YMCA highlights childcare, budget and inclusive programs; longtime director to relocate

Justin Hickey, community program director for the Family YMCA of the Desert, briefed the Indio City Council on Oct. 1 about the YMCA’s local programs, funding model and community partnerships.

"We are the largest licensed child care provider in the valley," Hickey said, describing long-running operations in Indio and the organization’s outreach to underserved families. He told the council the YMCA operates an annual budget of about $9,200,000 and provides roughly 12,000 program experiences each year.

Hickey outlined program numbers and partnerships that he said support affordability and inclusion. He said about 518 individuals receive financial assistance through YMCA programs, which serve more than 950 children across the Coachella Valley. He highlighted five school-age program locations — including an Amelia Earhart site in Indio with 84 children — and three licensed early childhood education sites, one of which (Doris Mechanic Child Development Center) operates under a state-funded contract.

Council members praised the YMCA’s contributions to youth development and workforce supports. Mayor Miller, Mayor Pro Tem Holmes and Councilmember Ortiz spoke about the organization’s local role; Ortiz thanked the YMCA for after‑school programming and said those services help working parents.

Hickey told the council he will leave his post and relocate to Arizona later this year to be closer to family; staff and council members offered congratulations and appreciation for his work. The council also noted upcoming YMCA events, including a fund-raising hoedown and the organization’s continuing collaborative activities with College of the Desert and local partners.

No formal city action was requested; the presentation was informational.