Spread the Word

In the news today a young adult who considered dropping out of high school graduated with a scholarship to his community college, groups of dads and their newborns spent quality time together in the pool and a newly immigrated family started English classes.

Spread the Word

In the news today a young adult who considered dropping out of high school graduated with a scholarship to his community college, groups of dads and their newborns spent quality time together in the pool and a newly immigrated family started English classes.

Media Coverage


Cancer Patient Sees Blessing in YMCA

A woman batting terminal lung cancer finds comfort in the YMCA of Greater St. Louis, when her youngest son gets to participate in early childhood education at no cost while she undergoes treatment. STLtoday.com/St. Louis Post-Dispatch


Inspirations: Amputee Thankful YMCA Was There

After losing both legs, a lifelong avid swimmer thought he would never swim again. Then he turned to the Y, where he found support and encouragement to make it through the struggle, and once again immersed himself in his favorite activity. BlueRidgeNow.com


These Days, Ys Boost Academics, Too

In a unique and successful partnership with the local school district in Charlotte, N.C., the YMCA of Greater Charlotte is helping students improve their reading skills and comprehension abilities through an afterschool program where youth are having fun while learning. Charlotte Observer


Youth Campers Receive Supplies and Clothing to Participate in Camp

REI gives 34,000 pieces of outdoor gear and clothing to the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, helping campers fully participate in and benefit from the fun, relationship- and skill-building that comes from exploring the outdoors. KBHR-FM


YMCA Youth Leaders Selected to Serve on Youth Service America€™s Youth Council

Two youth leaders heavily involved with teen advocacy efforts at their YMCAs will now have an opportunity to empower youth on a national scale. Read more.


Program Helps At-Risk Patients Hold Off Diabetes

It's not too late to reverse a slide down the slippery slope to diabetes. There's a science-based helping hand now to do that. The diabetes prevention program at the Y is helping people develop healthier behaviors to prevent diabetes. USA Today



Grant Jefferies

Turkeys and Hope Handed Out at Pride Park

As a symbol of giving back to others, a woman and her son help hand out 400 turkeys at the fourth annual YMCA Turkey Event in Bradenton, Fla., after receiving a free turkey at the event herself. Bradenton Herald


YMCA of Central Florida: School of the Future

Over the last 15 years, YMCA of Central Florida has grown from being the 43rd largest Y in the country to the ninth largest, and from being a $9 million organization to one worth $70 million. The biggest change: the organization decided to focus on education. Education Executive



Killeen Daily Herald

Grant from JCPenney Store Benefits YMCA Afterschool Programs for Kids

A portion of some 1,300 children each day will benefit from the efforts of one local business. Through the United Way, the JCPenney store at Killeen Mall recently donated $5,000 to afterschool programs offered through the Armed Services YMCA in Killeen. The organization offers children a safe, secure place both before and after regular school hours at 37 sites throughout Central Texas. Killeen Daily Herald


Y Community Snapshot: Americans Feel the Strongest Obligation to Effect Change in their Communities

Research from the Y finds that most Americans are cautiously optimistic that the conditions of their community will improve, but feel the strongest obligation to roll up their sleeves and help make a difference. Read more.



Photo courtesy of Ellen Murphy /
YMCA of Greater New York

Harlem Globetrotters, YMCA Kids Help €Good Morning America Kick Off Warm Coats, Warm Hearts Drive

Kids from the Grosvenor House YMCA in New York were treated to a basketball lesson from the Harlem Globetrotters and received brand new winter coats as part of GMA'€™s Warm Coats & Warm Hearts Drive, sponsored by Burlington Coat Factory. Warms Coats & Warm Hearts also donated 225 brand new coats to Grosvenor House/West Side YMCA to distribute to kids this winter. Good Morning America



Photo Courtesy of Kristin Finn

Kids Enrolled in the YMCA's "€˜Lights On Afterschool" Program Study Endangered Species

To help ensure Staten Island youngsters have a safe and nurturing environment to spend time in after the school day ends, the Staten Island YMCA recently joined hundreds of parents and kids to celebrate "Lights On Afterschool," the 11th annual, nationally-recognized day of advocacy for safe environments for kids. Staten Island Advance


Bess Finds Camaraderie, Fitness in YMCA Classes

Following knee surgery, a 68-year-old retired registered nurse joins the Palestine YMCA's Silver Sneakers program to improve her health and well-being and finds more than just a place to work out. Palestine Herald-Press



Record-Herald

Get Moving at the YMCA's Turkey Trot

The Fayette County Family YMCA in Ohio is hosting its second annual family-friendly Turkey Trot — a non-competitive walk/run meant as an opportunity for everyone to get out and get a little exercise before that Thanksgiving feast. To find a local Turkey Trot event, Record-Herald


The Y Addresses Prevention During National Diabetes Awareness Month!

