safe, supportive environment to grow and thrive. At the YMCA of Greater Long Beach, we’re committed to creating spaces where kids feel protected, heard, and valued. Prevention is a shared responsibility, and everyone can play a part. Visit lbymca.org to learn more about our Code of Conduct, safety practices, and how you can get involved.
