September 28, 2017 Dear YMCA Parents, Today we learned that a female staff member at our Richard Crane Elementary School afterschool site has been arrested for sending lewd matter to a minor and possession of child pornography. We have been told by the Rohnert Park police that this case appears to be an isolated incident involving a minor in another state and there is no indication that any youth involved in our YMCA programs have been involved. Nonetheless, we are sickened by this news and will cooperate fully if further investigations are needed. The employee in question has been suspended indefinitely and the YMCA will do all it can to protect the safety of the children in our care. We, at the YMCA, go to great lengths to ensure child safety. We partner with a national organization called Praesidium to test our childcare policies and trainings to ensure we are providing the safest environment possible for our children. Some of these policies include:         

conducting criminal background checks, sex offender registry checks and reference checks on all staff prior to hiring; conducting criminal background checks and sex offender registry checks on all volunteers; participating in the subsequent arrest program with the DOJ (The Y is notified of any arrests after employment) requiring all staff and volunteers to complete training on recognizing and preventing abuse; prohibiting staff and volunteers from being alone with a child where they cannot be observed by others; restricting staff contact with children outside of YMCA programs; prohibiting staff from engaging with youth in YMCA programs through social media or other similar mediums; educating parents on how to recognize and prevent abuse; and reporting any allegations or suspicions of abuse to law enforcement.

For more than 63 years, the Sonoma County Family YMCA has served our community with distinction and pride as an organization focused on youth development. We are committed to helping kids grow up happy, healthy and strong. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call us at 707-545-9622 or via email. Michelle Head, Chief Operating Officer [email protected] Matthew Henry, Chief Executive Officer [email protected] Sincerely,

Matthew Henry, CEO Sonoma County Family YMCA SONOMA COUNTY FAMILY YMCA 1111 College Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 P 707 545 9622 F 707 568 3749 scfymca.org