With nearly 27 million Americans living with diabetes and another 57 million Americans at risk, the Y is increasing awareness throughout National Diabetes Awareness Month about the importance of taking steps to reduce chances of developing this deadly and costly disease. Read more.


YMCA Uses Technology to Bring Physical Education to Elementary School Students

Dozens of students at Bay Area schools are enjoying physical activity and learning about healthy living, thanks to a free service by the South County YMCA. The Y is using video conferencing to teach physical activity to various schools simultaneously in a district where physical education classes have been cut. Bay News 9


York YMCA Adds Options in Affordable Housing

Low- to moderate-income families in York City, Pa., searching for affordable housing will soon have a few options available through the York YMCA. As part of a local collaboration, the Y is leading an effort to refurbish 15 homes by end of year. The York Dispatch



Selma Times-Journal

More Canned Money for the YMCA

A local aluminum can collection drive raises enough money to help the Claude C. Brown YMCA in Selma purchase more food for their Kids’ Café, where children visit regularly for free, freshly cooked meals. The Selma Times-Journal


Frisco YMCA Offers Free Wellness Program for Cancer Survivors, Patients

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Frisco Family YMCA is rolling out LiveStrong at the YMCA€, a free wellness program to support people dealing with any type of cancer. Star Local News


Seton Hill University, YMCA Fighting Fat with Facts

The Greensburg YMCA in Pennsylvania is teaming with Seton Hill University medical students to teach seventh-graders lessons on biology and healthy eating habits in an effort to curb childhood obesity. Tribune-Review



Wichita Eagle

YMCA Helps Goddard Schools Offer Kids All-Day Kindergarten

Kindergartners in Wichita, Kansas, are receiving more education and the preparation they need for first grade, thanks to a partnership between the Greater Wichita YMCA and the public school district to provide all-day kindergarten in an area where full-day programming for kids is scarce. The Wichita Eagle


Jersey Shore YMCA Program Changes Young Lives

Tyler Confair started coming to the Jersey Shore Branch YMCA at just 8 years old. Today, he is a seventh-grader at Jersey Shore Area Middle School and not only participates in programs, but assists staff as a volunteer and mentors younger children. Williamsport Sun-Gazette


YMCA Dedicates New Services for 'Young at Heart'

Local seniors now have a new place to put their feet up, socialize, work or just have fun with the dedication of the Commons at the Wyckoff Family YMCA in New Jersey. Wyckoff Patch


YMCA Facilitates More Than Exercise

On any given afternoon, approximately 50 to 100 teens come to the Mid-Delmarva YMCA for one reason or another. Some come to the Y to play basketball while others exercise. But it’s not all about fitness at the Y – its commitment to youth development has kept some youth coming back. The Daily Times


On the MEND from Childhood Obesity

Children in Houston, Texas, who are overweight or obese now have access to a free 10-week, after-school weight management course where they – and their families – learn how to develop behaviors that support healthy lifestyles. It’s all part of the YMCA of Greater Houston’s local efforts to fight childhood obesity through the MEND Program (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do it!). Children who completed the program share their story. My Fox Houston



photo: Courtesy of WWLP-TV

The YMCA, More Than Swimming, Gym and Camp

To many people, the YMCA means swimming, working out in their gym and attending camp. But the YMCA has so much more to it than that. On the heels of the Y'€™s brand revitalization, James Morton, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Springfield, talks about the Y'€™s cause and the impact the YMCA of Greater Springfield is making in the community. Mass Appeal/WWLP-TV


Phoenix YMCA, United Healthcare Take on Diabetes

There's been a lot of talk about bringing down health care costs in our country -- but why not attack the problem before it becomes one? The YMCA and United Healthcare have started a new diabetes prevention program for people at risk for pre-diabetes, with Phoenix as one of seven cities in America trying out the program. My Fox Phoenix


School Spotlight: YMCA Dance Camp Keeps Children on Their Toes

The dance camp at the Dane County YMCA branches in Wisconsin this summer is introducing children to various kinds of dance while helping them burn off energy inside, where they can temporarily escape the heat. Wisconsin State Journal


