YMCA of Greater Erie

A gift to the YMCA is a gift to a young family, a shy child, a struggling neighbor or a single parent doing their best. It can mean time to bond, the chance to play, and an opportunity to make a friend.

For more than 165 years, the Y has built on the belief that connection is not a luxury—it’s a lifeline. We create welcoming spaces where people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities come together to be part of something larger than themselves. Whether it's a parent finding support in our early learning programs, a teen finding a mentor in a youth program, or seniors gathering for coffee and conversation, the Y offers something profoundly important – a place to belong.

Combined, the Y provided $380,000 in total financial assistance last year – ensuring that the financial circumstances of a child, a family, or an individual were not a barrier to achievement, relationships and belonging. This is not covered by membership fees; it's possible because of donors like you. Please join us in supporting our community.

In 2025:

• 2,100 children learned to swim, practicing different strokes and growing more confident in their abilities.
• 500 children learned how to be safe in the water, reducing the risk of drowning, which is the #1 cause of death for children ages 1-4. This is especially important because 88% of drownings happen with an adult present. So children must know how to save themselves.

• 3,500 children played youth soccer, T-ball, basketball or flag football. For some, this was the first time they ever played on a team.

• 600 children participated in Summer Camp, enjoying field trips, nature, art, STEM, hands-on experiences and social-emotional learning while Mom and Dad worked. They also get to swim, which is always a favorite.

• 1,300 children thrived in the Y’s Early Learning and School-Age Care programs. 
• 500 children were served by the YMCA through the City of Erie Summer Parks Program, ensuring Erie Kids had a safe and nurturing place to connect during summer out-of-school time.
• 260,000 meals were provided in our Meals for Kids program. 
• 10,000 pounds of food was secured to serve young people at the Teen Center, ensuring after-school snacks and full dinnertime meals five days a week.

The Y provided:

• 1,480 hours of senior programs and events, outside of classes.  
• 106 childcare scholarships in the amount of $84,000 to help working families
• 8,100 members received a scholarship on membership and program fees, totaling $296,000.