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5 Shocking Ways The Collins & Katz Family YMCA Became A West L.A. Lifeline In 2025

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The Collins & Katz Family YMCA in West Los Angeles has solidified its reputation as far more than just a gym, especially with its critical community involvement and new health initiatives announced in late 2024 and throughout 2025. As of December 23, 2025, the facility continues to serve as a vital hub for health, wellness, and emergency support, demonstrating the core mission of the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles. The sheer breadth of its services, from cutting-edge health screenings to disaster relief efforts, makes it a cornerstone of the Sawtelle and greater West L.A. communities.

Originally known as the Westside Family YMCA, this modern, 65,000-square-foot facility is a landmark for its innovative joint-use agreement with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), located on the campus of University High School. Its namesake donors, the Collins and Katz families, have ensured a legacy of philanthropy that directly funds the diverse programs catering to all ages, from youth development to senior wellness.

The Powerful Namesakes: Who Are Collins and Katz?

The question of who the Collins and Katz families are is central to understanding the YMCA’s deep roots in Los Angeles philanthropy. The facility is named in honor of two prominent families whose significant contributions ensured the construction and long-term viability of the new, state-of-the-art center, which opened in late 2017.

The Collins Family: James "Jim" A. Collins

The "Collins" in the name refers to James A. Collins, a major figure in the Los Angeles business and philanthropic communities.

  • Role at the YMCA: Jim Collins is one of the longest-serving members of the Westside YMCA's Board of Managers, with a history of supporting the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles.
  • Philanthropic Legacy: He is a renowned donor to a variety of causes, particularly at UCLA (where he ran track) and the YMCA.
  • Business & Education: Collins is the namesake of The Collins College of Hospitality Management at Cal Poly Pomona, reflecting his broad impact on education and community development.

The Katz Family: Ronald Katz and the Katz Family Foundation

The "Katz" family name is associated with the Katz Family Foundation, established by Ronald Katz.

  • Entrepreneurial Success: Ronald Katz is known as the creator of the innovative Telecredit check-reference service, which was widely used throughout the 1960s and beyond.
  • Foundation Focus: The Katz Family Foundation supports numerous charitable causes, with a focus on improving community health and well-being, aligning perfectly with the YMCA's mission to build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

5 Critical Ways the YMCA Served the Community in 2025

While the Collins & Katz Family YMCA consistently offers essential health and fitness programs, its role expanded significantly in 2025, demonstrating an unprecedented commitment to addressing critical, immediate community needs. The facility became a central hub for major health initiatives and disaster relief efforts in the West L.A. region.

1. Launching the DaVita Kidney Health Partnership (March 2025)

One of the most significant new initiatives in 2025 was the YMCA’s participation in the Collaborative Community Kidney Health Program (CCKHP), a partnership with DaVita.

  • The Goal: To improve kidney health awareness and access to care, particularly within the Latino community, which often faces significant barriers to preventative healthcare.
  • The Impact: The program, announced in March 2025, aims to raise awareness of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) risk factors, which affects over 35 million Americans. The Collins & Katz Family YMCA serves as a key location for screenings and educational outreach, furthering its role as a comprehensive community health resource.

2. Serving as a Major Fire Relief Distribution Center (Late 2024/Early 2025)

In the wake of devastating California wildfires, the Collins & Katz Family YMCA quickly mobilized to become a critical Fire Relief Distribution Center.

  • Disaster Support: Throughout late 2024 and into January 2025, the facility became a hub for charity gatherings, providing essential resources and support for families impacted by the fires.
  • Community Aid: The YMCA partnered with organizations like AT&T and East West Bank to support these efforts, accepting walk-in volunteers and donations. Fire victims were also generously given complimentary YMCA memberships to help them regain a sense of normalcy and access vital wellness services.

3. The University High School Joint-Use Model

The very structure of the Collins & Katz Y is a unique, ongoing success story. It is a paradigm-shifting example of a joint-use project—a partnership between the YMCA and the LAUSD.

  • Shared Resources: This model allows the YMCA to operate a massive, modern facility on the University High School campus, providing state-of-the-art fitness and aquatic facilities to the community while also offering the high school access to the gym and pool.
  • Model for the Future: This arrangement is often cited as a blueprint for maximizing public and private resources to benefit local residents and students simultaneously, an entity that continues to inspire similar projects across Southern California.

4. Comprehensive Health and Wellness Programs

Beyond the major headlines, the YMCA remains the go-to destination for holistic wellness in West L.A. The facility’s commitment to building a healthy spirit, mind, and body is evident in its extensive program offerings.

  • Fitness Facilities: Members have access to a fully equipped fitness center with cardio and strength training equipment, multiple exercise studios, and an indoor basketball court.
  • Aquatics: The indoor heated pool hosts popular programs like Water Fitness (deep water) and semi-private lessons, catering to all ages and skill levels.
  • Group Exercise: A dynamic schedule includes classes like Pilates Mat and various cardio and strength sessions designed for diverse fitness goals.

5. Youth Development and Camp Whittle (2025/2026)

The Y's dedication to youth is highlighted by its ongoing, highly anticipated resident camp programs. The Collins & Katz Family YMCA is a major organizer for trips to Camp Whittle, the YMCA's mountain camp near Big Bear.

  • Future Dates: The tradition continues with upcoming trips scheduled for December 2025 and July 2026, offering children and families a critical opportunity for outdoor education and development away from the urban environment.
  • Family Focus: In addition to camp, the Y consistently runs Parent-Child programs, with registration updates for sessions like September 2025, reinforcing the organization's mission to support the active family unit.

The Collins & Katz YMCA: A Hub of Topical Authority

The Collins & Katz Family YMCA is not just a building; it is a center of gravity for the West Los Angeles community, encompassing the Sawtelle, Santa Monica, and Westwood neighborhoods. The facility’s services extend far beyond traditional gym offerings, functioning as a true community center.

The on-site amenities, such as the Child Activity Center and a healthy café, make it an indispensable resource for busy families. Its strategic location and comprehensive programming, including emergency food and recreational programs for people of all ages, confirm its status as a leading non-profit organization in the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles network. The facility’s ability to pivot from daily fitness classes to a disaster relief hub, all while launching major public health initiatives like the DaVita screening program, underscores its unique and vital role in the health and social fabric of Los Angeles.

5 Shocking Ways the Collins & Katz Family YMCA Became a West L.A. Lifeline in 2025
collin and katz ymca
collin and katz ymca

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