YMCA History

George Williams established the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) on June 6, 1844 in London. George and others were discouraged by the lack of healthy activities the city offered for young men. As a solution, he directed creating a recreational organization promoting Christian values.

In 1850 the YMCA expanded to Australia. On November 25, 1851 the first United States YMCA opened on December 29, 1851 in Boston, Massachusetts. Today, there are YMCAs in 119 countries.

YMCA program goals are based on four categories: Spiritual; Parent/child; Physical Fitness; and Education. The YMCA continues a commitment to bettering kids, families and communities through innovative services for all.

Did you know the YMCA originated the concept of night school for people who worked during the day? In fact several colleges and universities still open today, such as Concordia University and Northeastern University, Boston, were originally founded as evening only schools.