Staff Update 6.29.20

Y Staff,

I hope this note finds you well. The opportunity to serve our community is a privilege and a responsibility. Each day you make the commitment to support and better the lives of those we serve. They trust us and the services we provide.

With that trust comes responsibility. A responsibility to deliver on the mission, vision and values of our organization, but also to deliver it all in a safe environment. Now more than ever, we must be diligent in preparing and delivering all our services safely.

Covid-19 has changed the way we operate and interact both in and outside of work. The safety and well-being of our staff and community are very important to us, especially during this crisis. As a reminder for us all, the choices we make outside of work directly impacts the health and safety of our community. The healthier and safer we are the longer we can stay open and continue to bring staff back to work and offer the services our community needs. It is all connected.

Let us all be mindful of our choices and actions. Let us all follow the Covid-19 guidelines and think about the entire community before we act.

Thank you,

Jeff

Staff Update 6.19.20

Y Staff,

I hope and pray you are all safe and thriving as we continue to reopen!

As things are returning to normal, we will now be posting all updates and information on our website. So, this will be my last weekly update email. But if there are any major announcements or updates, I will email as needed. As always, if you have any questions or need information, please reach out, we are here to help.

Programs are coming back and so are the families and kids. I am so proud of our staff and this organization. We have experienced a crisis no one could prepare for and so many of our folks shined!
I want to thank so many of you. As I write this I am actually struggling with the appropriate words. So I will just say THANK YOU. You are amazing Please know I am proud and grateful to work with you all! You changed this organization.

I also must recognize my Executive Leadership team. Dolores, Christine, Joyce, Anna, Crystal. I have never worked with a more dedicated, sacrificing, caring group of people in my life. I want to personally thank each of you for making this organization stronger and making me a better leader and a better person. You are simply the best.

Our organization went through a lot. It will continue to. One thing I know, with this group of people and countless others we will not merely survive as we move forward, we will thrive.

May God bless each of you,

Jeff

Staff Update 6.12.20

Y Staff,

Great news! Our fitness facilities opened today! This is the moment we have been waiting for and working hard to achieve. Phase 1 of our three phased plan offers members access to cardio and strength equipment. The remaining features of our facilities will open as time and guidelines permit. You can see the complete Reopening Plan here. Thank you to everyone, but a very special very special thank you to Emilio, Kelly, Joe, Amelya, Rikki and Jennifer (our branch executive directors) for the their outstanding work in preparing for the return of our members. This is a positive turning point not only for our organization, but for the communities we serve.

Our Summer Day Camp enrollment continues to increase. We have 23 sites opened currently and will be expanding to more next week. There is a huge demand for day camp and we are one of the first organizations to be open and offering care. I was at one of our locations this week and it was nice to see kids playing, laughing and being kids, even with the safety and distancing protocols in place. I am very proud of all of our staff and the care they provide. A very special thank you to Kaycee, Dorain, Elizabeth, Servando, Pam and Simonah for their outstanding leadership throughout this entire time.

You all play a vital role in ensuring the Y can continue to do the good work that we do. And in doing the work, we want you to know we always have your safety in mind. We have taken many preventive measures, implemented policies and procedures and trained our team to provide you with the safest environment to do your job. Check out this video highlighting our safety measures. We also have more details online at https://ymcaoc.org/safety/.

Thank you for your commitment to the Y!

Jeff

Staff Update 6.5.20

Y Staff,

Another great week!

The branch teams have been working tirelessly to prepare our branches for possible reopening next week. I visited them the last couple of days and they have never looked better. We now are anxiously awaiting the Governor to release the approved guidelines. Once he says “go” we will have our doors open.

I’m so proud of our teams. They have flexed and adapted as needed all while keeping a positive “can-do” attitude.

We conducted a mock reopening yesterday and it was impressive. From the trainings to the layout to the positive energy, it was great to see so much life back in our branches.

Our Summer Day Camps are off to a strong start! We have nearly 1000 children already enrolled, with a long list of inquiries to still be assessed. We started with 10 locations and now have added 7 more this week based on demand. And starting next week we will have 23.

