How the Downey YMCA is adapting to meet community needs

DOWNEY — The Covid-19 pandemic has forced businesses to adapt to current times, and the Downey Family YMCA is no different. 

The facility has closed its fitness center but is still providing critical services to the community, most notably by offering childcare for the doctors, nurses and medical staff at PIH Health Hospital - Downey, just two blocks away. 

PIH is covering the cost for its employees, up to a maximum of 30 kids.

“We say this every day, but the YMCA is not a gym,” said Lori Tiffany, executive director of the Downey YMCA. “We’re really a nonprofit-driven institution.” 

The Downey Y hosted a blood drive earlier this month, collecting 43 units of blood, enough to save up to 100 lives. Another blood drive is scheduled for May 20. 

The Y is also still hosting Healthy Kids Day, a national YMCA tradition that promotes healthy eating and play. 

Healthy Kids Day takes place this Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to noon in a modified drive-through format. Families are invited to drive through the YMCA parking lot and play a game from the car. 

Each family will receive a grab-and-go bag that includes home activities and giveaway items. 

“Despite the challenges, we remain steadfast in our commitment to serve our community,” said Tiffany. 

The Downey Y is down to six employees currently on staff, down from 86 before the pandemic started. But the facility hopes to bring back as many employees as possible once it’s safe to reopen. 

“The Downey Y has been here for 80 years and we’re not going anywhere,” said Tiffany. “But it will look different. We will position ourselves to meet our community’s needs.”