YMCA of the Greater Tri-Cities
About & History
A YMCA Without Walls
The YMCA of the Greater Tri-Cities is a YMCA without walls. We offer all our programs in community spaces, churches, parks and businesses.
Our Mission
The Mission of the YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
Who We Serve
The YMCA is a diverse and inclusive organization. We’re open to all without regard to ability, race, gender, or religion. We serve over 8,000 local youth and families each year and award thousands of dollars in financial assistance to families who cannot afford to pay the full cost of program fees.
Character Development
Character Development has been part of the YMCA for over 150 years. It is a key method for accomplishing our mission and at the heart of what we do at the YMCA.
The character values we incorporate into all we do include:
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Caring: Love; putting others before yourself
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Honesty: Integrity; to tell the truth
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Respect: Regard; to treat others as you would have them treat you
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Responsibility: Duty; to do what you should, to do what is right, to be accountable for your behavior and obligations
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Youth Development
At the Y, children and teens learn values and positive behaviors, and can explore their unique talents and interests, helping them realize their potential. That makes for confident kids today and contributing and engaged adults tomorrow.
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Healthy Living
We believe sports, fun and exploring new interests aren’t just for the participants, but the whole family. Along with improving health, whenever teamwork is involved, there’s the added benefit of being connected to others.
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Social Responsibility
The generosity of others is at the core of the Y’s existence as a nonprofit. It is only through the support of our hundreds of thousands of volunteers and public and private donors that we are able to support and give back to the communities we engage.
History
The YMCA of the Greater Tri-Cities is one of the Tri-City area’s leading nonprofit organizations strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Y nurtures the development of children and teens, equips and encourages people to improve their health and well-being and mobilizes volunteers and community partners to address critical social needs. We enhance the lives of more than 8,500 people annually through 3 branches and more than 14 program sites throughout the Tri-Cities.
1956
YMCA Was Founded
Founded in 1956 as the Lower Columbia Basin YMCA, the Y has grown and evolved to meet the needs of the local community.
1950s & 1960s
Growing & Thriving
The 1950’s and 60’s included programs like Tri-Hi-Y, youth employment education, and even childbirth classes. The YMCA was an integral part of the community with one person in 20 belonging. The YMCA responded to community needs by building a full facility with a pool and gym and by introducing programming like Indian Guides, Adventure Clubs and Ski School. The name changed to the Tri-Cities Family YMCA to reflect its place in the community.
1980s
A New Direction
Throughout the 80’s, the Tri-Cities Family YMCA determined that it could best meet challenges and serve a more diversified population throughout the entire region by selling the property and becoming a non-facility YMCA. Non-facility status opened the door for partnerships with community agencies and helped develop programs such as Day Camps, Child Care and Youth Sports. As the Y became integrated into the entire region, the name YMCA of the Greater Tri-Cities was adopted.
2000s & Beyond
A Community Pillar
Throughout the years, the name, location and faces have changed but the YMCA remains a community pillar with over 50 years experience growing programs and satisfying recreational needs for kids and families. The YMCA of the Greater Tri-Cities has grown its budget from a couple hundred dollars to 1.5 million, and expanded from a Y run exclusively by volunteers to today’s count of more than 80 employees.