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.

FOUNDING · 1800-1860s · 1870-1890s · 1900-1950s · 1960-1990s · 2000-PRESENT

For more details watch “America’s Haven: The YMCA at 150.”  This video, produced in 2001 for broadcast by The History Channel, outlines the first 150 years of the YMCA’s history in the  USA. Make sure you watch all FIVE segments.