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WHAT IS THE Y?
The YMCA is an international organization that was founded in London, England in 1844 to provide recreational and social opportunities for young men who, as a result of the industrial revolution, had moved into the city from rural areas to work. Based on that same need, the YMCA began its work in Buffalo in 1852.

As the second-oldest YMCA in the United States, YMCA Buffalo Niagara has continued to grow and change over the years to meet community needs as they arise.  Today, more than 150 years after its founding, the YMCA is an organization open to all who wish to be a part of the YMCA as members, community participants, volunteers or staff in the many programs and services offered.

WHO BELONGS TO THE Y?  WHERE ARE ITS FACILITIES?  AND WHAT ARE ITS PROGRAMS AND SERVICES?
YMCA membership and participation is open to everyone – men, women, boys and girls of all ages and abilities – regardless of race or ethnic background, religious preference or ability to pay.  YMCA Buffalo Niagara has seven branches and one resident camp:  Delaware, Ellicott-Masten, Ken-Ton, Niagara Falls, Northeast, Southtowns, Lancaster, and Resident Camp Weona.

The YMCA offers a wide array of services including preschool, child care, camping, youth sports, swimming lessons, teen leadership development programs, fitness and recreation programs for adults, children, teens, and seniors, and family support programs.  Even branches without full-service facilities offer some of these services but are limited in the number of people they can serve.

WHO RUNS THE Y AND HOW IS IT SUPPORTED?
YMCA Buffalo Niagara, which is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and Board of Trustees.  The Boards work together to hire the YMCA’s chief executive and the staff who, with guidance from the Boards, is responsible for delivering YMCA programs and services. They have the responsibility for annual funding and determining the long-range goals and policies for the YMCA.  Each YMCA branch is governed by a volunteer board of management who live or work in the communities served by the YMCA.  

The YMCA is supported by membership dues and program fees, an annual Strong Kids Campaign, United Way support, special fund raising events, and annual earnings from its Endowment Fund.  A few of the programs receive some funding from government grants. The current support campaign raises money to provide financial assistance to those who cannot afford the YMCA’s fees.  This funding also subsidizes many of the YMCA’s youth programs.

DO I HAVE TO BE A MEMBER TO PARTICPATE AT THE Y?
While the YMCA is also a membership organization, membership is not required for participation in programs.  However, as a program participant, you pay slightly higher program fees and use of the facility is limited to the program you are participating in. As a member you receive specific benefits that our program participants do not. 

WHAT IS THE COST OF A YMCA MEMBERSHIP?
Those interested in a YMCA membership can view a price listing in a branch program guide. A variety of memberships are available, including, youth, young adult, adult, senior, married couple, senior couple, family, individual parent family, and masterkey. Masterkey memberships allow members to use all YMCA Buffalo Niagara branches. Membership prices vary by branch.

DOES THE Y PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE?
One important characteristic that makes the YMCA unique is its policy that no one is turned away because of an inability to pay a required fee. This goal is met by reaching out to the community and raising money each year through the Strong Kids Campaign. 

DO YOU HAVE A RESIDENCE AT ANY OF YOUR BRANCHES?
Our Niagara Falls Family Branch has a male residence with single rooms. Open to the community, the residence reserves rooms on a monthly basis.  Contact the Niagara Falls Branch at 285-8419 for availability and additional information.