From the Bay City Y’s inception in 1885, we have worked to provide opportunities for individuals from all walks of life. Today, it serves men and women of all ages, religions and economic backgrounds.

The Y was founded on Christian principles in response to the needs of a growing and changing society that threatened the preservation of family and values.

Programs and activities were developed to guide and preserve health and wellness in spirit, mind, and body.

In many ways, we continue to do just that, and in many other ways, we have become much more than our founding fathers could have imagined long ago at their first meeting on March 23, 1885.

In 1937, the Board of Directors of the Y discussed plans to develop plans for building a new Y. Ten years later, in 1947, the former site of Eastern Jr. High was purchased and efforts began to raise money for a new Y. The goal of the Board of was to raise $500,000 in order to construct a new facility.

By 1952, construction of the new facility began. Not only was there a hired crew to do the work, but also many volunteers from the community rolled up their sleeves and helped to construct the new building.

In 1953, members of the press recorded the Cornerstone dedication of our present location at 111 N. Madison Avenue.

The formal dedication and opening of the Bay City Y was held in the middle of 1954. The cost was approximately $500,000. The Board of Directors and planners knew what was needed in 1937 when they began their dream of building a modern Y.

The location of the building wasn’t the only thing that was changing. In 1964, women and girls were allowed to become members. Over the years, the Y had formed an enduring partnership with individuals and the ever-changing needs of Bay County residents. In 1980, the name changed from Bay City YMCA to The Bay Area Family Y.

It’s an exciting time in the history of The Bay Area Family Y. The future spans before us- wide open and challenging. We are drawn to a time and place where opportunities are endless. The future, for all of us, depends on the strength of our children, our families, and our community.