On June 6, the YMCA celebrates 180 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 nonprofit organizations known for helping people of every background reach their potential. In the United States, the Y serves more than 13 million people annually and offers resources at more than 2,500 locations across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
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. What began as a prayer meeting of 12 men has grown into a Movement reaching 65 million people across 120 countries each year. 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 250,000 children, families and adults in Wake, Chatham, Durham, Lee, Johnston, Orange and Pamlico Counties.
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.
