General Info

With more than 2,600 YMCA is one of the largest nonprofit community service organizations in America that works to meet the health and human service needs of more than 20 million men, women and children in nearly 10,000 communities. YMCAs are at the heart of community life since 42 million families and 72 million households are located within three miles of a YMCA. YMCA stands for Young Men's Christian Association. 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 lines that separated all the different social classes in England. YMCAs offer its members a variety of programs that include adventure guides, aquatics, arts and humanities, camping, child care, community development, family, health and fitness, older adults, SCUBA, sports and teen leadership. YMCA has a location in Edwardsville, Ill.