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YMCA of GREATER CHARLOTTE
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    Building a better us for the last 150 years

    1. Home
    2. The Y Mission

    The YMCA of Greater Charlotte

    Established by 23 founding members on November 11, 1874, the Charlotte YMCA embodied the progressive spirit of a new and growing city. 
     
    Offering instruction in subjects like math, bookkeeping, stenography, and carpentry, the early Charlotte YMCA also included temporary housing and North Carolina’s first indoor pool. 
     
    A trailblazer from the very beginning, our organization was the first Y to:

    • Offer local health and human services
    • Promote educational and religious work 
    • Operate a gymnasium in Charlotte 

     
    Though our services and programs have changed over the past 150 years, our commitment to the community remains the same. Through initiatives like food shares, literacy instruction, swim lessons, and adaptive programs, we remain steadfast in our dedication to serving our community.  
     
    Please help us celebrate our 150th anniversary—you’re the reason for our success! 

    150th Anniversary
    For The Y Mission

    Community Impact

    In both times of growth and hardship, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte shows up in meaningful, impactful ways that no other organization can, including:

    - Engaging children & teens in programs that nurture potential, foster confidence, build relationships, and equip them with resources they need to thrive. 
    Saving lives by teaching people of all ages to swim and be safe in and around the water. 
    - Fostering a sense of social responsibility by providing volunteer opportunities for neighbors to support one another. 
    - Offering programs like Drop-Off Childcare, Adaptive Sports, and Nutrition Outreach to improve the entire community’s quality of life. 
     
    And we’ll continue serving our community for the next 150 years—because that’s who we are. 
    Impact Reports

    Giving

    As a non-profit organization that has roots in Greater Charlotte for 150 years, the YMCA relies on the generosity of our community. With your support, we ensure that every individual has access to essentials needed to learn, grow, and thrive.

    Our Funding Priorities include:
    - Minimizing the academic achievement gap with programs like Y Readers, Y Achievers, and Summer Literacy Infusion.
    - Making people of all ages safe in and around water with Swim Lessons.
    - Helping teens become leaders through programs like Babysitter Training, Lifeguard Training, and Leaders in Training.
    Give Today

    Volunteering

    A big way that the YMCA of Greater Charlotte keeps the community strong is through the help of volunteers. Not only do our volunteers fill important needs throughout the area, but they also become more deeply connected to their neighbors by sharing their talents, skills, and empathy.

    Whether you’re inspired to volunteer as a reading buddy, sports coach, Food Share distributor, event official, or fundraiser, please know that your work is an integral part of the Y’s continued presence, both over the past 150 years and through our future.
    Become a Volunteer