Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA

Description

For more than 127 years, the Tampa YMCA has been strengthening the foundations of our communities by putting Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The YMCA of the Tampa Metropolitan area is a powerful association of men, women and children of all ages and walks of life joined together by a shared vision to create a healthier, stronger, and safer Tampa where families of all incomes and backgrounds truly thrive.

History

The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA was founded based on the core character values of: Faith, Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. The YMCA continues to flourish because those values are as relevant to today’s world as they were in 1844, when a young drapery clerk named George Williams sought to develop a wholesome place for young people to escape the immorality of the London Streets during the Industrial Revolution.

By 1851, there were 24 Ys in Great Britain, with a combined membership of 2,700. That same year the Y arrived in North America. It was established in Montreal on November 25 and in Boston on December 29. From there, the YMCA grew quickly across the United States and Canada.

In 1908, the first YMCA facility was built in Tampa–a 50,000-square-foot building on the corner of North Florida Avenue and Zack Street. The building cost $100,000 and was funded entirely through contributions from individuals. This YMCA brought Tampa its first gymnasium and indoor swimming pool. It also had residential headquarters to provide housing for young men when they came to the city.

Today, the YMCA, the largest and oldest service organization in America, serves 17 million members in 120 countries. In Tampa Bay alone, we reach more than 160,000 individuals each year through membership, programs, and outreach activities in our community. Through Our Vision 2020, we have laid the foundation to take the Tampa YMCA into the future so we can continue to serve the Tampa Bay community for years to come.