YMCA members together

Our U.S. Reach

Each year, millions of people across the country, from all backgrounds, engage with their local YMCA. From child care to job training to fitness and ongoing support, the Y’s goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections in and across 10,000 communities nationwide.

Fulfilling Our Purpose

At the Y, we bring together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations to ensure we all can learn, grow and thrive. Learn more about what we do — and how we do it — to fulfill our purpose.

Our Reach: By The Numbers

  • 2,560

    Ys across the country, including all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico

  • 13 million

    people served across Y locations nationwide

  • 10,000+

    communities across the country – from cities to suburbs to rural areas

  • 77%

    of the U.S. population lives within 10 miles of a Y 

children sitting at table in Y classroom eating snacks

Youth Development: Our Food Programs

The Y believes all kids deserve the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive — and access to healthy meals is critical to making that possible. 

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), over 21 million kids receive free or reduced-cost meals, but only 3.2 million continue to receive meals through the summer. 

Kids and teens benefit from the Y’s Year-Round Food Program at thousands of sites across the country, where they receive nutritious meals and snacks, plus enjoy recreational and educational activities to keep their bodies and minds active.

Group of adults sitting around a table with a bowl of fruit talking.

Healthy Living: The Diabetes Epidemic in the U.S.

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The scope of the diabetes epidemic in this country is alarming. Nearly 37 million Americans have diabetes and another 96 million have prediabetes — but only 20% know they have it.

At over 1,400 locations in 43 states, the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program works to decrease the number of Type 2 diabetes cases. This program not only saves lives, it helps reduce the $176 billion in direct medical costs associated with diabetes every year.

Family of four posing - YMCA

Social Responsibility: Welcoming Newcomers

There are more than 43 million foreign-born individuals living in the U.S. — people who contribute to the economic, civic and cultural strength of their communities in countless ways.

To help newcomers gain the opportunities they need to fully participate in and contribute to their communities, Ys offer integration services — including language education, citizenship, health and well-being and employment programming — and prepare their communities to welcome and engage with their newest neighbors.

More About the Y

Watch these videos to learn more about how the Y strengthens individuals and communities across the country.

Watch more Y stories

  • The Y: One Number Different

    In America, the zip code you're born in can determine your future. The Y's programs and services create opportunities to succeed, no matter where you grow up.

  • The Y: US

    When our communities are strong, our country is strong. But right now, the bonds that hold us together are fraying and we need a place to make them whole. In over 10,000 communities across the country, the Y is that place. It fills the gaps, bridges our divides, and gives us common ground to stand on — but we can't do it without your support.

  • Ricarda's Story

    When Ricarda first came to the U.S., she felt alone. She couldn't speak English, had to work long hours, and had no support network to help her and her family integrate into their new community. But when Ricarda came to the YMCA, she discovered a welcoming community that helped her learn English, pursue her education and realize her dream of a better life for her family. Watch her inspiring story.

Support the Y

When you support the Y, you help give young people a chance at a better future, inspire healthy lifestyles and build vibrant communities right where you live.

Additional Resources

Visit the below pages to learn more about the Y

  • Our Global Reach

    Learn more about how our global presence and perspective enables us to engage and serve diverse communities around the world more effectively.

  • Our Partners

    We are forever grateful to our donors and partners for their big hearts and generous support of our mission, programs and services – both in the U.S. and around the world.

  • News

    Keep up with the Y by exploring media coverage, news releases and more.