YMCA Kids Take on Project to Benefit the Community

Students ages 9-12 at the Clearfield YMCA Daycare in Pennsylvania have taken on a project that is benefiting not only others in the community, but themselves as well: restoring old bikes and then giving them to other kids whose families might not be able to afford a bike for their child. The Progress



photos: Courtesy of Hometownlife.com

Fun, Learning Combine for Day Campers

The Royal Oak YMCA in Detroit gives campers an opportunity to play and get outdoors, while teaching them values of respect, responsibility, caring and honesty. Hometownlife.com


Deer Valley YMCA Family Camp Welcomes Today€™ Show

The Today show€™s Amy Robach recently took her daughters to the Deer Valley YMCA Family Camp in Fort Hill, Pa., where families have gone for more than 50 years to get away from ringing phones and televisions to commune with nature, and each other. MSNBC


YMCA Gives Haitian Children a Summer Vacation

The YMCA of Greater New York wanted to give some Haitian children a summer vacation. On July 26, the group announced the launch of Cabins of Hope, a $30,000 scholarship program for 10 Haitian children and two counselors to spend a month this summer at a sleep-over camp in Huguenot, N.Y. The Wall Street Journal


U.S. House of Representatives Pays Tribute to the Y's 125th Anniversary of Camping

The 125th anniversary of camping at the Y is recognized in the Congressional Record€, read by U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey of New York. Read More



photos: Al Lassen/
For the Enquirer

Campfire Illuminates YMCA Milestone

Calling it the world's largest campfire was symbolic, because the inferno itself raged only in a small, metal backyard fire pit perched on a stage. In honor of the 125th anniversary of camping at the Y, around 200 campers, counselors, staff members and parents watched the fierce little fire Wednesday evening at the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center in Augusta. It was called the largest campfire because the same thing was happening simultaneously at 2,000 YMCA camps around the country. The Enquirer


Video: The Y Launches New Brand Strategy

Speaking at a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on July 12, YMCA leaders unveil a new brand strategy to reinforce the organization's commitment to strengthening communities.


YMCA Launches New Brand to Draw Attention to What it Can Do for Communities

More than 66 percent of Americans believe the quality of life in their community declined in the last year. Only 24 percent believe it will get better. The results come from a community snapshot survey conducted by the national YMCA, and they suggest our nation needs not only a revitalization, but a willingness to believe we can overcome these economic doldrums and regain our greatness. As it's done so many times during its 160-year history, the YMCA stands primed to fuel just such a revival. St. Petersburg Times



photo: Good Morning America

Ernestine Shepherd: Learn How This Grandmother Went From Flab to Fab

At 74, Baltimore grandmother Ernestine Shepherd is the Guinness World Records' oldest female bodybuilder. But less than 20 years ago, she hated what she saw in the dressing room mirror as she tried on swimsuit after swimsuit. Watch the story about her journey to healthy living as she gives tips to seniors from the McBurney YMCA in New York. Good Morning America


Holdrege YMCA Helping Kids Become Young Entrepreneurs

Tomorrow's business owners huddle around a table excitedly sharing their ideas for making money and starting their own businesses. They range in age from 10 to 13 and are part of the 4-H and YMCA of the Prairie Biz Kids class. They still need their parents' permission to open checking accounts, but they are ready to make a leap into business ownership. Lexington Clipper-Herald


Y.M.C.A. Is Downsizing to a Single Letter

One of the nation€™s most iconic nonprofit organizations, founded 166 years ago in England as the Young Men’s Christian Association, is undergoing a major rebranding, adopting as its name the nickname everyone has used for generations. The New York Times


The Y to Dominate Downtown This Weekend

For the first time, the Y is bringing its 2010 General Assembly of YMCAs to Salt Lake City – a gathering expected to generate nearly $3 million for Salt Lake County’s economy, and give a boost to the YMCA of Greater Salt Lake. Salt Lake Tribune



photo: Times-Dispatch

Volunteer Gives Back with YMCA Program for Kids

As a kid, 22-year-old James Babcock received help from the Powhatan YMCA’s Bright Beginnings program, which provides school clothes and supplies to children who need them. Once on the receiving end, he is now giving back. The Richmond Times-Dispatch


Holding the Line Against Diabetes

After discovering that she has prediabetes, Sylvia Dunn begins making healthier lifestyle choices, from putting down her favorite chocolate cake to participating in the YMCA's new Diabetes Prevention Program at the Bear/Glasgow Family YMCA in Delaware. The program helps residents shed the prediabetes label and improve their overall health. The News Journal



photo: Staten Island Advance

Teens Look to Become Global Leaders Through YMCA

Two teens who participated in the Y's Youth and Government, Leaders Club and Global Teens programs are graduating have transitioned from shy, uncertain kids to eloquent, confident student organizers, and ready to explore the world. Staten Island Advance


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The YMCA is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.