THE YMCA
IN THE
UNITED STATES
Today, the Y engages more than 10,000 neighborhoods across the U.S. As the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to helping people and communities to learn, grow and thrive, our contributions are both far-reaching and intimate—from influencing our nation’s culture during times of profound social change to the individual support we provide an adult learning to read.
By nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the nation’s health and well-being, and supporting and serving our neighbors, the Y ensures that everyone has the opportunity to become healthier, more confident, connected and secure.
Here’s a glance at our rich history, and a snapshot of our many successes over the last 160 years on behalf of the individuals and communities we are privileged to serve.
THE STORY OF OUR FOUNDING
In 1844, industrialized London was a place of great turmoil and despair. For the young men who migrated to the city from rural areas to find jobs, London offered a bleak landscape of tenement housing and dangerous influences.
Twenty-two-year-old George Williams, a farmer-turned-department store worker, was troubled by what he saw. He joined 11 friends to organize the first Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), a refuge of Bible study and prayer for young men seeking escape from the hazards of life on the streets.
Although an association of young men meeting around a common purpose was nothing new, the Y offered something unique for its time. The organization’s drive to meet social need in the community was compelling, and its openness to members crossed the rigid lines separating English social classes.
Years later, retired Boston sea captain Thomas Valentine Sullivan, working as a marine missionary, noticed a similar need to create a safe “home away from home” for sailors and merchants. Inspired by the stories of the Y in England, he led the formation of the first U.S. YMCA at the Old South Church in Boston on December 29, 1851.
George Williams founded the YMCA in 1844
ABOUT US
THE HISTORY OF THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAMILY Y
PROGRESS REPORT OF THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAMILY YMCA.
OUR HISTORY FROM NOVEMBER 1992 TO PRESENT.
In November 1992 a small group of people interested in Montgomery County and its future, gathered to begin the process of bringing a YMCA to Montgomery County.
Many were interested in providing safe and wholesome activities for kids and families. The YMCA, with its 153-year history of service to communities, is a leader in fitness, youth programs, swimming, recreation, child education, senior adults and much more.
Montgomery County Family YMCA Facts
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1992 Recreation Committee formed
1992 Recreation Committee formed•1994 Founders Campaign $200,000
1994 Founders Campaign $200,000•1994 -Montgomery County Family YMCA Board formed
1994 -Montgomery County Family YMCA Board formed •November 1994 - 4-H Facility provided YMCA first office
November 1994 - 4-H Facility provided YMCA first office •January 1995 - Nick Zimmer, first Executive Director hired
January 1995 - Nick Zimmer, first Executive Director hired•April 1995 - first program started
April 1995 - first program started•January 1996 - second office & multi-purpose room were
January 1996 - second office & multi-purpose room were added due to program growth
•September 1996 - National YMCA Charter presented
September 1996 - National YMCA Charter presented •April 1997 - YMCA volunteers have grown to 1,000
April 1997 - YMCA volunteers have grown to 1,000 •May 1997 – YMCA Board of Directors select the architect firm of Ellison-Auxier to
May 1997 – YMCA Board of Directors select the architect firm of Ellison-Auxier to serve as the YMCAs architect.
•September 1997 – YMCA Board of Directors selects the fund-raising consultants of Egbert & Associates to conduct capital campaign feasibility study.
September 1997 – YMCA Board of Directors selects the fund-raising consultants of Egbert & Associates to conduct capital campaign feasibility study.•October & November 1997 - YMCA conducts capital campaign feasibility study.
October & November 1997 - YMCA conducts capital campaign feasibility study.•December 1997 – YMCA Board of Directors learns of feasibility study results. Indicated and agreed upon to conduct a full pledge capital campaign for a full facility YMCA with initial $500,000 endowment fund. YMCA announces a $4.7 million dollar capital campaign goal.
December 1997 – YMCA Board of Directors learns of feasibility study results. Indicated and agreed upon to conduct a full pledge capital campaign for a full facility YMCA with initial $500,000 endowment fund. YMCA announces a $4.7 million dollar capital campaign goal.•January 1998 – first capital campaign gift is given to the YMCA of $176,000 for endowment fund program from Tom & Catherine Carder of Red Oak, Iowa.
January 1998 – first capital campaign gift is given to the YMCA of $176,000 for endowment fund program from Tom & Catherine Carder of Red Oak, Iowa.•September 1998 – YMCA public capital campaign kick-off event was held with an announcement of a $1 million gift given to the YMCA from Charles & Norma Wilson of Red Oak, Iowa, bringing campaign funds to $1.5 million raised.
September 1998 – YMCA public capital campaign kick-off event was held with an announcement of a $1 million gift given to the YMCA from Charles & Norma Wilson of Red Oak, Iowa, bringing campaign funds to $1.5 million raised.•December 1998 – capital campaign reaches $2.3 million dollar goal and YMCA secures $500,000 endowment goal.
December 1998 – capital campaign reaches $2.3 million dollar goal and YMCA secures $500,000 endowment goal.