YMCA History
The Y is the unparalleled cause for strengthening community because we are the community. Together with you, your family and your neighbors, our movement strengthens America’s towns and cities through promoting three things: youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. We’ve done it for nearly 160 years already, and we’re determined to keep doing it.
With a presence in neighborhoods across the nation, the Y helps people of all ages and from all walks of life to learn, grow and thrive. We became America’s leading nonprofit by helping people everywhere develop the skills and relationships they need to be healthy, confident and connected to others. Parents desire a safe environment in which children can learn practical and social skills and develop positive values. Kids want to exert energy, discover who they are and what they can achieve, and be accepted among each other. Adults want to learn more, do more, and live more healthily. We nurture life lessons in kids, foster health and well-being among people of all ages, bring people together to pursue passions old and new, and provide mutual support for everyone in our neighborhoods.
Basketball, volleyball, racquetball and Father’s day all started at the Y. We pioneered the USO, the Peace Corps and things like pre-school, camping and group swimming lessons. Our programs, services and initiatives get kids off the street, help send disadvantaged teens to college, provide shelter for the homeless and care for the elderly, prepare people for employment, welcome and embrace newcomers, and help foster a nationwide service ethic. At a national level, we collaborate with policy makers and community leaders to lead the fight against chronic illness and for healthier communities.
Deeply rooted in your community, our movement is made up of people of all ages, faiths and abilities, all working side-by-side to ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, income or background, has the opportunity to live life to its fullest. We value caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, and everything we do stems from this. Our 20,000 staff and 500,000 volunteers are kids, parents, grandparents, neighbors and local leaders who are all personally committed to understanding what our neighborhoods need. Together, we use our knowledge to develop stronger, more inclusive communities, provide support for people and families, and promote positive change overall. Our movement looks like America, because we exist to strengthen American communities.
