About Us

With more than 2,600 Y’s across the country, we are collectively one of the largest providers of health and wellness programs and youth sports in the country.  Worldwide, the Y serves more than 45 million people in 124 countries.  The first YMCA was organized in London in 1844.  Did you know that the Y invented basketball in 1891 as a means for keeping university students active and out of trouble during the winter months, and volleyball was invented at a Y in 1895 for businessmen who found basketball too strenuous? The YMCA also invented racquetball and pioneered swimming lessons, physical fitness, and camping. YMCAs also helped found the USO, Boy Scouts of America, and Camp Fire Girls.

The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. We can also help to reinforce our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.  The programs offered at each association will vary according to the needs of its community.