What is the YMCA?
Together, the nation's more than 2,500 YMCAs are the largest not-for-profit community service organizations in America, working to meet the health and social service needs of 18.9 million men, women and children in 10,000 communities in the United States. Ys are for people of all faiths, races, abilities, ages and incomes. No one is turned away for inability to pay. YMCAs' strength is in the people they bring together.

Because all communities have different needs, all YMCAs are different. A YMCA in your community may offer child care or teen leadership clubs. A Y in the next town may have swimming lessons or drawing classes. Every Y makes its own decisions on what programs to offer and how to operate.

YMCAs stretch beyond the United States. YMCAs are at work in more than 120 countries around the world, serving more than 45 million people. About 230 U.S. YMCAs maintain relationships with Ys in other countries. So the YMCA really does build strong kids, strong families and strong communities -- worldwide.

Visit the National YMCA website at www.ymca.com.