About Your Y

Who We Are

The Y is a nonprofit like no other. In 10,000 neighborhoods across the nation, including over 165 right here in Maine, we deliver positive change.

We are community centered. Although every Y is part of national association, the Y in your community is run by and focused on your community, serving the needs of you and your neighbors.

We bring people together, connecting people of all ages and backgrounds to bridge the gaps in community needs.

We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together to invest in our kids, our health, and our neighbors.

We are committed to making sure that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background has the ability to learn, grow, and thrive in spirit, mind, and body.

Our Focus

The Y is for everyone. Our programs, services and initiatives: enable kids to realize their potential, prepare teens for college, offer ways for families to have fun together, empower people to be healthier in spirit, mind and body, prepare people for employment, welcome and embrace newcomers and help foster a nationwide service ethic. And that's just the beginning.

We believe that to bring about meaningful change in individuals and communities, we must be focused and accountable. At the Y, we measure the success of our cause by how well we engage communities in our three areas of focus.

Youth Development
Nurturing the potential of every child and teen.

We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve.

That’s why, through the Y, millions of youth today are cultivating the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and educational achievement.

Healthy Living
Improving the nation’s health and well-being In communities across the nation, the Y is a leading voice on health and well being. With a mission centered on balance, the Y brings families closer together, encourages good health and fosters connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests. As a result, millions of youth, adults and families are receiving the support, guidance and resources needed to achieve greater health and well-being for their spirit, mind and body.

Social Responsibility
Giving back and providing support to our neighbors

The Y has been listening and responding to our communities’ most critical social needs for 160 years.

Whether developing skills or emotional well-being through education and training, welcoming and connecting diverse demographic populations through global services, or preventing chronic disease and building healthier communities through collaborations with policymakers, the Y fosters the care and respect all people need and deserve. Through the Y, 500,000 volunteers and thousands of donors, leaders and partners across the country are empowering millions of people in the U.S. and around the world to be healthy, confident, connected and secure.

Did You Know?

Our YMCA has been part of the community since 1868, as the Lewiston Falls YMCA
Our YMCA erected its current building in 1922
Our YMCA serves over one million youth program hours annually
Our YMCA started the day camping program over 33 years ago at Lost Valley Ski lodge and now Camp Connor is located on secluded Lower Range Pond in Poland
People have learned to swim in our pool for over 75 years
Our gymnasium was dedicated to E. Farrington Abbott, a former executive director, in 1950
We build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities
Our childcare program began with just a small babysitting service. Today the program services children from 6 weeks to 12 years of age, at both of our Nationally Accredited Centers, here at the Y, and at Daisy Garden at St. Mary's
Our fitness center opened in 1986 with a line of Nautilus equipment, 4 exercise bikes, a rowing machine, and a few weight pieces. At that time, the fitness center was condensed to just the current nautilus center and cardio center
Our YMCA replaced over 40 boarding rooms with the areas first Teen Center in 1995
Our YMCA was a teen "hot spot" back in the 1950's when dances, or "sock hops" took place regularly
Our YMCA does not turn anyone away from participating in programs due to financial hardship