The Sonoma County Family YMCA : About Us

INTERNATIONAL YMCA HISTORY

The World Alliance of Young Men's Christian Associations is a confederation of National Councils of YMCAs around the world. The National Councils are composed of local associations within their countries. The World Alliance was established as early as 1855, at the first International Conference of YMCA held in Paris. As such, it is the oldest voluntary international organization in the world today. At the first international conference of the YMCAs there were representatives from 38 YMCAs mainly from countries in Europe and North America. Today, the World Alliance represents YMCAs in more than 120 countries of the world and is continuing to expand.

The mission of the World Alliance is expressed in its motto taken from the Bible "That they may all be one" (John 17:21), and the Paris Basis, which emphasizes two main purposes: working for "unity", and working for the establishment of "the Kingdom of God" on earth, that is, working for a society characterized by justice, peace and love according to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Commitment to its mission has led YMCAs to work with all people in the community irrespective of religious, racial, gender or cultural background. This commitment has also led the YMCA to work for social change, addressing the root causes of issues and problems faced by people. In addition to recreation, sports and educational activities as well as the front-line services to refugees and displaced people, in many countries the YMCA is also engaged in the formation of movements for social change. It is involved in people's issues through community organizing and programs for empowering the people. Issues such as racism, youth at risk, and unemployment are creatively addressed by many YMCAs in response to growing secularization, consumerism and fragmentation. The YMCA, in keeping with its spiritual basis, continues to explore and renew a spiritual basis, continues to explore and renew spirituality relevant to the times.

NATIONAL YMCA HISTORY

Web site: YMCA of the USA

Together, the nation's 2,617 YMCAs are 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 ensure that no one is turned away for reasons of inability to pay.

LOCAL YMCA HISTORY

1954
YMCA founded in Sonoma County. Indian Guides and Summer Camp programs serve youth and families.

1972
Program and physical education facility built near downtown Santa Rosa. Aquatic, Sports and Family programs expand outreach.

1993
4,000 square foot Activity Center added to expand original complex. Aerobics, Fitness, Parent-Child and Childcare programs expand outreach.

1995
Teaching pool added, providing the capacity for special water-based activities. Aquatic programs for challenged and disabled adults and children enhanced.

2003-2005
Lobby and Child Watch area remodeled and enhanced. New 4,700 sq. foot 2nd story Fitness Center with all new fitness equipment. Larger locker room areas, including Youth & Family areas, and a unisex changing room. New, improved members' lounge, complete with snack and beverage cart. New large pool liner, skylights and a dehumidifier system for the natatorium. Emphasis on Activate Youth and Asset Development programming.

Sonoma County Family YMCA - 1111 College Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 (707) 545-9622

501c3 not-for-profit charitable organization.

Financial assistance is offered on a sliding scale providing access to those unable to pay.