The YMCA Mission in Action

»  1,496 YMCAs serve communities where the median family income is below the U.S. average.
»  Ys give financial assistance to 20 percent of kids in their child care programs.
»  All are welcome at their neighborhood YMCA, regardless of age, race, sex, faith, background, ability or income.
»  America's 2,663 YMCAs are collectively the largest not-for profit community service organization in the United States.
»  1,525 Ys have committed to YMCA Activate America®, our bold approach to directly address the nation's growing health crises by engaging and supporting all health seekers and communities in their pursuit of well-being in spirit, mind and body.
»  YMCAs work abroad, serving more than 45 million people in more than 120 countries.
»  More than a half million volunteers across the country make it all happen.

Today's YMCA

America's 2,663 YMCAs serve more than 20.2 million people each year, uniting men, women and children of all ages, races, faiths, backgrounds, abilities and income levels.  At the heart of community life across America, mission-driven YMCAs are a place to belong and to live the values that guide and unite our members: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.  

From cities to suburbs to small towns, YMCAs serve America's children, families and communities by "building healthy spirit, mind and body for all."  Across the country, 67.7 million households and 33.7 children 14 and under live within three miles of a YMCA.  Fifty-eight percent of Ys (1,496) serve communities where the median family income is below the national average.

 Children and Youth

Every day, Ys help children and youth to deepen positive values, their commitment to service and their motivation to learn.  Together, YMCAs are the nation's largest provider of child care, with nearly 10,000 child care sites across the country that provide high-quality, affordable care to more than 500,000 children.  Ys give financial assistance to 20 percent of kids in their child care programs.  

YMCAs serve nearly 10 million children age 17 and under through a variety of activities, including adult mentoring, camping, youth sports, the arts and afterschool programs.  YMCAs also provide a range of youth development programming, including leadership clubs offered by 649 Ys, and youth and government programs offered by 556 Ys that teach teens about the democratic process and help them gain leadership skills through participation in state-organized model governments.