No Place Like This Place

The Y is where communities come together and strangers become friends. We’re the place for play and learning, for health and connection, for giving back and moving forward. We’re where parents find support, teens find purpose, seniors find community, and kids find belonging. We believe everyone deserves a place to achieve their potential alongside others doing the same. Everything we do at the Y is about creating spaces where people connect across differences and communities grow stronger together.

2026 marks the 175th anniversary of the YMCA in the United States. Collectively known as the Movement, YMCAs throughout the country have been helping people and communities learn, grow, and thrive since 1851.

From the invention of basketball and volleyball, to leading the very first English as a Second Language classes and group swim lessons, the YMCA has helped shape our interests and our communities and we’re excited to celebrate this milestone with YMCAs near and far.

In 2025, the YMCA of Greater Erie celebrated our own milestone—our 165th anniversary of serving Erie County. The celebration continues through 2026 as we recognize the ways the YMCA has shaped both our community and our country. We hope you’ll join us — Make this place your place for building connections that last.

Watch this video celebrating This Place.