How we make a difference
We strengthen the foundation of communities through:
Youth Development
We believe in nurturing the potential of every child and teen. The Y creates safe, structured environments for young people to become their best selves. Through high-quality programs grounded in youth development theory, we harness communities to invest in 8.86 million kids nation-wide.
Healthy Living
We believe wellness comes from a balance in spirit, mind and body, and that with connections and support, everyone, at every age, can make healthier choices. We’re committed to improving the nation’s health and well-being by empowering all people to lead fuller lives. 20.6 million receive support, guidance and the connection they need to get and stay healthy through the Y.
Social Responsibility
We believe that when we work together, we move individuals, families and communities forward. Since 1884, the Y has responded to society’s most pressing needs by uniting people from all walks of life to work for social change. 58% of YMCA’s serve communities where household income is below the national average.
Think Globally, Act Locally
MY YMCA
Unique to the community it serves and addressing local needs, each Y is self-governed by it’s board. Our contributions are both far reaching and intimate- from effecting lasting social change to helping one child learn to swim.
YMCA OF SAN FRANCISCO
Founded in 1853, the YMCA of San Francisco operates under a rich history of building community. Currently, the Y of SF is 14 YMCA branches, 54 school and community-center based after school programs, and 120 program sites.
YMCA OF USA
Comprised of 2,700 Y’s and a national resource office, Y of the USA delivers grassroots, positive social change nation- wide through targeted programs and advocacy. 67.7 million households and 33.7 children under 14 live within 3 miles of a YMCA.
GLOBAL YMCAs
The Y has local presence and global reach. Worldwide, we serve more than 45 million people in 119 countries. YMCA’s across the U.S. play an integral role in strengthening the leadership and youth programs in YMCA’s around the world.
Why We're Here
50%
Youth who participate in after school programs increase their odds of graduating high school by 50%.
58%
58% of new cases of Type 2 Diabetes can be prevented through programs like the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program.
1 in 5
One in five children are obese before their fifth birthday. In turn, today’s children are the first generation whose life spans are predicted to be shorter than their parents.
3 years
By the 8th grade, children who have not engaged in summer learning, like camp, are three years behind their peers academically-- disproportionately affecting low-income families.
In the US, the Y is the largest charitable organization:
non-profit service organization
We have 554,000 volunteers in 10,000 communities, from urban to rural, representing a diversity of faiths and ethnicities.
provider of health & wellness programs
We focus on diabetes prevention and provide opportunities for social, emotional and physical wellness at every stage of life.
non-profit childcare provider
After school and in summer camp, from preschool through High School; our goal is to help youth achieve their highest potential.