Our History
The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) was founded by George Williams in London 1844 to offer young working men a Christian focus, supporting both mental and spiritual development. From these roots the YMCA has grown into a global movement, now active in 119 countries and reaching 58 million people worldwide.
In 1860, Rev. William Leftwich began a chapter of the Y to serve the frontier town of Kansas City, making it one of the first Ys in the country and one of the first organizations in Kansas City.
STRENGTHENING GREATER KANSAS CITY SINCE 1860
FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Empowering young people to reach their full potential
CHILD CARE | EDUCATION & LEADERSHIP | SWIM, SPORTS & PLAY | CAMP
At its founding in 1860, the Y helped young men moving from rural areas into the city maintain Christian values and physical health.
Over the years, programs expanded to boys and later girls, and addressed the needs of the times.
Camping began in 1899, and day camps began in 1950. By 1946, the Y was the leading provider of youth programs in our region.
The Y added child care programs in the 1970s as more women joined the workforce. Since the 1990s, the Y has been the largest child care provider in greater Kansas City, with before and after school programs, summer day camps and Head Start programs.
The first water safety and learn-to-swim program in the United States occurred at a Y in 1906, and swimming and drowning prevention are central to the Y’s programs today.
While Y sports began in the 1890s, youth sports grew significantly in the 1970s. Youth flag football and soccer programs plus adaptive sports for kids of all abilities thrive today.
FOR HEALTHY LIVING
Improving individual and community well-being
FAMILY TIME | HEALTH, WELL-BEING & FITNESS | SPORTS & RECREATION | GROUP INTERESTS
In the Y’s early days, the young men coming to the city had enjoyed the physical benefits of labor on the farms where they grew up. To help them maintain physical health, the Kansas City Y built its first gymnasium in 1883.
The Y’s emphasis on exercise increased in the 1890s. Luther H. Gulick, M.D., coined the phrase “body, mind, spirit” at the Y’s training school in Springfield, Mass., giving physical exercise an enduring place in the Y’s mission.
The 1890s saw the invention of basketball and volleyball at YMCAs in the U.S. to provide opportunities for indoor physical activity in the winter.
As camping grew through the 1920s and beyond, it emphasized outdoor activity as part of a healthy lifestyle.
In the 1960s, suburban growth fueled the construction of family recreation centers with pools and gyms. As interest in healthy lifestyles and fitness classes increased nationally in the late 1970s and 1980s, local Ys added group exercise and fitness options.
By the 2010s, the Y responded to the obesity epidemic with evidence-based programs to manage weight and chronic disease.
FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Providing support and inspiring action in our communities
FAMILY & COMMUNITY RESOURCES | COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | COMMUNITY ACTION | GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT
The Y’s commitment to social responsibility is reflected in how the Y has responded to the greatest community needs throughout history.
Early programs addressed societal issues during the Industrial Revolution. As immigrants moved to the United States, the Y responded again. America's first-known English as a Second Language class was held at the Y in Cincinnati, Ohio. ESL classes continue locally today through the New Americans Welcome Center.
In World Wars I and II, the Y played a critical role in supporting soldiers and their families with recreation centers, hospitality, and support to boost morale and aid the war effort. In 1918, the Y was a major force in organizing the Charity Chest, which by 1946 evolved into the Community Chest, a precursor to today’s United Way.
In the more recent COVID-19 crisis, the Y deployed resources for the community’s greatest needs including food distribution programs, child care for essential workers, virtual learning support and vaccination clinics.
Ongoing volunteer opportunities, scholarships for membership and programs, advocacy, fundraising, and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, make social responsibility the foundation of everything the Y does.
YMCA LOGOS PAST AND PRESENT
