Long Island City YMCA

The YMCA of Greater New York is a community service organization which promotes positive values through programs that build spirit, mind and body, welcoming all people, with a focus on youth.

From its humble beginnings in rented rooms in lower Manhattan in 1852, the YMCA of Greater New York has grown to serve 350,000 people each year through 19 full-service branches throughout the five boroughs—more than 1.3 million square feet of YMCA-owned program space in New York City. Additionally, the Association owns 1,000 acres of upstate New York woodlands, where it operates three distinct camps committed to fostering personal growth in children. Additionally, the YMCA of Greater New York operates programs like afterschool care, youth sports and adult education at more than 180 public schools, parks and community centers.

All YMCA programs teach the core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility and continue our 155-year tradition of emphasis upon youth, health and wellness, adult education, and community collaboration and problem solving. The YMCA has always grown from within its community and is a reflection of the community itself in diversity and values. The YMCA is an open and inclusive organization and welcomes all without discrimination to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship, creed, religion, age, abilities, sexual orientation or income.

The YMCA of Greater New York gives young people a place to come after school for safe, productive activities that encourage and support academic performance, help to build their self-esteem and develop healthy lifestyles. Among the hundreds of programs offered by the YMCA of Greater New York are a variety of youth programs, including child care, day care and after-school care programs; swimming, sports leagues; instructional classes; evening Teen Centers; counseling and health awareness; life/social skills; mentoring; leadership training and development; service learning; computer training; college/career preparation; day camps and sleep-away camps.

At the YMCA, no one is turned away because of an inability to pay. To offer the broadest possible access to YMCA programs, services, and facilities, and to provide for those individuals and community groups who may not be able to afford the full cost of our programs, services and facilities, the YMCA engages in fundraising through the annual Strong Kids Campaign, special events at the branch and Association levels, grants, bequests, or individual, corporate or foundation support.

We conduct extensive outreach to ensure wide participation in all YMCA programs by all segments of the many communities we serve. Each year, we deliver more than $25.4 million in sponsored, free and subsidized programs to more than 138,000 members and program participants, assuring all of an equal opportunity to benefit from the YMCA’s programs and services.