who we are

Mission

The Ann Arbor YMCA is a non-profit membership association of men, women and children of all ages, abilities, incomes, races and religions. We are dedicated to helping individuals and families build healthy spirits, minds and bodies. Our programs promote member engagement, healthy lifestyles and community involvement. Through the generous contributions of our donors, the YMCA is able to provide financial scholarships that enable all members of the community to enjoy YMCA programs, regardless of income. Please let us know if we may serve you or your family in this way. Please stop by the membership desk, call 734-996-9622, or download the financial assistance application on this site.

History

• The first Ann Arbor YMCA was established in 1858 by students at the University of Michigan. It was the second YMCA in the state of Michigan, after the Detroit YMCA.
• In December 1892, the present YMCA organization was created. In 1901, the first building campaign was undertaken.
• The new Ann Arbor YMCA building at 110 North Fourth Avenue was completed in 1904. This building still stands today and is owned by the County. In 1918 the YMCA opened Michigan's first indoor pool at the North Fourth Avenue site.
• Camping on Thomas Birkett’s property began in 1912. The property was deeded to the YMCA in 1914 as an all boys’ residence camp and is used today as the site of Camp Birkett, our summer day camp.
• In 1959, the Ann Arbor YMCA building on 350 South Fifth Avenue was built on the site purchased from the Trinity Lutheran Church.
• In 1968 Camp Al-Gon-Quian, on the shores of Burt Lake, was purchased from Herbert Twining.
• Our full-day childcare program for 2 ½ year olds to kindergartners was opened in early 1987.
• In late 1989, planning began for a city/YMCA single room residence program expansion. The project was completed in January 1991 and expanded occupancy from 37 to 100 single rooms for men and women.
• In 1996, the Ann Arbor YMCA's program and membership participation began a steady increase.
• In 1997, the Board of Directors recognized the need for the Ann Arbor YMCA facility to expand and better meet the needs of people in our community.
• In 2000, the YMCA began the process of acquiring a site upon which to build a new facility.
• On April 1, 2002, the Ann Arbor YMCA purchased our new building site at 400 West Washington in downtown Ann Arbor.
• On April 1, 2005, the new Ann Arbor YMCA officially opened.
• As of 2008, Ann Arbor YMCA programs serve over 24,000 people, half of whom are children under age 18. In August of 2008, our Early Childhood program achieved national accreditation from the NAEYC.  

Did You Know That...

• 197 elementary school children participate in SPLASH, our free summer learn-to-swim program
• We offer the largest teen afterschool program in Ann Arbor
• Through our Chain of Plenty program, over twenty Ann Arbor teens gain valuable job skills while serving over 20,000 meals each year to the homeless
• The Ann Arbor YMCA provides 900 scholarships each year for childcare, memberships, classes and summer camps
• We collaborate with 24 Washtenaw County agencies to serve people all over our community
• Over 400 kids play in our youth basketball league
• 4,000 kids enroll in Ann Arbor YMCA summer camps
• We teach 5,000 kids a year to swim
• 346 volunteers contribute over 23,000 hours each year towards Ann Arbor YMCA programs

Get Involved (Volunteering)

We have numerous opportunities for members to volunteer at the YMCA, from coaching sports teams to fundraising for our Strong Kids Campaign. For more information about how to get involved, please contact Chad Wood at cwood@annarborymca.org or at (734) 661-8048.

Suggestions

This is your YMCA; please make your own concerns and comments known. Email us at suggest@annarborymca.org. We pledge to acknowledge and respond to all comments.