Organization Details:

The YMCA of Greater New York is a community service organization which promotes positive values through programs that build spirit, mind and body, welcoming all people, with a focus on youth.

Description and/or History:
All YMCA programs teach the core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility and continue our 156-year tradition of emphasis upon youth, health and wellness, adult education, and community collaboration and problem solving. The YMCA has always grown from within its community and is a reflection of the community itself in diversity and values. The YMCA is an open and inclusive organization and welcomes all without discrimination to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship, creed, religion, age, abilities, sexual orientation or income.

The YMCA of Greater New York gives young people a place to come after school for safe, productive activities that encourage and support academic performance, help to build their self-esteem and develop healthy lifestyles. Among the hundreds of programs offered by the YMCA of Greater New York are a variety of youth programs, including child care, day care and after-school care programs; swimming, sports leagues; instructional classes; evening Teen Centers; counseling and health awareness; life/social skills; mentoring; leadership training and development; service learning; computer training; college/career preparation; day camps and sleep-away camps.

At the YMCA, no one is turned away because of an inability to pay. To offer the broadest possible access to YMCA programs, services, and facilities, and to provide for those individuals and community groups who may not be able to afford the full cost of our programs, services and facilities, the YMCA engages in fundraising through the annual Strong Kids Campaign, special events at the branch and Association levels, grants, bequests, or individual, corporate or foundation support.

We conduct extensive outreach to ensure wide participation in all YMCA programs by all segments of the many communities we serve. Each year, we deliver more than $47.3 million in sponsored, free and subsidized programs to more than 350,000 members and program participants, assuring all of an equal opportunity to benefit from the YMCA’s programs and services.

Ys have been so integral to their communities that organizations have been founded at meetings at YMCAs without being part of Y programs. The Gideons organization famous for putting Bibles in hotel rooms was started at a YMCA, but without Y staff or volunteer involvement. So we say that the Gideons was founded at a Y, but not that a Y started Gideons.

It would be impossible to list all of the individuals and organizations contributing to this document. We received information from sources ranging from trade associations to university professors to current and retired YMCA employees. The only things they had in common were a deep respect for Y traditions, a love for what the YMCA stands for and a desire to help. Special recognition must go to the staff of the YMCA of the USA Archives. Their efforts and irreplaceable resources provided needed details when no one else knew where to look.

The reason to look at what YMCAs did in the past is to inspire today's YMCA staff and volunteers to serve their communities with the same concern, dedication and courage. They may not make a list of firsts, but they will keep YMCAs foremost with their accomplishments.

Contact person: Chiarna Morton, (212) 912-2167, (email)

Address:

180 West 135th Street New York, NY 10030 (See a map)

Directions:

Located between Lenox and Adam Clayton Powell.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: 2/3,   Walk distance (in minutes): 1 Block