I’m so grateful for each of you and looking forward to what next week brings!

Stay safe and healthy!

Jeff

Staff Update 5.29.20

Y Staff,

This week has been a good week. A lot of activity is taking place and we see a sense of “normal“ beginning to emerge. We are excited to announce that we are preparing to reopen our Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Huntington Beach, Fullerton and Newport Mesa fitness facilities on June 8th! While this is our target date, it is subject to change as guidelines are updated by the Governor. The team has worked very hard to develop a plan that will allow us to reopen in a limited capacity (only cardio and strength equipment will be available at first) and gradually add more services in a phased approach. Our detailed phases can be found on our website (www.ymcaoc.org/safety). This is just the beginning and although it will take some time, we will be back even stronger for those we serve.

As we mentioned last week, we are opening our summer day camps beginning June 1! The response from the community has been strong. Parents need care and they trust the Y because of what we have done and will continue to do to keep their children safe, healthy and active. In fact, we were even featured on several news stations showing how we will run our summer day camps. Check it out: http://my.tvey.es/Xm63B

I know all of you are anxious to get back to work, but just as we are bringing back our services in phases, we will be bringing our staff back in phases as well. The YMCA has developed a systematic recall procedure that brings employees back in order of location, position, seniority and qualifications. As soon as we are able, we will be reaching out to you.

I hope you all find this as encouraging as I do. Thank you for your patience and commitment to the communities we serve.

I look forward to seeing you all back to work soon.

Jeff

Staff Update 5.22.20

Y Staff,

We continue to move forward. This week we finalized plans to reopen and are preparing to open up CYD summer day camp and launching new enrichment classes for children all starting June 8.

We have all branches undergoing deep cleanings, equipment rearranging, program scheduling and more to get us one step closer to being able to reopen when the governor gives the green light.

This is all positive and exciting news. We look forward to sharing more next week.

Have a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend!

Jeff

Staff Update 5.15.20

Y Staff,

While we are not privy to any definitive dates for reopening we continue to prepare for that eventually. Our facilities are being deep cleaned. We are looking at new configuration for the equipment and protective barriers for our machines. We are working with YMCA staff leadership in CYD and Facilities, preparing reopening plans which we will be giving to local authorities for their review in the next couple of weeks.

In essence we are doing everything in our power to be ready to open. The one area in which we have no control is the date which is in the state and local government’s hands.

I hurt for our community and our staff. The Y plays such a central role in our community and our staff is vital and beloved.

Know you are always foremost in my thoughts as we navigate through this.

Jeff

Staff Update 5.8.20

Y Staff,

While there is no clearly determined date for reopening from the Governor we are starting to see restrictions lifted. It is time to begin the process of returning to normal. While it is not going to happen overnight, it is coming. In anticipation of this we have held two reopening preparation meetings. The first with Child and Youth Development and this week we brought the Executive Directors in to begin formal plans for reopening the branches. These are important discussions, and a clear sign that we are one step closer to seeing you all again soon.

As we look at what the Y will be and how it will operate, we also must look at the feasibility of each aspect of operations. In doing that, we have made the decision to close the Maple Hill location, effective May 5, 2020, due to an historically low demand for membership and programs. While a tough decision, it is the right one. As we look at the entire association, we must make decisions to strengthen and positively impact the overall organization.

All the activity that is taking place is positive. We are headed in the right direction. As we continued some operations during this pandemic, we learned a lot. Because of our experience and our learnings we will be able to open with confidence. We will have serious trainings for staff. You will be prepared. Our members will experience that experience and training. Social areas already prepared for appropriate distancing. Stations for taking temperatures before entering our buildings. Disinfecting, cleaning, showing we have our stuff together, because we do. We will not merely be reopening to a “new normal”, we will be raising the bar of excellence.

Thank you for your patience. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Jeff

Staff Update 5.1.20

Y Staff,

A few weeks ago we sent out a survey inquiring about how we could help you. We have been working to see how we could best meet the needs/requests we received. We are in the process of responding to those that completed the survey. However, as we read the responses, we wanted to be sure everyone knew what was available to them to help them during this time. Below are links and attached are a few documents for your use.  We understand this may not address all your needs, however we do want to provide as much support as possible.

