Missouri Valley Family YMCA

America’s 2,663 YMCAs serve more than 20.2 million people each year, uniting men, women and children of all ages, races, faiths, backgrounds, abilities and income levels. At the heart of community life across America, mission-driven YMCAs are a place to belong and to live the values that guide and unite our members: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

From cities to suburbs to small towns, YMCAs serve America's children, families and communities by “building healthy spirit, mind and body for all.” Across the country, 67.7 million households and 33.7 million children 14 and under live within three miles of a YMCA. Fifty-eight percent of Ys (1,496) serve communities where the median family income is below the national average.

2006 Statistics

Children and Youth

Every day, Ys help children and youth to deepen positive values, their commitment to service and their motivation to learn. Together, YMCAs are the nation’s largest provider of child care, with nearly 10,000 child care sites across the country that provide high-quality, affordable care to more than 500,000 children. Ys give financial assistance to 20 percent of kids in child care programs.

Health and Well-being for All

YMCAs are working to combat rising levels of obesity and promote healthy living for millions of Americans through YMCA Activate America®. Three-fifths of YMCAs (1,525) have committed to this bold approach to directly address the nation’s growing health crisis by engaging communities across the country to support people of all ages in their pursuit of well-being in spirit, mind and body. Learn more about YMCA Activate America.

Family Strengthening

Ys help families build stronger bonds, achieve greater work/life balance and become more engaged with their communities. Millions of families participate in YMCA programs. Nearly 900 YMCAs offer family-specific programs: 621 provide family fitness programs, 250 offer family camp, and 672 offer Adventure Guides or similar programs that have been bringing parents and children together since 1926. Learn more about YMCA Resources for Families.

Volunteers

Volunteer founded and volunteer led, YMCAs depend on the generosity and dedication of their 563,282 volunteers across the country to meet the unique needs of each community. Volunteers are at the center of YMCA operations—from reading to preschoolers to teaching swimming and working with seniors. They also serve on policy making boards that set the strategic direction for their YMCA and partner with professional staff to ensure that each Y is mission driven.

International Reach

YMCAs are also at work abroad, serving more than 45 million people in 120 countries. Through cross-cultural learning opportunities and international partnerships and programs, YMCA's in the U.S. have worldwide impact, providing guidance and support, building strong local leadership, and improving the health of families and communities across the globe. Learn more about YMCA World Service.

Collaborations

Each year, YMCAs partner with numerous local organizations to develop and implement effective, collaborative programs and community-based solutions. In fact, the nation’s YMCAs collectively represent the largest collaborative organization in the country.