About the Y
About the Y Our Mission: To put Christian principles into place through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Our Core Values: Caring: expressing sensitivity for the well being of others. Honesty: fairness and trustworthiness. Respect: understanding and acceptance of all people. Responsibility: accountable for one’s actions. Our Cause: To strengthen the foundations of our community through Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. Page Navigation Our History The first YMCA was founded in Bay City in 1885. Throughout the next century, individuals from all walks of life came to the YMCA in search of refuge, commonalities with others, and a drive to further their individual health and wellness. Our current facility opened its doors in December 2011. With such a beautiful building, the future has never been brighter for the Dow Bay Area Family YMCA. As a staff, as members, as an organization, and as a community, we will continue to bring forward the very best in fitness, childcare, programming, and fun. We are so proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to many successful years to come. The Untold Story of the Y Timeline 1800s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 2006 2011 Present 1800s The Young Men’s Christian Association arrived in the United States in 1851 in Boston, MA. It didn’t take long to spread across the country, as the first YMCA was founded in Bay City in 1885. Throughout the next century, individuals from all walks of life came to the YMCA in search of refuge, commonalities with others, and a drive to further their individual health and wellness. The Y was originally 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. 1930s In 1937, the Board of Directors of the Y discussed plans to develop plans for building a new Y. 1940s 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 Directors was to raise $500,000 in order to construct a new facility. 1950s 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. 1960s The location of the building wasn’t the only thing that was changing. In 1964, women and girls were allowed to become members. In 1967, racial discrimination was banned in all YMCA’s across the country. 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 YMCA. 2006 In 2006, the Board of Directors of the Y again reached out to the community to find the needs and wishes of those who live in Bay County. The result was a resounding need for a family based facility, one that Bay County could be proud of, and would reach across demographics, age gaps, and financial situations. With the help of generous donations from Dow Chemical, and well as thousands of private contributions, the new 13.2 million dollar facility began to be built. 2011 On December 27, 2011, the new Dow Bay Area Family YMCA opened their doors to thousands of people, with the formal dedication being on January 25, 2012. Within the first 8 weeks, the number of people served by the YMCA doubled, and the true mission of the Y is upheld everyday. Present With such a beautiful building, the future has never been brighter for the Dow Bay Area Family YMCA. As a staff, as members, as an organization, and as a community, we will continue to bring forward the very best in fitness, childcare, programming, and fun. We are so proud of what we have accomplished, and look forward to many successful years to come. SUPPORT THE Y Together, we are making a difference We count on the generosity of you, our members, and community to help people of all ages and from all walks of life. Together we are committed to giving young people the resources to reach their potential, provide individuals with the access and support to lead healthy lives, and connect neighbors so they can come together for the common good. With a focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, strengthening communities is our cause. At the Dow Bay Area Family YMCA, we believe that lasting personal and social change happens when we all work together. Every day we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to be healthy, confident, connected and secure. When you give to the Y, you are funding life-changing programs for children, adults, and families in the Bay City and surrounding areas to learn, grow, and thrive. Donate Now Donation Requests Volunteer your Time As a Y volunteer, you can lead an exercise class, coach a basketball team, help out at a special event, or simply serve as a role model for young people. Volunteer at the Y DONATE WHEN YOU SHOP MAKE AN IMPACT We are very grateful to partner with companies like Kroger that will send a portion of their earnings to various non-profits as donations. When you choose to shop with these companies, you strengthen your community by helping to fund the Dow Bay Area Family YMCA Financial Assistance Program. This fund directly benefits the members of our community who support the YMCA’s mission, but can not afford to participate in its programming. Together with your help, we have fed thousands of youth, provided sports scholarships to hundreds of kids, and supported our senior citizens by offering discounted rates. Accordion #1 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.