YMCA to Celebrate 50th Anniversary

The Palisades-Malibu YMCA will celebrate its 50th Anniversary on Oct. 11, 2015 from 12-3 p.m. at Simon Meadow. All are invited!

PAST

In the early 1950s a small group of Palisades citizens, most from the local women’s club, felt a need to have a place for youth to gather in the community. The women shared their idea with the local men’s club, who also saw this as a high priority.

As a local pediatrician, and still current board member, Dr. Mike Martini said he “somehow got involved in the idea.”

The late Dorothy Larson served as the chief investigator and worked with Martini and other Palisidians, such as Anna Priolo, Harriet Reiser and Larry Ackard.

They found a building for sale on Via de la Paz and the group began raising funds. They were supported by local residents, including Meredith Wilson who wrote and composed the song “76 Trombones” and music for the “Music Makers.” The group raised $100,000 and purchased the building for $75,000.

“The Palisades Youth Center” launched with a staff that included one social worker and one psychologist. The Youth Center ran for several years and provided hundreds of youth a safe place to go, have fun, learn skills and build community.

Funding dwindled as the economy grew tight, but in 1965 the Center Board of Directors approached the Westside YMCA and formed an affiliation and the Center became the Palisades-Malibu YMCA.

PRESENT

Over the past 50 years, the Palisades-Malibu YMCA has expanded tremendously serving not only youth, but also active adults and families. Programs include group exercise classes, Adventure Guides, leadership programs, sports and afterschool, day and family camp and birthday parties. Program expansion was largely due to the opening of Simon Meadow just down the street from the main facility.

FUTURE

Lasting personal and social change comes about when people all work together. Every day, people at the local Y work side-by-side with neighbors to make sure everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

The Palisades-Malibu YMCA is committed to further strengthening its community and delivering positive change by connecting neighbors through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

The YMCA Board of Directors is focused on strategic planning to address the needs, wants and interests of the community through stellar programs, staff and facilities.

For more information, visit the Palisades-Malibu YMCA at 821 Via de la Paz, 310-454-5591, ymcala.org/palisades-malibu.