The program is sponsored by the YMCA of the USA and the U.S. Department of Defense to address the needs deployed military personnel family members who live far from a military installation. The North Valley YMCA ( www.ymcala.org/nv), at 11336 Corbin Avenue, began offering the free memberships October 1, 2008, for military families residing within the branch's service area.

"This program will help families of military personnel during their separation from their loved ones," said North Family Valley YMCA Executive Director, Jane Stanton. "We are happy to provide a place where families can be active together and find support within the YMCA. This is another way we fulfill our mission to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities."

Military families who take advantage of the free North Valley YMCA membership can participate in a variety of activities including youth classes, adult fitness classes, aquatics programs and family swim time. The YMCA also offers a Childwatch program at the facility which cares for children while parents are working out at the YMCA. The membership is free, but special programs such as youth sports programs, swim lessons and karate incur an extra cost.

Families seeking to enroll should contact Nicole Casper, Program Director, 818-368-3231, NicoleCasper@ymcala.org and have a military ID or deployment paperwork.

About the North Valley Family YMCA

Founded in 1945 and now the largest social service organization in the San Fernando Valley, the North Valley Family YMCA serves Arleta, Chatsworth, Granada Hills, Mission Hills, North Hills, Northridge, Pacoima, Porter Ranch, Sylmar and the city of San Fernando. From a 34,000-sq.-foot building, more than 12,000 members take part in aquatics, fitness classes and parent-child, art and drama programs. Another 25,000 participate offsite in physical education, with 750 children in childcare, enrichment and daycare programs at schools and other facilities.