• Teledoc – As a free service to all staff and their families, Teledoc offers access to licensed doctors by web, phone or app. They also offer mental health and dermatology services, while the Y covers majority of these costs, there will be a nominal fee for you on for these two services.  https://www.teladoc.com/
• Unemployment: As you continue to navigate unemployment, here is a guide to Unemployment Benefits during Covid-19: https://unemployment.edd.ca.gov/guide
• Virtual Workouts: A variety of workouts can be accessed on our website. We have even added some form our very own Group X Instructors! https://ymcaoc.org/videos/
• Kids/Family Games & Educational Activities – Here is a link with resources we have gathered from school districts, our own team of teachers and other educational sites.  https://ymcaoc.org/kids-family-resources/
• Legal Services & Marriage and Family Counseling Services– Our current EAP offers these services for you. Attached you will find the information and 800 number.
• Personal Development – If you are looking to use this time to develop your skills, we have a library of trainings you can access. ThinkHR is a cloud based online platform of hundreds of free online trainings you can take at your own pace. It offers everything from Workplace Safety to Professional Development! (see attached learn course catalog for more info and contact hradmin@ymcaoc.org for unlimited free access.). Please know this is a completely voluntary opportunity and it’s not required, nor will you be paid for your time.
• Health Insurance & Ancillary Benefits – During this crisis, we have taken steps to help families with their coverage during this time. If you have any questions regarding your insurance, please contact HRadmin@ymcaoc.org
• Y Retirement – If you are currently enrolled in the 401a and/or 403b Y Retirement Program, there are new relief options available. Learn more at: https://www.yretirement.org/news-seminars/latest-news/announcing-hardship-withdrawal-rule-changes

We continue to plan for when we can reopen. And as part of that planning, we have created a survey that was sent to all our child care families, posted on social media, emailed to OC register subscribers, promoted by mom bloggers and more. The survey is designed to help us understand what parents might be looking for when we reopen. You can view the survey here: https://childcareneeds.questionpro.com. If you would like, please share with your friends, family and social media world. The greater the response the faster we return to work! We will also be doing a survey like this for members next week as well.

Stay safe!

Jeff

Staff Update 4.24.20

Y staff,

Another week is coming to a close, which means we are one week closer to reopening. While we still do not have a date of when this will be, we are working hard to be ready. I know this is frustrating but I want to thank all of you. Your patience, commitment and passion has been amazing. We have been meeting to reimagine and plan for what the Y will look like and how we can be there for our community when circumstances allow. The good news is fitness facilities and Child Care are in the first phase of reopening. We are reimagining/recreating our operations and procedures to provide a safe return for both staff and members. And we will be able to do so because of staff like you. We see this a two week process. We should have a two week notification from the State of California. Once this happens we will start phasing staff back. We will have reopening training and discussions. The community we have here at the Y is unlike any other and we can’t wait to have you all back to see that in action! I am praying that day is very soon.

I would like to share with you how one of our very own board members, Tony Spriggs, worked with our teams to ensure we could provide the safest possible environment for those we are currently serving. This is just one example, during these difficult times, of how our Y community has rallied together to make a difference.

See the news segment here: https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2020/04/20/coronavirus-covid19-ymca-first-responders-dividers/

I hope that you continue to stay safe and positive! We will get through this. Better days are on the other side.

Thank you,

Jeff

Staff Update 4.17.20

Y staff,

Today I want to share with you some encouraging words. Yesterday, the White House released its guidelines for re-opening the economy. The guidelines are communicated in 3 phases and to move from one phase to the next, there needs to be a continual decline of Covid-19 cases and continued health and safety measures. While the criteria are not simple for business to resume as usual, it is a promising piece of information for our organization, our staff, and our members to get back some sense of normalcy.

Phase 1 includes the reopening of gyms if they adhere to strict physical distancing and sanitation protocols. This is encouraging news!
Phase 2 includes schools and organized activities including daycare and camps.

While these guidelines don’t provide specific dates, we are continuing to get the updates from the Governor of California and from local, state and federal health officials on how these phases can begin to be implemented and there is still a lot that needs to happen to do so.

