YMCA Taught Julia Shirley How to Fight for What She Wants

Y’s Higher Ed, Youth & Government Programs Gave Her Confidence, New Skills

High school senior Julia Shirley says, “The Avondale Meadows YMCA has had a huge impact on my life.” The active young adult explains more about the Y’s impact and how it’s helped shape her future… Julia Shirley From nervous to comfortable ... Read More

Black History and the YMCA

Determined visionaries break racial barriers

Black history tells us that when it first emerged in the United States in 1852, the YMCA excluded blacks from membership in white branches. Although they were encouraged to form their own associations on "separate but equal" terms, it wasn’t as eas... Read More

Tragedy To Triumph

Member Inspiration - Leigh Young

Leigh Young Tragedy to triumph June 13, 2017 was a day that changed Leigh Young’s life. It was the day the tragedy to triumph started. Leigh was involved in a serious car accident in which she broke both femurs, both knees, her right ankle, her le... Read More

Family finds escape at the Baxter Y while battling cancer

Family finds escape at the Baxter Y while battling cancer

The Tucker family has a history at the Baxter YMCA. Tarah grew up attending Y programs, and now brings her husband, Ben, and three children, Caleb, Grace, and Luke, here as well. Caleb was diagnosed with cancer in 2016 and their world turned upsid... Read More

Ransburg YMCA is where we feel we belong!

Anna and John Nelson- Members since 1974!

Meet Anna and John Nelson - the twin couple as I like to call them! They have 41 years of journey at the Ransburg YMCA. Since, the time I started with the Ransburg YMCA, it has been a pleasure to get acquainted with the duo as they start their day a... Read More