Kaiser Permanente Presents $15,000 Grant to Antelope Valley Family YMCA for Early Learning Readiness Program

LANCASTER – Kaiser Permanente proudly presented a $15,000 grant to the Antelope Valley Family YMCA on Feb. 24 to support the Antelope Valley Family YMCA’s Early Learning Readiness Program.

The program aims to increase caregiver participation, provide mental health support for caregivers, improve digital literacy and expand the program to accommodate more families in the community.

The check presentation took place at the Antelope Valley Family YMCA. The event was attended by key representatives from both organizations, including Suzy Ghazarossian, Kaiser Permanente Antelope Valley area manager; Alison Segal, Kaiser Permanente Antelope Valley chief administrative officer; and Cynthia Lathrop, executive director of the Antelope Valley Family YMCA.

“We’re thrilled to support the Antelope Valley Family YMCA's Early Learning Readiness Program,” said Camille Applin-Jones, senior vice-president and area manager for Kaiser Permanente Antelope Valley and Panorama City service areas.

“This initiative aligns perfectly with our commitment to improving community health and providing resources that foster educational and emotional growth for families. By enhancing caregiver participation and offering mental health support, we’re helping to build a stronger, healthier community.”

Lathrop expressed her gratitude for the grant, stating, “We’re incredibly grateful to Kaiser Permanente for this generous grant. The Early Learning Readiness Program is vital for our community, and this support will allow us to reach more families, provide essential mental health resources and improve digital literacy. Together, we’re making a significant impact on the lives of caregivers and children in the Antelope Valley."

The Early Learning Readiness Program is designed to support caregivers and children by offering additional classes and resources that promote educational success and well-being.

This project is part of Kaiser Permanente's broader commitment to supporting programs that improve high school attendance, achievement and graduation rates for students of color in low-income areas.

Photo Caption: Kaiser Permanente awarded the Antelope Valley Family YMCA a $15,000 grant to help fund their Early Learning Readiness Program. (L to R): Suzy Ghazarossian, Kaiser Permanente Area Administrator; Cynthia Lathrop, YMCA Executive Director; Randy Terrell, Kaiser Permanente Communications Lead; Alison Segal, Kaiser Permanente Antelope Valley Chief Administrative Officer.