About Us

ABOUT THE Y

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?

We are governed by volunteers

Our governing boards lead policy-making, raise funds to ensure the Y is accessible to all members of the community, advocate for the Y’s efforts to influence policies and initiatives that positively and impact our community.

We turn no one away due to the inability to pay

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 learn, grow and thrive. Thanks to support from individual contributions and the United Way of Lake County, we can help offset the cost of membership and program fees for those in need.

We have a rich history around the world and at home

The YMCA was founded in London, England, in 1844 by George Williams and some friends who lived and worked as clerks in a drapery, a forerunner of dry goods and department stores. Their goal was to help young men like themselves find God. The first members were evangelical Protestants who prayed and studied the Bible as an alternative to vice.

The Lake County Y

December 29, 1866 when a handful of men met for a prayer meeting in a basement room of the First Baptist church on the corner of Washington and Liberty Streets in downtown Painesville. They decided to found a men’s Christian service organization.

Today, the Lake County Y engages one out of every five households across the county. We are part of the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to helping people and communities to learn, grow and thrive. We believe by nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the community’s health and well-being, and supporting and serving our neighbors, the Y ensures that everyone has the opportunity to become healthier, more confident, connected and secure.

We’re more than a gym; people do more than visit . . . they belong

• Parents find a safe, positive environment for children to learn good values, social skills and behaviors
• Families come together to have fun and spend quality time with each other
• Children and teens play, learn who they are and what they can achieve, and are accepted
• Adults connect with friends, pursue interests and learn how to live healthier
• Communities thrive because neighbors support each other and give back
• We all build relationships that further our sense of belonging and purpose

The Y is a nonprofit like no other.

We’re Mission Driven

With a mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all, our impact is felt when an individual makes a healthy choice, when a mentor inspires a child and when a community comes together for the common good.

We are not a church, but rather a Christian organization designed to meet the needs of the community regardless of religion, race, income, gender, age, etc. The balance of spirit, mind and body along with the core values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility are a priority in our programs as well as daily operations.

The Lake County YMCA is a 501(c)(3)nonprofit charitable organization strengthening community by nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living for all and fostering social responsibility.