On January 8, Jim Kirtley sits on the “John Yeh” bench in front of what used to be the YMCA.
Palisades Malibu YMCA Executive Director Jim Kirtley said that a get-together is being planned for all Palisades YMCA members, no matter where they are living now, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Collins and Katz YMCA Gym. “Join us, come see your Y friends, give and get hugs and reconnect.” The event will include a raffle and special guests. RSVP click here or contact Kirtley at JimKirtley@ymcala.org.
Kirtley said he often sat at the bench, which was given in memory of John Yeh, in front of the Palisades Y. “I took a brain break, spoke to folks walking on Via, welcomed Y members or took a breather from the food program.
“The Y is with you, the Y is here to support you and our beloved community,” Kirtley said. “We will rebuild with your support. I miss you.”
Victor Dominguez, President & CEO, YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles with Kirtley, released the following statement:
“We are devastated to report that the Palisades-Malibu YMCA facility has been destroyed by Palisades fire. Simon Meadow survived. We will rebuild because the Y is committed to the Palisades community. The spirit of the Y has always been about more than buildings – it’s about community, resilience, and hope. This moment calls for us to demonstrate these values more than ever. While we have lost a facility, our mission to serve continues stronger.”
If your primary residence was destroyed or rendered uninhabitable, you will be asked to verify with official documentation (FEMA, insurance, or local authority verification)
- A Well-Being Coordinator will be assigned to check in regularly and help coordinate care, track progress, and plan long-term recovery
- The household will receive free membership with full access to all LA Y centers and programs at no cost for the remainder of 2025
- Free childcare will be available
- Children will receive priority placement in youth programs
- Children can attend both day camp and one week of summer sleep-away camp for free
- The individual or family will have access to free mental health services, distribution services, support networks, wraparound services, and referral support
If a household suffered significant impact, which means your child’s school was closed or displaced, an adult in your household has lost a job or income, you have experienced evacuation-related disruption, or you are experiencing long-term trauma, the following are available:
- Subsidized membership, for individuals or families with payment plans if needed, to LA Y centers and programs
- Case management access to coordinate resources and plan recovery
- Access to free mental health services
- Children will have the opportunity for free educational and homework support, including distance learning for teens
- Infant and toddler childcare and support at the Burbank YMCA