For 149 years, the YMCA of Greater Erie has been dedicated to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities with a mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all it. Is also the belief of the YMCA that no one should ever be denied services because of inability to pay. Additionally, our income-based membership ensures that everyone can belong to the YMCA.

“We Build Strong Kids, Strong Families, Strong Communities”

The fact that YMCA’s throughout the world have been building strong kids, strong families, strong communities for more than 150 years is not as important as what we’ll do tomorrow.

A historical perspective is vital. But it is not as vital as the future. Because the future is where we will all spend the rest of our lives. Your YMCA is working today to design and implement the programs that will influence generation after generation of boys and girls. Consider the reality that today’s preschool child care participant will have his or her own family in 20 years or so Today’s learn-to-swim student will graduate from college in only 15 years. And today’s summer camper becomes a valued employee in just 10 years. Who will instill the values we hold so dear in these youngsters? For generations past, your YMCA has. For generations to come, your YMCA will. Your YMCA works diligently to help provide the physical, spiritual, and social assets kids, families and communities need to be strong and successful.

Like you, the YMCA is banking on the future – our nations kids, our nations families and our nations communities. In every activity from basketballgames to competitive swimming, from aerobics to summer camp; lessons of honesty, helpfulness, respectfulness, responsibility, living a healthy lifestyle and doing your best – what we call character development – are repeated with each generation. It is indeed, learning by living.

We welcome you to join us in our quest for a much better tomorrow as we help build strong kids, strong families, strong communities. When it comes right down to it, there is nothing more important.