ABOUT

Be, Belong, Become

The YMCA of Greater San Francisco is a charitable organization dedicated to the betterment of people in spirit, mind and body. We offer wellness and learning for all, from infants to seniors.

Two people dancing together.

At the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, we are more than a place. We are a movement deeply rooted in fostering positive social change guided by our communities. Every step we take is informed by the people we serve who call San Francisco, Marin & San Mateo counties their home, and we work side by side with individuals and families to help them become the very best version of themselves.

Whether you’re seeking to improve your health & well-being, support your family, or find community and a sense of belonging, the Y is here for everyone. Together, we build stronger, more resilient communities where all can thrive.

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 nationwide, fostering growth and development.

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 health and well-being by empowering all people to lead fuller lives. 20.6 million receive support and guidance 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 pressing needs by uniting people from all walks of life for social change. 58% of YMCAs serve communities where household income is below the national average.

Kind Words From Our Members

A group of seniors dancing or exercising.

Diabetes was a significant factor in my mother’s life and death. I grew up with doctors wanting to test my blood sugar, but in my early years I denied it. I recently decided that the best way to stop living under the cloud of diabetes was to actively do something to prevent it, so I took the Risk Assessment and joined the Y’s Diabetes Prevention Program… The program taught me that I have the ability to take charge of my health.

Think Globally, Act Locally

My YMCA, YMCA of Greater San Francisco, YMCA of the USA, and Global YMCA's.

MY YMCA

Each Y, unique to its community and addressing local needs, is governed by its own board. Our contributions range from creating lasting social change to helping individual children learn to swim.

YMCA OF GREATER SAN FRANCISCO

Founded in 1853, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco has a rich history of community building. We operate 15 branches and over 120 offsite locations in Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo counties.

YMCA OF THE USA

With 2,700 Y’s and a national resource office, Y of the USA drives grassroots social change through targeted programs and advocacy. 67.7 million households and 33.7 million children live within 3 miles of a YMCA.

GLOBAL YMCA’s

The Y has a local presence and global reach, serving over 45 million people in 119 countries. The YMCA plays a crucial role in enhancing leadership and youth programs worldwide.

In the US, the Y is the largest charitable organization:

554K

Volunteers in over 10,000 communities nationwide, from urban to rural, we represent a diverse range of faiths and ethnicities.

2.7K+

Y’s across the USA focuses on diabetes prevention and offers social, emotional, and physical wellness throughout life.

9 Million

Youth Nationwide
are supported by the Y, from preschool to high school, in after-school programs and summer camps to reach their highest potential.

GET INVOLVED IN SOMETHING GREAT!

Welcome to our new website!

Here you’ll find everything you need to support your wellness journey, connect with community programs, and explore resources for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Please take a look around. If you have any concerns please email us at [email protected]