About Us

While the Downtown Oakland YMCA has operated at its current location for only 20 years, its history in Oakland goes back to 1910. That’s when it opened on Telegraph Avenue, offering housing, sports, recreation, language instruction and character development for young men. Our expansive fitness center on Broadway is the result of a five-year planning and community fundraising process dating from the 1980s. Recent renovations have turned the Downtown Oakland Y into a state-of-the-art facility, ready to serve the changing needs of the hundreds of individuals and families of diverse backgrounds  from Oakland, Alameda, Piedmont, Montclair and Emeryville.

Who We Serve

In 2008 we served:
Age 1-5                487
Age 1-5                 487
Age 6-11               992
Age 12-17             310
Age 18-29             408
Age 30-54          4,249
Age 55-64          1,023
Age 65+             1,040
Total                  8,509

Goals and Plans
While we complete our capital improvements, one of our major goals remains renovating and expanding our facility to include another 4,200 square feet of wellness space, a 1,400-square-foot multipurpose studio for member and community meetings and significantly increased workout and studio space.

To better serve the community as a wellness center, we plan to add programming in:

• Education: classes in weight loss and nutrition for children and adults; art for adults and children; and life-skills classes such as cooking, computers and sewing
• Lifestyle enrichment: workshops and/or seminars on topics such as stress reduction, conflict management, healthy lifestyle choices, problem solving, financial management and building social support networks
• Exercise and fitness: dance, tumbling, and a range of physical development programs for children and fitness programs that engage entire families

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Community Partners
We are proud of our partnerships with:

• Kaiser Permanente
• American Heart Association
• University of San Francisco
• John F. Kennedy University
• San Francisco State University
• St. Paul’s School
• Clausen House
• Creative Growth
• Greater New Beginnings
• Kairos Unlimited
• Lake Merritt Little People
• Light House Community Charter School
• National Multiple Sclerosis Society Northern California Chapter
• Providence House
• Oakland Street Academy
• Students Run Oakland
• TNT House
• Tool Works
• Trinity House Group Home

LEADERSHIP

Kathleen Gushoney, Executive Director

Kathleen Gushoney brings a commitment to community development, health and well being to her work as executive director of the Downtown Oakland YMCA. She previously served as associate executive director of the Shih Yu-Lang Central YMCA in San Francisco. Gushoney also held a managment position at San Francisco's Friendship House, a tranistional housing and substance abuse recovery program. She graduated from the University of Dayton and earned a masters degree in Pastoral Ministry and Social Work from Boston College.

Senior Staff
Davis Leung, director, Operations
Jared Amgott-Kwan, director, Health & Wellness
Laura Pinkowski, director, Membership & Marketing
Bonnie Larson, interim director, Aquatics & Saftey
Tatiana Newman, director, Youth & Family Program            
Cheryl Tatmon, director, Administrative Service

Board of Managers
Jeffry Kalmon (Chair)
Elisa Arevalo
Susan Avila
Connie Chiuli
Doug Hale
Amal Johnson
Edward Klinenberg
Barbara Lee
Paul Seabrooke
Alfred Toles
Craig Vega
Jerry Wolfe

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