This has been very difficult for our country. Many businesses and organizations won’t come back from this terrible pandemic because it hit them so hard. The YMCA of Orange County will not be one of those. Our Y will be back serving our members and community as soon as circumstances allow. Thanks for hanging in there a little bit longer.

I hope that you continue to stay safe, stay healthy, and stay strong and to support your friends, family, and colleagues who are having a more challenging time.

If you would like to read the full White House guidelines, you can download here https://www.scribd.com/document/456756096/White-House-guidelines-for-reopening-economy

Thank you,

Jeff

Staff Update 4.13.20

Y staff,

Hello all! Some of you have asked how you can share what the Y is doing during this time. We are providing some quick ways that you can help raise awareness and/or funds to support our efforts on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn) with two areas of focus. Each area provides steps on how to share and sample posts of what can be shared. In addition, there are resources listed to support your postings. Please remember that your posts are a representation of the Y and those we serve. We ask that you be cautious of your comments, grammar and language. We appreciate any and all posts, but they are not required.

Click here for sample posts.

Staff Update 4.10.20

Y staff,

Today is Good Friday, a day widely-recognized and celebrated. And as I think about this day in these uncertain times I am reminded of all the good that still exists. This week my younger brother Doug became a grandfather for the first time. A beautiful little boy named Bodi. He was a miracle and a perfect reminder that good that can be found in the chaos of these times.

I have always found that during these times that while we might see occasional poor behavior, there are countless instances of God’s love:
• A kind gesture of a neighbor
• The laughter of a child
• A phone call from a friend
• A hot cup of your favorite coffee (or tea)
• A staff that calls and connects with each other to lend support
• People delivering groceries to the elderly and food to hospital workers
• An amazing team caring for children of essential service providers
• A volunteer sewing 100 canvases to form temporary walls for distancing in child care centers and sleeping modules for a hospital staff
• And so much more
These acts of kindness give hope and hope is what gives us the ability to live every day.

Our hope is that you are well. That you and your family are safe. That we will soon be able to resume our full services. And that we will see your smiling face soon.

This time will pass and we will find ourselves back in our everyday routines. And when that time comes we will celebrate together!

Until that time comes, we are here for you. We have resources online to support you:
• Updated Unemployment Needs Link: https://www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/unemployment-claims.htm
• Urgent needs or support request: https://ymcaoc.org/employee-needs/
Thank you for being a part of the Y family. We wish you an Easter weekend filled with hope and love.

Jeff

Staff Update 4.3.20

Y staff,

As I communicated last week, I will continue to send weekly updates to keep you informed of what the Y is doing to support our community and sustain the organization.

In an effort to continue supporting our goals: to stop the spread of the virus, fulfill our mission to serve the community and maintain a stable organization, we:

– Opened two pop up child care locations to support the healthcare workers at UCI Medical Center
– Began to work on a plan to open the Fullerton Family YMCA to provide housing and showers for St. Jude Medical staff
– Continue to provide child care for essential services, including distant learning support
– Continue to communicate with our members and donors about the financial need and receiving donations
– Continue to apply for grants

We are serving the community in its greatest time of need. This is what the Y was built to do. We are proud of the support we are providing and are looking forward to doing more.

Our staff remains in our thoughts. Last week we sent out a survey looking to understand how we may support you during this time. If you completed the survey, thank you. If you have not, but still wish to, please do so here: https://ymcaemployeeneeds.questionpro.com. The survey will be closing next week and we want to be sure we help however we can.

Thank you for your being a part of the Y family.

Jeff

Staff Update 3.27.20

Y staff,

I hope this email finds you staying healthy and safe. As we continue to navigate this ever-changing situation, I want to keep you informed regarding what the YMCA is doing during this time.

First and most importantly, due to the safer at home orders, we will not be reopening facilities or sites on March 30, 2020. We do not have a confirmed reopen date. We will continue to monitor the situation and make changes per the directives from the government. If you have any questions, please contact hradmin@ymcaoc.org.

Each week, I will share an update outlining what the teams are working on and what impact has been made.

