| Together, the nation's
2,617 YMCAs are the largest not-for-profit community service organization
in America, working to meet the health and human service needs of
20.2 million men, women and children in 10,000 communities in the
United States. YMCAs are at the heart of community life across the
country: 42 million families and 72 million households are located
within three miles of a YMCA.
YMCA stands for Young Men's Christian Association, but don't
misinterpret this to mean that YMCAs are only for "young,
Christian men." From its start more than 150 years ago, when
George Williams founded the YMCA as a substitute Bible study and
prayer for life on the streets, the YMCA was unusual because it
crossed the rigid lines that separated all the different churches
and social classes in England in those days. This openness was
a trait that would lead YMCAs to recognize their strength is in
the people they bring together -- Ys are for all people of all
faiths, races, ages, abilities and incomes. YMCAs' financial assistance
policies ensure that no one is turned away for reasons of inability
to pay. |
