Causes: Human Services, Young Mens or Womens Associations

Mission: Founded in 1883, YMCAs collectively make up the largest nonprofit community service organization in America. YMCAs are at the heart of community life in neighborhoods and towns across the nation. They work to meet the health and social service needs of 16.9 million men, women and children. Ys help people develop values and behavior that are consistent with Christian principles. Ys are for people of all faiths, races, abilities, ages and incomes. No one is turned away for inability to pay. YMCAs' strength is in the people they bring together. In the average Y, a volunteer board sets policy for its executive, who manages the operation with full-time and part-time staff and volunteer leaders. Ys meet local community needs through organized activities called programs. In its own way, every Y nurtures the healthy development of children and teens; strengthens families; and makes its community a healthier, safer, better place to live. YMCA programs are tools for building the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Longtime leaders in community-based health and fitness and aquatics, Ys teach kids to swim, offer exercise classes for people with disabilities and lead adult aerobics. They also offer hundreds of other programs in response to community needs, including camping, child care (the Y movement is the nation's largest not-for-profit provider), teen clubs, environmental programs, substance abuse prevention, youth sports, family nights, job training, international exchange and many more. Organization: Each YMCA is a charitable nonprofit, qualifying under Section 501(c)(3) of the U. S. Tax Code. Each is independent. YMCAs are required by the national constitution to pay annual dues, to refrain from discrimination and to support the YMCA mission. All other decisions are local choices, including programs offered, staffing and style of operation. The national office, called the YMCA of the USA, is in Chicago, with Field offices in California, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Ohio, Indiana, Minnesota and Texas. It is staffed by 241 employees. Its purpose is to serve member associations. International: YMCAs are at work in more than 120 countries around the world, serving more than 30 million people. Some 230 local US Ys maintain more than 370 relationships with Ys in other countries, operate international programs and contribute to YMCA work worldwide through the YMCA World Service campaign. Like other national YMCA movements, the YMCA of the USA is a member of the World Alliance of YMCAs, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. History: The YMCA was founded in London, England, in 1844 by George Williams and about a dozen friends who lived and worked as clerks in a draperya forerunner of dry-goods and department stores. Their goal was to help young men like themselves find God. The first members were evangelical Protestants who prayed and studied the Bible as an alternative to vice. The Y movement has always been nonsectarian and today accepts those of all faiths at all levels of the organization, despite its unchanging name, the Young Men's Christian Association.

Target demographics: All Ages and Demographics in our service area.

Programs: The ymca is a leader in nurturing the potential of every child and teen. Every day, the ymca helps young people deepen positive values, their commitment to service, and their motivation to learn. Our ymca programs, such as after school care, summer camp, childwatch, and youth dances offer a range of experiences that enrich cognitive, social, physical, and emotional growth.

ymcas focus on healthy living by advocating health and well-being from the inside out - the spirit, mind, and body. The ymca provides people with the supportive relationships and enviroments they need for their successful pursuit of health and well-being. This is particularly important as our nation struggles with an obesity crisis, families striggle with work/life balance, and individuals search for personal fulfillment. We bring families together and offer sport, recreational, and social networks that build relationships and strengthen bonds. Our programs are accessible, affordable, and open to all faiths, backgrounds, abilities, and income levels.

our ymca provides a variety of programs to enrich the local community. Our ymca stives to set an example of a healthy lifestyle to build the foundation for future generations to thrive. Annual memberships and fund drives are an intregral part of our dedication to social responsibility.