Our focus is supporting the effort to stop the spread of the virus, fulfilling our mission to serve the community and maintaining a stable organization that will last and get our staff back to work. We know this is a hard time and we are doing everything we can to accomplish those goals.

Over the last several weeks, our organization has developed and is implementing the following:
– Providing child care for essential services at 28 locations
– Providing virtual fitness classes for all ages via our website
– Working with local hospitals and other essential services providers to provide onsite child care
– Communicating with our members and donors about the financial need and receiving donations
– Applying for grants
Our staff is always in our thoughts. During this time, we are working to understand how we can best support you. To plan and prepare for how we can help, please complete the following survey https://ymcaemployeeneeds.questionpro.com. Please know that this survey is to help us understand the needs. I cannot promise we will be able to address all your needs, but we want to see what we can do.

As we continue to receive requests from hospitals and other essential service companies for Child Care we hope to bring some of our workforce back. If you are interested in placing your name on a waiting list for employment at these new locations please email hradmin@ymcaoc.org.

We miss you and look forward to seeing you all back at work when the time comes.

Jeff

Staff Update 3.20.20

Dear YMCA Staff,

This is a very difficult situation we find ourselves in. The effects of the COVID-19 virus have brought confusion and uncertainty.
“What is next?” “What will tomorrow bring?” “How will I get through this?” This is on the minds of people everywhere. Not knowing the answer to these questions is the source of so many of our struggles.

While I do not have every answer, I do know this. The YMCA was founded in 1844 by a man who saw turmoil and despair in his own community. George Williams and 11 other men created the YMCA to give people hope and a community to belong. And in the last 175-years YMCAs across the world have been a foundation for communities during times of war, famine, economic hardships and much more.

Staff, please hear me. The YMCA of Orange County has been built to last. We will survive. We will not only survive, we will persevere and thrive. In 2007 when I arrived, we were faced with the legitimate prospect of closing our doors permanently for lack of funding. Because of our amazing staff who showed courage and determination, we overcame extremely difficult circumstances. We sacrificed together. We found our way through that trial and built a tremendous organization and a family. I am so thankful for you all.

Today, as we all try and navigate this crisis we look to the past to help guide us. Over the next several weeks we are asking staff to take a leave of absence. We believe this will be short-lived but I know this is not good to hear. This is for both staff in the field and those at the Association office. We all will be working with a skeleton staff. Only what is needed to sustain the organization. Those who remain at the Association office will be hourly and reduced to 4 days per week.

This is not easy. We are working daily on what more we can do to support our community and staff at this time. We are working with national, state and local officials to try and secure some relief funds, applying for grants and reaching out to local companies and finding ways to provide essential care. If any options become available and you are willing and able to work in licensed child care, please let us know at hradmin@ymcaoc.org. If you have any education and experience working with infant, toddler and preschool age, please note that on your email.

Through all of this, what sustains me and the leaders in our organization is planning for the day when we call you and say, “it’s time to come back to work”.

In the meantime, if there is an urgent need you may have, please let us know by filling out this form https://ymcaoc.org/employee-needs/. While we cannot promise we can fulfill all requests, we will do our best to support and connect you to resources.

Thank you for your sacrifice. The only way any of this is possible is because of you. I pray I never again have to ask those who give so much, to give again.

With deepest respect and appreciation,

Jeff

Jeff McBride
President/CEO

Staff Update 3.17.20

We are experiencing a very serious situation as we confront how to deal with the worldwide pandemic. Like people and organizations everywhere the YMCA of Orange County is striving to determine how to best respond responsibly. Our “Social Responsibility” is being tested. Some would say that discontinuing all of our services would be the responsible thing to do. That certainly is an option we have considered. However, as we talked, the question turned to our parents and families in our care. What about those who do not have the option of staying home?

First responders, police, firefighters, nurses, people that care for the infirmed, and those that cannot work remotely. People who cannot bring their children to work. Those without options. Because of this need we have determined to continue offering our child care services for those who do not have a choice. We need them in the community to help our community. With that we have asked our members if they have any option to isolate their child, we ask them to do so. Please help us all move through this crisis as quickly as possible.

