Profile: YMCA of Greater Williamson County - Community

Together, the nation's 2,617 YMCAs (including the YMCA of Greater Williamson County) make up the largest not-for-profit community service organization in America, working to meet the health and human service needs of 20.2 million men, women and children in 10,000 communities in the United States. YMCAs are at the heart of community life across the country: 42 million families and 72 million households are located within three miles of a YMCA.

YMCA stands for Young Men's Christian Association, but don't misinterpret this to mean that YMCAs are only for "young, Christian men." From its start more than 150 years ago, when George Williams founded the YMCA as a substitute Bible study and prayer for life on the streets, the YMCA was unusual because it crossed the rigid lines that separated all the different churches and social classes in England in those days. This openness was a trait that would lead YMCAs to recognize their strength is in the people they bring together -- Ys are for all people of all faiths, races, ages, abilities and incomes. YMCAs' financial assistance policies also ensure that no one is turned away for reasons of inability to pay.

YMCAs are driven by the communities they serve and, as a result, each YMCA is different. Child care, teen leadership, and sports clubs for older adults may be offered in your community, while another town's YMCA provides swim lessons, Adventure Guides, and after school programming in local schools. Every Y makes its own decisions on what programs to offer and how to operate.

YMCA MISSION:  To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. YMCA VISION: We build strong kids, strong families, strong communities. YMCA VALUES: Caring, Honesty, Responsibility, Faith & Respect.