Together, the nation's 2,617 YMCAs are the largest not-for-profit community service organization in America, working to meet the health and human service needs of 20.2 million men, women and children in 10,000 communities in the United States. YMCAs are at the heart of community life across the country: 42 million families and 72 million households are located within three miles of a YMCA.
YMCA stands for Young Men's Christian Association, but don't misinterpret this to mean that YMCAs are only for "young, Christian men." From its start more than 150 years ago, when George Williams founded the YMCA as a substitute Bible study and prayer for life on the streets, the YMCA was unusual because it crossed the rigid lines that separated all the different churches and social classes in England in those days. This openness was a trait that would lead YMCAs to recognize their strength is in the people they bring together -- Ys are for all people of all faiths, races, ages, abilities and incomes. YMCAs' financial assistance policies ensure that no one is turned away for reasons of inability to pay.
2005 U.S. Statistics
| YMCAs |
2,617 |
| Members |
20.2 million |
| Facility members |
11.8 million |
| Program members |
8.4 million |
| Under age 18 members |
9.5 million |
| Over age 18 members |
10.6 million |
| Male members |
10.1 million |
| Female members |
10.1 million |
Volunteers lead YMCAs and are central to their mission, ensuring each Y meets the unique needs of its community.
| Volunteers |
561,909 |
| Program |
509,022 |
| Board |
51,987 |
Collaboration is critical to YMCAs' efforts to develop and implement effective community-based solutions.
| 1,712 Ys work with elementary schools. |
| 1,406 Ys work with middle schools. |
| 1,282 Ys work with high schools. |
| 810 Ys work with homeschool programs. |
| 1,282 Ys work with hospitals. |
| 1,515 Ys work with churches. |
| 519 Ys work with juvenile courts. |
Community Based and Driven
Because Ys are driven by the communities they serve, each YMCA is different. Child care, teen leadership, and sports clubs for older adults may be offered in your community, while another town's YMCA provides swim lessons, Adventure Guides, and afterschool programming in local schools. Every Y makes its own decisions on what programs to offer and how to operate.
A Variety of Programming for Every Age
From child care to older adult fitness, Youth in Government to camp and aquatics, Ys offer opportunities for individuals and families to grow in spirit, mind and body at every life stage.
Helping Raise America's Children
YMCAs are the largest providers of child care in the United States, operating nearly 10,000 child care sites across the country, providing high-quality, and affordable care to more than 500,000 children. Ys also serve nearly 10 million children under the age of 18 through activities such as camping, sports and afterschool programs. YMCAs are the largest employers of teenagers in the country.
Worldwide Reach
The YMCA movement stretches far beyond the United States. YMCAs are at work in more than 120 countries around the world, serving more than 45 million people. About 230 U.S. YMCAs maintain relationships with Ys in other countries. Building strong kids, strong families and strong communities is what the YMCA stands for -- worldwide.
Beyond Health and Fitness
Since their founding, YMCAs have provided health and fitness programs as an integral part of their mission. Just as integral to that mission is providing human services such as job training, new immigrant education, teen leadership opportunities, parenting classes, social opportunities for seniors and housing.
More than a Gym - a Community
People are a part of their Y for any number of reasons. You may come for the workout, play in a basketball league, or bring your children to arts and music classes, but you're part of something much larger. We're glad you joined us.
Information and statistics provided by the YMCA USA.
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