MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- The San Diego Armed Services YMCA officially opens a new headquarters facility today, within walking distance of one of the largest military housing complexes.
The ribbon cutting ceremony takes place in Murphy Canyon. There will be a facility tour and a premier of the updated video presentation.
"It's easier to reach people," said Mike Reber, executive director, San Diego Armed Services YMCA. "With the constant turnover of the military, it's important for them to know we're here and they can take advantage of our programs."
"(Armed Services YMCA) has become an extension of our family," said Linda Gubbels, Silver Strand housing complex, Coronado, Calif. Gubbels took advantage of Operation Hero, a program designed to assist military children, and help them cope with the challenges of military life.
The program encouraged Gubbels' younger son to become more of a team player and cope with feelings, according to Gubbels.
The headquarters facility was completed and fully operational Oct. 1.
The move from the historic downtown facility gives a more convenient location for families to participate in the programs, events and services offered.
The land is retained for the endowment of program funding.
The San Diego ASYMCA offers active-duty family counseling and youth outreach programs, which take place at local bases, military housing areas, schools with high populations of military families and Naval Medical Center San Diego.
"The services benefited me when unforeseen circumstances came up while my husband was deployed on back-to-back deployments," said Tamecka Deyounks, mother of five children, living in Murphy Canyon. "It's just a wonderful program."
The San Diego ASYMCA has operated since 1920 and later constructed its historic downtown building in 1924.
After more than 80 years, the mission of the San Diego ASYMCA is still to strengthen military personnel and their family members in spirit, mind and body, by providing programs and services relevant to the unique challenges of military life.