Our Mission

To put Christian Principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

We are a dynamic association of men, women and children joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together to invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors. That's why, at the Y, strengthening community is our cause and our programs are always based on the needs and interests of our communities.

The Y is dedicated to building programs for youth development, for healthy living and for social responsibilitythat promote strong families, character values, youth leadership, community development and international understanding. The Y makes accessible the support and opportunities that empower people and communities to learn, grow and thrive by providing supportive and inclusive environments that nurture the potential of every youth and teen, improves the nation's health and well-being and provides opportunities to give back and support neighbors.

We have five core character development values that are the shared beliefs and essential principles that guide our behavior, our interactions with each other, our programs and curriculum and our decision-making.

Respect * Responsibility * Honesty * Caring * Faith

Every year over 400 volunteers and staff members will actively go into the community during our annual Annual Campaign to raise the dollars needed to make sure than everyone, regardless of age, gender, race, faith, ability level, income or background has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Financial assistance funded by Annual Campaign donations keeps the Y available for kids and families who need us most and provides programs that are responding to pressing community needs. 100% of all donations go directly toward providing life-changing experiences that will have a meaningful, enduring impact right in our Austin community.

Because our Mission is to serve ALL people, financial assistance is made available to any individual or family who wants to participate in a YMCA program or activity but who cannot afford the fee. Donations from our community help our Y live it’s Mission every day.

The YMCA of Austin was chartered in 1953 and granted admission to the Austin United Fund in 1954. By the summer of 1955, the YMCA was operating a health club for businessmen and a day camp for youth. During the following years, the YMCA expanded its programs and facilities to accommodate men, women and children of all ages. In 1955, the YMCA of Austin received its status as a 501©(3) non-profit organization. Opening in 1970, the TownLake YMCA was our first full-facility branch.

Today, the YMCA of Austin serves more than 65,000 members and an additional 60,000 program participants through eight branches in Travis, Hays and Bastrop Counties. We also provide Afterschool Child Care at 16 licensed sites in three school districts as well as at five YMCA Learning Centers in affordable housing developments.

In Austin, across the nation and around the world, the accomplishments of the Y over the years reveal a mission to constantly search for innovative ways to meet community needs. An understanding of our history contributes to every decision we make, every program we offer and every value we practice. We celebrate our character daily, for years of conviction to do the right thing.