All programs offered consist of Character Development, YMCA Six Pillars of Character and Character Counts. "In our effort to enrich the quality of spiritual, mental, physical and social life for our families, communities and ourselves, the YMCA will teach and encourage members, participants, volunteers and staff to adopt and live by those pillars," says Katina A. Calvin, Senior Program Director. Those six pillars are the bedrock of this Y. Respect, Caring, Fairness, Responsibility, Trustworthiness and Citizenship is paramount in the day-to-day operations of this facility and its members.

The Inglewood-Centinela Valley Family YMCA is not like the flashy corporate mega gyms that have all the slick commercials with a bevy of models that seem disconnected; instead it truly is a community and for some a home away from home. You are more than just "member number whatever" in a vast facility. Here everyone knows your name and genuinely care about your well being.

While looking for a new place to work out, I was turned off by the coldness and "meat-market" vibe of some of the other more well-known fitness facilities and stumbled across this "Y." Always the skeptic, I was pleasantly surprised by the warmness and welcoming environment that was not just a fleeting act of kindness, but it's the norm.

Every morning you are greeted by name by Greg McDowell with a warm smile and the most wonderful spirit; an amazing fete with 412 family, single parent and adult members being served in the Inglewood community. I honestly look forward to coming to this facility everyday. One of my favorite classes is the water aerobics class. The class is filled with some of the most wonderful men and women of all ages. The personalities of these members are as varied as the ripples in the water. It's like being in on-going episodes of the Golden Girls. It's a wonderful experience to walk into the locker room or the pool and everyone knows you by name and even when work pulled me away from my beloved "Y," I received phone calls to ask if I was okay…because I was missed.

There are numerous instructors who take an above-the-call-of-duty interest in their members. Ron Bennett is a tough, but loveable trainer with a wonderful singing voice; Young Washington and Carl Washington teach water aerobics for all ages sprinkled with humor, compassion and a genuine concern for everyone's well-being.

There are a plethora of other choices for all fitness levels and interests the including multiple exercise classes for youth, adults and seniors as well as Health Awareness Education, Health and Nutritional Seminars and volunteer opportunities for all ages.

At the heart of this facility's commitment for the community is its on-going effort to shape its younger members into productive citizens. With over 356 children a month taking part in child care services that include: AM/PM Child Care, AM/PM Kinder Program (6:30am -8:30am) (11:30am – 6:00pm), Off-Track Child Care, Tutoring (English, Reading, Math and History), Character Development, Parent/Child Involvement, Kids Nutrition (5-A-Day) and Computer Labs, the Inglewood-Centinela Valley Family YMCA is steadfast in their efforts to cultivate and enrich the lives of its members and their community.

Other youth-themed services include: camps that include 320 kids; building character, social skills, skill development, sportsmanship, relationships and self esteem; provide a different atmosphere which most children may not have opportunity to experience; arts & crafts; horseback riding; rock climbing; hiking; educational tours; theater arts (perform skits, songs, spoken word, poetry and dance); nature walks (learn about nature and the solar system); a leadership program that helps to develop their leadership skills; Counselors in Training (CIT) for 16-17 yr. olds and Leaders in Training (LIT) for 14-15 yr. olds, youth sports; Jr. Lakers Basketball; ACMY-Fit for Kids (Activities Cultivate and Motivate our Youth); Gym 101; Hip-Hop; tumbling; ballet; aqua-fit; drawing and drama.

Their Mission Statement says it all, "To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. No one is turned away from YMCA facility membership for inability to pay."

The Inglewood-Centinela Valley Family YMCA is located at 333 N. Prairie Ave. Inglewood, CA 90301 For more info contact them at 310-671-7615 or www.ymcala.org/ing