YMCA of the USA
THE YMCA IS SO MUCH MORE THAN AN IMPACTFUL ORGANIZATION; WE ARE AN ORGANIC, FLUID MOVEMENT MOBILIZING PEOPLE FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, HEALTHIER LIVING AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.
The nation’s 2,686 YMCA’s respond to critical social needs by drawing on our collective strengths as one of the largest not-for-profits community service organizations in the United States.
Today’s YMCAs serve thousands of U.S. communities, uniting 21 million children and adults of all ages, races, faiths, backgrounds, abilities and income levels. Our reach and impact can be seen in the millions of lives we touch every year. Across the nation, YMCAs are committed to helping:
Children and youth: deepen positive values, their commitment to service and their motivation for personal and academic success.
Individuals: Strengthen spiritual, mental and physical well-being.
Families: Build stronger bonds, spend more time together and become more engaged with their communities.
The History of the YMCA
The Young Men’s Christian Association was founded in London, England, on June 6, 1844, in response to unhealthy social conditions arising in the big cities at the end of the Industrial Revolution (roughly 1750 to 1850), By 1851 there were 24 Y’s in Great Britain, with a combined membership of 2,700. That same year the Y arrived in North America: It was established in Montreal on November 25 and in Boston on December 29.
Building Healthy Spirit, Mind and Body
Long before fitness became fashionable, YMCA’s were providing health and fitness programs to millions of American youth and adults.
Today, YMCA’s remain pioneers in the wellness field. They are in the forefront of what has been termed America’s “second public health revolution” – a fundamental reorientation of the American health care system to emphasize preventative health care and the development of healthy lifestyles.
With America, in a health crisis involving inequity, poor recreational/fitness habits and lack of proper nutrition, the YMCA has renewed its commitment to stay relevant. Our focus is to ensure that the lifestyle of future generations includes healthy eating and active living. Currently, we are raising the first generation in modern times that will not outlive their parents due to preventable disease. The YMCA will not stop until this trend is reversed. Truly, it is a matter of life and death.
Further, the YMCA of the USA is for Youth Development, Healthier Living and Social Responsibility. These areas of focus lead the work of the Y and ensure efforts are put into “leveling the playing field” for all and creating a place at the table for across the board equity.
AREA OF FOCUS:
For Youth Development: Nurturing the potential of every child and teen.
For Healthy Living: Improving the nation’s health and well-being.
For Social Responsibility: Giving back and providing support to our neighbors.
CHARACTER VALUES:
Honesty
Responsibility
Respect
Caring