As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity, the Gateway Region YMCA relies on your support to ensure that, together, we continue to strengthen the greater St. Louis community. Please consider making a donation to our cause below.
The impact of your generosity is felt in everything we do at the Y and in our communities. With your ongoing support, we will continue to reach out to those who need us most by allowing access to programs, memberships and activities for all.
Your Donation Changes Lives
When you give to the Gateway Region YMCA, you help open doors for children, families and neighbors across Missouri and Illinois. Your generosity supports life-changing programs, financial assistance and outreach that help more people learn, grow, thrive and belong.
See the numbers behind our 2025 impact, then explore the stories and programs your generosity helps make possible below.
Every number tells a story.
The numbers above show the scale of our impact. But, behind each dollar donated and every program funded are real people whose lives are changed through the Y. Explore how your generosity is creating lasting impact across our communities.
Safety Around Water
Every child deserves to feel safe and confident around water. In 2025, 7,781 individuals were safer around water through donor-supported Safety Around Water programming, and 21,691 swim lesson participants learned life-saving skills through the Y.
Inclusion and Adaptive Support
At the Y, everyone deserves the chance to participate and succeed. In 2025, 1,521 individuals engaged through inclusion and adaptive support services, including adaptive sports, integrated fitness, day camp, Y Club and TEAMWORK programs.
Community Health and Well-Being
The Y helps people build healthier lives through evidence-based programs. In 2025, 247 individuals participated in Diabetes Prevention, 250 in Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring, 240 in Exercise for Parkinson’s and 181 in LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA.
Literacy
Reading opens doors. In 2025, youth and teens spent 5,425,477 minutes reading at the Y. Through YRead, youth improved an average of 2.2 grade levels in word recognition and 2.4 grade levels in comprehension.
Youth and Teens
The Y helps young people build confidence, leadership and belonging. In 2025, 21,698 children gained confidence through youth sports, 6,392 campers participated in summer day camp and 1,666 campers made lasting memories at YMCA Camp Lakewood.
Mental Health and Well-Being
The Y creates welcoming spaces where people can build relationships and find belonging. In 2025, 436 adults attended mental health workshops, and 233 youth participated in Fitness for Youth, a program that helps kids recognize emotions through active play.
Financial Assistance
Thanks to generous support, the Y opens doors for individuals and families who otherwise may not have the means to participate. In 2025, the Gateway Region YMCA provided $2.58 million in direct financial assistance.
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Thank you for supporting the Y!
Thank you for your support. Together, we're creating opportunities for all.