Who We Are
Mission/Vision/History
The YMCA of San Francisco builds strong kids, strong families and strong communities by enriching the lives of all people in spirit, mind and body. The Shih Yu-Lang Central YMCA has been a leading provider and essential partner in meeting the needs of the Tenderloin community in social development and wellness services for 100 years. Throughout every YMCA program, we teach our YMCA core values of caring honesty, respect and responsibility.
Commitment
The SYLC YMCA is committed to teaching youth positive life skills, values and an ethic of service while supporting and strengthening families and developing health in spirit, mind and body. The SYLC YMCA offers quality experiences that are affordable and efficiently managed, encourage participation by all members of our community and create an environment where everyone aspires to be their best.
We are our volunteers
The YMCA is a volunteer led organization in which civic responsibility and community participation is intrinsic to the mission of the YMCA. Volunteers lead our Group Exercise classes, assist in the fitness area, teach in our youth and senior programs, tend to our rooftop garden, support our adminstartive offices, and much more…Our youth volunteer development program builds leadership skills and fosters civic responsibility. The volunteer board of managers, senior advisory council and youth council shape our policies and provide direction for our programs. Volunteers support existing programs and help to create new ones. Please check out our volunteer section for more information about how to get involved.
We are a community-based organization
As a community-based organization we are committed to the total wellness needs of the Tenderloin community. We collaborate with many other community-based organizations. We are a home to church services, union meetings, community forums, enrichment classes, celebrations and more...Our staff serve as volunteers on various community boards, community enrichment programs and are advocates for legislation and positive social change.
We are for everyone
Our membership is based on shared values not fees. We don’t believe that cost should be a barrier for anyone in achieving their wellness goals in spirit, mind and body. This belief is reflected in our strong financial assistance program for youth, seniors and everyone in between. We offer a reduced membership for all seniors and there is an additional subsidy available for those who need it. We have a comprehensive youth program that costs approximately 2000/year per youth. Of that cost, we ask our youth to pay a $35 annual membership which we reduce or waive if needed. Our donors generously underwrite our true cost so that we can make this commitment to the Tenderloin community.
Donate online or contact Lauren Weston, our Director of Development and Communication, at 415-447-2515 or email her here.