Together, the nation's 2617 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 county: 42 millioin 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 Bilble 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 YMCs 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.