Aliyah B.D.
Opens in a new window Decatur Family YMCA
Aliyah grew up in the Y and has always felt a sense of belonging there. Now as president of her Y’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance, she ensures that young people who identify as LGBTQ+ feel safe and supported, and she works to increase awareness of issues important to the community. This is her Y. Her camera. Her story.
More Y Stories
Anthony Eldridge
Opens in a new window YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne
"We're Building Relationships with the Community."
We know that when we work together, we move individuals, families and communities forward. The Y responds to society’s most pressing needs by developing innovative, community-based solutions to help those in need to reach their full potential. We are also committed to inspiring a spirit of service by uniting individuals from all walks of life to participate in and work for positive social change. The Y.™ For a better us.
Social Services
To bring about meaningful change, individuals need ongoing encouragement and tools. We're here day-in and day-out to provide the resources our communities need to address the most pressing social issues: child welfare, education, employment, housing and substance abuse. We work to make sure every child, family and community has what they need to achieve their best.
Global Services
At the Y, building a strong global community begins at home. Ys in the U.S. help young people develop cultural competencies to thrive in an increasingly globalized society, support newcomers’ integration into their new communities and vulnerable populations around the world to gain access to life-changing resources and support. As an interconnected network in 119 countries, the Y has the solutions to build bridges and make our changing communities stronger—both at home and abroad.
Volunteerism & Giving
More than 175 years ago, the Y was founded by a group of volunteers who wanted to improve their communities. Today, Y volunteers and our supporters remain at the heart of our organization. It is only through the support of our hundreds of thousands of volunteers and public and private donors that we are able to serve more people and strengthen communities.
Togetherhood
Togetherhood® is the Y’s member-led volunteer service program. It gives Y members an opportunity to plan and lead service projects that address community need and make a direct impact locally. Together, we’re building a better us!
Advocacy
We are a powerful ally and advocate for our communities. Our experience and strong relationships in 10,000 neighborhoods across the nation mean that we are able to organize grassroots efforts and influence public policy around a range of social issues including child welfare, education and public health.
YMCA Disaster Response
Every day, the 2,700 Ys in the United States respond to the specific needs of the communities they serve. When disasters strike, the Y is there to offer support to those affected. Learn more and respond to specific events.
YMCA175
In 2019, the YMCA will celebrate 175 years of positively impacting youth with a global gathering in London, the birthplace of the Y! Hosted by YMCA Europe in partnership with YMCA England, the World Alliance of YMCAs and YMCA of the USA, YMCA175 will bring together more than 5,000 young leaders (ages 16-35) from Ys around the world.
