California Strong, founded after the 2018 California wildfires and Borderline Shooting by the Southeast Ventura County YMCA, distributed $152,000 in immediate support to those who lost their homes in the recent Mountain Fire. Checks were handed out on December 11 at the Yarrow Family YMCA in Westlake Village.

Fire victims filled out a needs assessment form prepared by the Ventura County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VC VOAD). The VC VOAD reviewed the applications and selected funding recipients. Those who couldn’t attend the December 11 distribution, can stop by the Yarrow Family YMCA (31105 E Thousand Oaks Blvd.) during business hours and pick up their checks.

“We’ve talked with many of those whose homes were destroyed in the Mountain Fire,” says Ronnie Stone, Southeast Ventura County YMCA president and CEO. “Their experiences are heartbreaking. We feel grateful that California Strong and the YMCA, through generous donations, can help.”

At the December 11 distribution, families also received California Strong t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and other items. Simi Valley’s Entertainment Earth gave away toys to the families and Board and Brew passed out free sandwiches.

Former Milwaukee Brewers player Ryan Braun and fellow California native Mike Attanasio of the Milwaukee Brewers ownership group who helped form California Strong were at the gathering. “This is one small way to help people start the recovery process,” says Braun. “California Strong’s goal is to distribute funds quickly to help victims replace essential items lost in the fire.”

For more information about California Strong and to donate, visit https://www.californiastrong.org/ or call Southeast Ventura County YMCA, 805-497-3081.