Our Mission

To put Christian Principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Purpose

The purpose of the YMCA of Austin is to enhance the lives of men, women, boys and girls in the Austin community, regardless of race, creed, age, economic circumstances and physical or mental abilities, by providing quality programs, activities and facilities which develop and maintain opportunities and help individuals to:

• Develop self-confidence, self-respect and appreciation of their own worth as individuals,
• Develop a faith for daily living,
• Grow as responsible members of their families and communities,
• Appreciate healthy minds and bodies,
• Recognize the worth of all persons and work for interracial and inter-group understanding,
• Develop a sense of world-mindedness and work for worldwide understanding,
• Develop their capacity for leadership and use it responsibility,
• Appreciate the beauty, diversity and interdependence of all forms of life.

Our Values

Caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith are the basis for all that we do.

Our Promise

We build strong kids, strong families, strong communities.

Our History

For more than 150 years, the YMCA of the USA has forcefully pursued a mission of service to men, women and children of all ages. The YMCA of Austin was chartered in 1953 and granted admission to the Austin United Fund in 1954. By the summer of 1955, the YMCA was operating a health club for businessmen and a day camp for youth. During the following years, the YMCA expanded its programs and facilities to accommodate men, women and children of all ages. In 1955, the YMCA of Austin received its status as a 501©(3) non-profit organization.

Since 1987, growth of the YMCA of Austin has been extensive. Revenue has increased from $1 million in 1989 to a projected 2008 budget of $15.4 million. Facility and program growth has blossomed with the addition of our Southwest Family Branch (1991), the TownLake Natatorium (1993), the Southwest Preschool (1993), the Program Services Branch (1994), the North Park Branch (1997), the Pflugerville Center (2000), the East Communities Branch (2000), the Northwest Family Branch (2002), Hays Communities Family Branch (2007) and the most current new facility, The Springs, that opened in December of 2007.

YMCA youth development programs have been greatly expanded into neighborhood schools, churches and housing complexes throughout Greater Austin. The YMCA of Austin is committed to an aggressive program development agenda that will enrich the lives of children and families throughout the Greater Austin and surrounding areas.

Program and membership growth in the last 13 years has been significant and we expect this trend to continue as Austin grows. From 1994 our membership rolls have grown from 3,740 to almost 32,000, an increase of 855%. Aquatic instruction is another area in which the YMCA excels, teaching 4,893 individuals in 1994, increasing to 14,231 in 2007. Our after school childcare program has increased from 3 school sites with 117 children to the current 19 after school sites, six YMCA Learning Centers and the Southwest YMCA Preschool, serving a total of 2,955 children.

In December of 1994, our policy-making volunteers assembled for an important strategic planning session and designated youth development programs as our main priority. As a result, the YMCA is committed to an aggressive program development agenda that will enrich the lives of children throughout the Greater Austin area. The most recent effort, A Blueprint for the Future, carries our organization into the year 2010. This is a summary of the YMCA Long-Range Planning Goals:

• Goal 1: Continue to develop and implement comprehensive, values-based health and life enrichment programs that will position the YMCA to continue to grow.
• Goal 2: Expand and enhance facilities to make programs increasingly accessible throughout the community.
• Goal 3: Recruit and develop talented, community-oriented board members, volunteers and staff while providing them with meaningful opportunities for service and career enrichment.
• Goal 4: Enhance awareness and understanding of the YMCA of Austin and it's Mission throughout the service area.
• Goal 5: Grow and professionally manage financial resources to fulfill the YMCA of Austin's Mission.