The WhY Behind the Y: Being a Part of Something Bigger

When you walk into the doors at one of the Gateway Region YMCA’s 25 locations, you’re not just joining a standard gym. You’re becoming a part of a movement that has been committed to strengthening communities around the world for 175 years and counting.

Whether you’re a new member to the Y, or just looking to know more about our mission and story, keep reading to learn how our past, present, and future shapes us as an organization committed to bettering our greater St. Louis community.

Our Mission

The YMCA is driven by a simple but powerful mission: “To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.”

We’re committed to ensuring that every person, regardless of their age, income, ability, or background, has the opportunity to belong and thrive, not just at the Y, but in every community they’re a part of.

Here at the Gateway Region YMCA, this mission shapes everything we do, from youth programs and fitness classes to community events and access initiatives, because a stronger individual leads to a stronger community.

A Global Movement with a Heart for Local Communities

The YMCA began in 1844 when George Williams gathered 11 friends in London, England to create a safe space for young men to escape the harsh streets of Industrial Revolution-era London. It only took a few years for the movement to make waves in the United States, with retired sea captain, Thomas Valentine Sullivan, noticing a need for a similar place of refuge for sailors in Boston, founding the first YMCA in America in 1851.

By 1853, St. Louis became the 16th city in the United States with a YMCA. On October 13, 1853, 23 men met at the 2nd Baptist Church on 6th and Locust to organize the Y, and within a month, they already had over 300 members.

Throughout its long history, the Gateway Region YMCA has evolved with the growing needs of the St. Louis community. Adapting through world wars, natural disasters, economic depression, and so much more, the Y has focused on serving our community in every trial and season of life. Click here to read our blog that dives into the full history of our YMCA.

In 2016, a significant milestone brought new strength to our mission. The YMCA of Greater St. Louis and the YMCA of Southwest Illinois merged to form the Gateway Region YMCA. This partnership expanded our reach and resources, allowing us to serve even more families across the region. Today, the Gateway Region YMCA operates 25 branch locations and around 120 program sites throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area and Southwest Illinois.

Why the Y Matters Today

The YMCA has come a long way over the past 175 years, but that mission of belonging and growth remains the same. We’re committed to touching lives in countless ways across our 3 areas of focus: youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.