At this time, a limited number of our child care sites will remain open during school closures and offer full day care for those in need. We will offer our traditional curriculum-based activities, physical education, STEAM projects, and more all in a safe and welcoming environment.

Regarding our branches, we worked diligently to do our best to keep them open if possible. However, in this constantly changing situation, according to the national, state and local protocols all branch facilities are closed as of 12 pm on March 17, 2020 through March 31, 2020. We will evaluate the situation at that time and make the next best decision.

We understand this is likely to affect your livelihood and we take these matters very seriously. The overall health and safety of you, your families, members, students, staff and the community are paramount to the YMCA of Orange County.

To help understand what your options are, please see the attached information.

As a community, we are stronger and can weather any storm when we come together and offer resources with compassion, care, kindness and a willingness to help. Thank you to all, we are grateful for you.

Staff Update 3.16.20

The health and safety of our staff and members is always our top priority. Just yesterday, California Governor Gavin Newsom called for seniors and people with chronic conditions to isolate themselves during the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. We have been and continue to closely work with and follow the directives and recommendations of the Governor, the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA), the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and World Health Organization (WHO) for updates and directives regarding Covid-19.

In this constantly changing situation, we have made decisions to follow recommendations for high risk staff. At this time, we are asking all employees in the age group of 65 and older or those with underlying chronic health conditions to remain at home. We understand this may affect your livelihood and we take these matters very seriously. The overall health and safety of you, your families, members, students, staff and the community are paramount to the YMCA of Orange County. Please complete the attached leave of absence form (marking personal leave) and let us know via Paycom if you’d like to use any accrued time. Please contact Human Resources if you would like assistance completing the form.

To help understand what your options are in response to these changes and this fluid time, below are some Staff Covid-19 FAQs and Links to Resources:

• What if I experience reduced hours or closure due to an employer mandated quarantine?
  • If your usual number of work hours are reduced through no fault of your own then you may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance by filing a claim at www.edd.ca.gov
• What if I become sick or am exposed to Covid-19?
  • We ask that you inform your supervisor with the following details: where you may have incurred possible exposure, when the exposure may have occurred, any symptoms you are experiencing and any other relevant details.
  • Stay home and self-quarantine for minimum of two weeks or until you test negative for the virus. We ask that you provide supporting medical documentation of your cleared test results before you are cleared to return to work.
  • You may be eligible for Disability insurance through the State of CA Employment Development Department by filing a claim at www.edd.ca.gov
    • If you are denied disability benefits you may file an unemployment insurance claim at www.edd.ca.gov

Staff Update 3.12.20

The health and safety of our staff and members is always our top priority. We have been and continue to closely work with and follow the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA), California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and World Health Organization (WHO) for updates and directives regarding Covid-19 (Coronavirus).

In this constantly changing situation, we have made decisions to postpone certain programs and events. At this time, we are not closing any branches or CYD sites. Attached is the email that was sent to all members regarding this decisions.  While we know this may impact you, the overall health and safety of you, your families, members, students, staff and the community are paramount to the YMCA of Orange County. To help understand what your options here during these changes below are some Staff Covid-19 FAQs and Resources:

• What if I experience reduced hours due to program closure or an employer mandated quarantine?
  • We will do our best to find you work at another location if possible.
  • Please contact your Executive Director to learn about other opportunities that may be available within the YMCA of Orange County Association.
  • If you’re usual number of work hours are reduced through no fault of your own then you may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance by filing a claim at www.edd.ca.gov

• What if I become sick or am exposed to Covid-19?
  • We ask that you inform your supervisor with the following details: where you may have incurred possible exposure, when the exposure may have occurred, any symptoms you are experiencing and any other relevant details.
  • Stay home and self-quarantine for minimum of two weeks or until you test negative for the virus. We ask that you provide supporting medical documentation of your cleared test results before you are cleared to return to work.
  • You may be eligible for Disability insurance through the State of CA Employment Development Department by filing a claim at www.edd.ca.gov
    • If you are denied disability benefits you may file an unemployment insurance claim at www.edd.ca.gov