YMCA Greater Springfield
Partner Profile
The YMCA of Greater Springfield was founded in 1852 and is the 2nd oldest YMCA in the United States. It is also the third largest YMCA association in North America. One of the major highlights of the Springfield YMCA’s history is that Dr. James Naismith invented the game of basketball in 1891 at the YMCA’s International Training School in the city. The mission has not been changed since 1852.
Mission
The mission of the YMCA of Greater Springfield is to serve human needs in Greater Springfield by providing quality programs that promote lifelong personal growth and the balanced development of spirit, mind and body. The Y is committed to providing children, adolescents, families and communities with services that help to develop to their fullest potential and in doing so, improving their quality of life. Throughout its history the Y has adapted its programs to meet the needs of its members and the communities in which it serves. We are dedicated to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities.
Who We Serve
Some 12,500 children and adults are presently members of the YMCA: Downtown Central Branch (5,488), North End Youth Center (500) and Scantic Valley Branch in nearby Wilbraham (7,067). Based on membership figures and last year’s record 27,000 participants, we anticipate total participants to exceed 30,000 this year with the overwhelming majority coming from the Springfield area. The ethnic breakdown for the participants in the Springfield community is 50% Latino, 30% African America, 10% Caucasian and 10% multi-race.
In 2007, some 2,700 children and teens participated in both the Scantic Valley and Community Services Branches of the Y’s childcare, before and after school programs, summer camp, youth health and wellness programs, and youth and teen drop-in centers. Many of the program participants from Springfield and surrounding towns come from low-income circumstances and are receiving financial assistance from State funding, the United Way, and the YMCA of Greater Springfield Annual Campaign. As the community’s largest after-school provider, the Y serves over 850 children each day in after-school programs and another 200 children participate in the Breakfast Club, a before school program. Each night, the three Youth and Teen Drop-in Centers keep nearly 100 youth and teens off the streets and engaged in positive activities directed by strong role models. Fun/Fit City and the End Zone, two new youth designed health and wellness facilities are educating young people on the benefits of good nutrition coupled with proper muscle development. Another 300 young people participate in youth sports such as indoor track, basketball and wrestling. The three summer-camps; Camp Weber in West Springfield, Stony Brook Acres in Wilbraham, and Camp FunCity serve some 800 children during the summer school vacation and offer work development opportunities to teens.
We are making a difference!
YMCA of Greater Springfield
(413)739-6951 x253
