The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati

Our Focus

At the YMCA, we focus on transforming lives and helping each other achieve goals. The words achievement, belonging, and relationships are intertwined in all we do. Together, we work to ensure that everyone—regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race, or sexual orientation—is treated equitably. We do this by building inclusive and joyful environments where all people can reach goals, make friends, and connect to a cause greater than themselves. The Y is for all. 

Best Kept Secrets 

When people think of the Y they usually think of fitness centers and swimming pools. While we love our fitness centers and think pools are a blast, what's happening behind the scenes is perhaps the most impactful. 

If you take a closer look, you may notice kids - a lot of kids! - having fun at the Y. For more than a century the Y has leaned in to recreation as a means for youth development. Beyond learning the fundamentals of youth sports however, kids are growing in spirt, mind and body by making lasting friendships at summer camp, preparing for college through the Black and Latino Achievers program, or getting the best start at YMCA preschools. 

Kids aren't the only ones getting in on the fun though! The Y is a place where families can play together and where our community's seniors spend their days filled with friendship. Healthy living at the Y goes beyond physical wellness. A group exercise class is about more than physical well-being. It's an opportunity to make friends and strengthen relationships - just like the coffee in the lobby invites you to pull up a chair and meet someone new! Every where you look at the Y, there is the opportunity for more. 

You don't have to just look inside the Y to find opportunities to reach goals and make friends. Those relationships spill out into the community and provide a space for us all to come together around social responsibility. The Y pours into the lives of people as well as the community. The Y is a cause, committed to strengthening the fabric of our collective neighborhoods. Belonging at the Y doesn't start or stop at membership. Belonging happens when all of us commit to a stronger tomorrow, by caring for one another today. 

Looking ahead 

The Y has history of evolution, rising again and again to meet ever changing needs in the community. From founding the first ESL programs in Over-The-Rhine for German immigrants to providing services to essential workers through a global pandemic, the Y embraces community challenges through cause-driven solutions. 

Moving forward, the Y is committed to providing opportunities for everyone to be their best, authentic selves and challenging them to put their gifts into action for others. That action may show up in a swimming pool or a fitness facility; a classroom or on a college visit; delivering meals to a senior or hosting a vaccine clinic in local neighborhoods. It may be as simple as a welcoming smile or enthusiastic fist bump. 

The Y is not a place. It's a cause that lives in all of us. We've been waiting for you to bring your gifts to this journey and we are so glad you're here.