OUR STORY Connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. Holiday Hours To celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, YMCA Community Centers will be closed on November 25 and open 7am-7pm on Friday, November 26. Registered programming will also be closed November 25-27. Happy Thanksgiving! View upcoming holiday hours. Close alert Holiday Hours Previous alert message Next alert message The Y is the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. Working locally, we focus on empowering young people, improving health and well-being, and inspiring action in and across communities. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, we ensure that we all have access to the opportunities, relationships and resources necessary to learn, grow, and thrive. Mission To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Vision Our Y creates opportunity so all can thrive in every season of life. Values Caring Honesty Respect Responsibility Areas of Focus Youth Development Healthy Living Social Responsibility Commitment to Community View the Y's strategic plan, commitment to equity, commitment to safety, and community impact. ENGAGE Employer of Choice The Y is a diverse employer, providing opportunities for teens, retirees, college students, and everyone in between. FIND A CAREER Make A Difference Ensure access for all by making a donation to the Y Experience Scholarship Campaign. DONATE OUR HISTORY For 175 years, the Y has worked to strengthen the foundations of community. LEARN MORE The YMCA was founded in 1844 by 22-year-old George Williams to serve the young men who were flooding into industrial London looking for work. Over the following decades, the Y spread around the world, becoming the birthplace of basketball and home to the world's first group swimming lessons. The Y sent volunteers to do relief work during and after both world wars and in the United States, African American YMCAs provided safe meeting spaces for the organizers of the Civil Rights Movement. The YMCA in Tacoma was organized in 1883. In 1905, local philanthropist W.W. Seymour donated the land that would eventually become Camp Seymour to the Tacoma YMCA. In 1910, the Y opened its first facility in downtown Tacoma on Market Street. For over a century, the Y has adapted to the changing needs of our community. From chronic disease prevention to summer day camp, the Y provides programs and services to help everyone reach their potential. Previous Next OUR STORIES "The Y has impacted my life in many ways! The Y makes me feel like anybody can do anything they put their mind to. How someone you might not really know can make a huge impact on your life. It's like a chain reaction. This is a place to get motivation and life skills that will last a lifetime." Jada, YMCA Member ABOUT About Us Blog Privacy Y Stories ENGAGE Careers Contact Us Gift Certificate Request Member Feedback STAFF Email Login Marketing and Communications CEO Speaking Request Form Staff and Volunteer Shout Out Form CONNECT WITH THE Y Facebook Twitter Youtube App store Google play SIGN UP FOR EMAIL UPDATES © 2021 YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties. The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization. Donations are tax-exempt EIN:91-0565562