To put Christian principles into practice through programs that builds a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

The La Crosse Area Family YMCA responds to community needs by serving all people especially youth, through programs that promote a healthy spirit, mind, and body.

Our Philosophy
The YMCA is here to serve the entire community, and we open our doors to everyone. No one is turned away because of his/her inability to pay. We are here to help build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.

Our History
The YMCA was founded in 1844 during the Industrial Revolution in London, England, by a young businessman named George Williams. He wanted to provide a healthy environment for the young men who were moving from rural areas to work in London - an environment that provided educational, physical, and social opportunities based on Christian values. The YMCA Movement crossed the channel from London to the European Continent prior to being established in Boston and Montreal in 1851.

Today, the Young Men’s Christian Association is a local, yet worldwide organization, involving boys, girls, men, and women of all ages, races, and faiths who operate as members or participants. The “C” in the YMCA is the foundation of the organization today, just as it was in 1844. The Christian values can be seen in action in YMCA programs that are designed to strengthen family life and provide development of the total person through building a strong spirit, mind, and body. The YMCA serving your community is committed to those Christian values upon which its programs and services are based.

Our Commitment
The YMCA’s commitment to building strong kids, families, and communities is in the numbers.

Strong Kids
2,000 youth served through youth sports
950 children served through School-Age Care
375 youth served through Summer Day Camp
3,828 youth served through swim lessons

Strong Families
Families served through Before & After School Childcare-1100
Families served through family fun events-1,900
Percentage of families awarded financial assistance-21%
YMCA adult & family memberships-7,250+

Strong Communities
YMCA Branches-2
Community Outreach -30 locations outside of the YMCA facilities
YMCA employees-nearly 800
YMCA School-Age Care Sites-15
Financial Assistance Awarded-$500,000.00

Mission:
To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.