In 2010, the YMCA of Greater Erie will be celebrating 150 years of service, not just to the Erie community but with an outreach and influence throughout the region of Northwest Pennsylvania.

As we approach a century and a half of service, the YMCA continues its dedication to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. With four convenient branch locations, twenty childcare facilities and beautiful Camp Sherwin located on the shores of Lake Erie, the YMCA is a community asset that brings enrichment to all, from infants to older adults with programs that instill caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

The YMCA is part of a world wide effort to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy mind, spirit and body for all. It is the belief of the YMCA of Greater Erie that no one should be denied services because of inability to pay. Financial assistance is provided to those in need through the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. In addition, the YMCA Open Doors Program offers income-based membership rates so that everyone can belong to the YMCA of Greater Erie.

The YMCA Movement

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.