On June 6, the YMCA celebrates 174 years of doing good. This global organization, founded by George Williams in London, began with a simple but powerful idea to help people build healthier, happier lives.
Today, the YMCA is one of the world’s largest volunteer organizations known for helping people of every background reach their potential. The Y serves more than 22 million people annually and offers resources at more than 2,700 locations across all 50 states.
THE YMCA - A GLOBAL MOVEMENT
From its humble beginnings, the Y met the practical and spiritual needs of young men flocking to London during the Industrial Revolution. Since then, the Y has grown and changed, meeting the needs of children, families and adults in 10,000 communities in the U.S. and 119 countries around the globe. Along the way, the Y is responsible for a number of innovations that have influenced history and are part of our daily lives.
THE YMCA OF THE TRIANGLE
In 1857, a small group of men started the first YMCA in Raleigh. Today, our YMCA serves more than 130,000 children, families and adults in Wake, Chatham, Durham, Lee, Johnston, Orange and Pamlico Counties. By 2020, we estimate the YMCA will serve more 200,000 people throughout the region.
Over the years, we’ve made changes to meet the needs of our growing community. Our Mission has stayed the same: to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Through overnight camps, swim lessons, youth programs, sports leagues, group fitness classes, tutorial programs and more, the YMCA of the Triangle changes lives.
FUN FACTS
- Basketball and volleyball were invented at the Y
- The YMCA of the Triangle's Y Guides Program is the nation's largest
- The world’s first indoor pool was at a Y
- Group swim lessons started at the Y
- The United Service Organization (USO) was created with help from the Y
A BETTER US
Today, our community is a better place thanks to our YMCA. Volunteers and visionary leaders continue to ensure that the YMCA makes the community better tomorrow through programs and services that meet the region's changing needs.
