YMCA Executive Directory Jim Kirtley spoke to a member in front of the YMCA.
When Mayor Eric Garcetti closed non-essential services in the City on March 25, about 2,600 YMCA staff members across Los Angeles were furloughed.
In Pacific Palisades, about 25 staff were let go. Palisades-Malibu YMCA Executive Director Jim Kirtley is trying to figure out ways he can bring back at least some of these staff members.
The Los Angeles YMCA has been giving out about 40,000 meals a week, thanks to food donations and a grant, which has allowed some Ys to keep some of their staff.
Kirtley has spoken to the Palisades Farmers Market owners about the possibility of bringing that market to Simon Meadow—which may help fund a worker. (Farmers markets are deemed essential; the reason the Palisades market closed was because it was held on the Palisades High School campus, which was closed.)
Circling the News wonders why the Palisades Y couldn’t be like a grocery store and allow only so many people in for an hour to exercise, with cleaning afterwards. Kirtley would welcome that because it would allow him to pay a staff member.
Right now, Kirtley is in front of the YMCA at 821 Via de la Paz from 3 to 6 p.m. every day, collecting items for a shower-kit drive that helps the shower-kit program currently operating at YMCAs across Los Angeles.
Some of the Ys have opened their showers for the homeless. Needed are towels, socks, feminine products, deodorant, toothbrush & toothpaste and a comb or brush. Or you can buy the items online and have them sent to the Y or make a donation of $50 that will provide two shower kits. Visit ymcala.org/emergencyfund.
Additionally, Kirtley would like to help support the Pacific Palisades Task Force on Homelessness. Glanda, the social worker who was hired by the community through The People Concern, has requested the following items: wipes, cough drops, Scope mouth wash, water, Emergen C or any immunity booster, alcohol wipes, bandages and antibiotic ointment (small individual use pack).
Stop by the YMCA this week and say hi to Kirtley. If anyone can figure out how Pacific Palisades can get employees off furlough and back at the YMCA, share it with Kirtley.
Has there been any thought to having the Y operate day-care for essential workers? They are geared up to do summer day camp, it seems like it would be a perfect fit…
I definitely welcome the idea of opening the Palisades Y and exercising social distancing . I joined for health reasons and need to exercise. Without the discipline of the Y it’s been hard to do anything. Please consider opening. Thank you.