168 Years of Growth
The Y was born out of a desire to improve the lives and social conditions affecting men just after the Industrial Revolution in London, 1844. The Y movement spread fast to other European countries and then to the United States. In 1855, the Central YMCA was founded on 3rd St. and would later move to the Downtown YMCA in 1924. In 1918, the Spring Street YMCA was one of the first Ys in the country to serve the Black community. Throughout our 168 year history, the footprint of our YMCA association expanded to serve critical community needs and is now known as the YMCA of Central Ohio.
It is important that we recognize our past and build upon the progress we have made to become an inclusive organization. One that is rooted in treating others the way in which you would like to be treated. We believe strong and healthy communities are rooted in equity and the feeling of belonging. We embrace all who share our commitment to inclusivity, compassion and safer spaces.
The YMCA of Central Ohio’s reach is vast across the Columbus Region and provides programs and services to many beyond our walls. Our programs and services are focused on three primary areas of impact - Youth Development, Healthy Living, Social Responsibility - that help people achieve their goals and strengthen communities. Today, we serve over 150,000 individuals from all walks of life and our footprint consists of:
13 Health & Wellness Centers across four Central Ohio Counties
58 Before & After School sites across 4 counties and 13 school districts
1 New American Welcome Center
1 Overnight Camp
1 Homeless Shelter
4 Community Housing Sites
Thousands of individuals served beyond our walls through social services and intentional community outreach
13 Health & Wellness Centers across four Central Ohio Counties
77 Child Care sites across 5 counties and 12 school districts
1 New American Welcome Center
1 Overnight Camp
1 Homeless Shelter
4 Community Housing Sites
Thousands of individuals served beyond our walls through social services and intentional community outreach
We create positive impact and social change through providing opportunities of access in the following areas:
Youth Development
We are the largest provider of child care locally, statewide and nationally and serve a myriad of additional youth programming for kids of all ages. These programs help support the local workforce and also help shape tomorrow's leaders.
Healthy Living
We improve individual and community health from the inside out - spirit, mind and body.
Social Responsibility
We aim to increase stable housing and minimize homelessness through homeless prevention programs, shelter services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness and help individuals thrive in our supportive housing programs.