Local Focus, National and Global Reach
The YMCA was established over 150 years ago as a charity
dedicated to the health of both individuals and communities. Our
focus on inclusiveness and accessibility means we serve people of
all ages, backgrounds and abilities through all stages of life.
Through YMCA financial assistance programs, the YMCA is accessible
to all.
Today, there are 45 YMCAs and 8 YMCA-YWCAs in Canada that offer
programs and services tailored to each community's needs. Together,
they serve 1.8 million people in more than 250 communities across
Canada - and they keep growing. All Associations are members of
YMCA Canada, which works to strengthen associations and advocates
on their behalf, regionally, nationally and internationally.
Programming Variety
YMCAs are a centre of community where friendships are formed and
family ties are strengthened. Available programs include:
CHILDREN
AND YOUTH
HEALTH, FITNESS AND
RECREATION
CHILD
CARE
DAY AND
RESIDENT CAMP
EMPLOYMENT
TRAINING
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
AND NEWCOMER SERVICES
INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND
EDUCATION
LEADERSHIP
DEVELOPMENT AND RECOGNITION
Each YMCA offers other local programs based on the needs of its
community.
A Key Priority: Children and Youth
The YMCA has always focused on the healthy development of
children and youth. Today, YMCAs reach more than half a million
(735,000) children and youth by laying the foundation for their
future habits and emotional well-being.
YMCA programs build assets or critical factors children need to
become healthy, caring and responsible. Based on research by the Search
Institute, these factors include support, empowerment, positive
identity and values, a commitment to learning, boundaries and many
others. Programs also instill values of caring, respect, honesty,
inclusiveness and responsibility.
YMCA Raising Healthy Kids - To help families do
simple things that will improve the health of each family member,
YMCA Canada together with the Search Institute, created a variety
of healthy living resources. Following a series of pilot tests with
Canadian families, YMCA Raising Healthy Kids materials, created
with funding from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social
Development, are available at a YMCA near you.
YMCA Healthy Kids Day - Each year, YMCAs
together with community partners and organizations, host YMCA
Healthy Kids Day at the end of May or early June. This free
community event is designed to help kids and families learn about
simple healthy habits that can become a lifelong practice. The Day
offers interactive activities and practical information about easy
ways for you and your family to be healthier in spirit mind and
body. To find out more details, contact a YMCA near
you.
National Network
The national YMCA network enables us to effectively
respond to the social needs of Canadians. Through YMCA Canada's
national delivery of service system, YMCAs identify emerging
issues, find novel solutions and share resources and training. This
system is supported by four regional Management Resource Centres
(MRCs) located in:
- The YMCA of Greater Vancouver
- The YMCA of Edmonton
- The YMCA of Greater Toronto
- The YMCA of Greater Montreal
Global Network
The YMCA reaches right around the world. As the world's leading
network of local, community-based associations, YMCAs serve 45
million members and rely on more than a million and half volunteers
in 124 countries.
Many Canadian YMCAs have partnerships with overseas YMCAs to
strengthen their capacity to deliver long term programs that
address the most critical community needs. In Canada, YMCA global
education activities for the public promote awareness and
involvement in international matters.
