Why is the Y Unique?

The Albany Area YMCA is more than just a gym. It’s a movement of thousands of people making positive changes in their lives and the lives of others in the community. The YMCA serves people from all walks of life, strengthening spirit, mind, and body and improving physical well-being in a healthy and friendly environment. The YMCA is Albany’s premier provider of family health and wellness.

Our Mission and Vision

It is the YMCA mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

It is our vision to impact and change lives for the better through programs that educate  and encourage physical fitness and personal and community well-being as a Christian-principled, financially sound, not-for-profit, charitable organization.

All programs and services of the Albany Area YMCA will be developed and implemented in such a way to guide us to the successful realization of our vision.

Strengthening Lives

At the YMCA, we strengthen our communities by providing programs and services that focus on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. We have a commitment to serve the families of Dougherty and Lee Counties, and to make family wellness affordable. For families with multiple children enrolled in the same YMCA program, we offer reduced rates after the first child. All children registered in the YMCA Active Afterschool Program receive half off the registration fee for Y programs, such as sports and swimming lessons.

In an effort to allow YMCA access to everyone, it is the YMCA's policy to offer financial assistance for programs and membership to those who qualify when funds are available. Assistance is provided based on financial need.

HISTORY OF THE ALBANY AREA YMCA

Since its beginning at the corner of Pine and Jefferson in 1910, the Albany Area YMCA has been a vibrant, integral part of life in the community. The organization has grown from one downtown location, to three facilities and two off-site childcare locations serving Dougherty and Lee Counties.

The Albany Area YMCA is a volunteer-driven, charitable, and non-profit organization. All programs, services, and operations are based on the positive community values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Members, program participants, staff, and volunteers are encouraged to share this character development focus.

Albany Area YMCA serves preschool children, youth, adults, seniors, and families through a variety of health, fitness, recreational, social, and leadership programs. Each year, over 12,000 people are involved in YMCA programs. These programs are provided at the Central Facility, Lee Branch and Sports Park.