The Harrisburg Area YMCA is a non-profit, charitable organization
committed to aid in the spiritual, mental and physical development of
each person enabling them to be beneficial and contributing members of
our society. We accomplish our mission through our programs and
services, which are designed to meet community needs in an atmosphere of
Christian growth and love and to put Christian principles in to
practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for
all.
History
The Harrisburg Area YMCA was founded
in 1854 by prominent businessmen looking for ways to keep young men off
of the streets and out of trouble. The objective was to improve the
"spiritual and social conditions of young men". Over the next century
and a half the Association not only survived and grew but remained true
to the spirit of its original mission as it provided help for the city's
needy, relief aid for local soldiers during times of war, and guidance
for the young men and women of Harrisburg to grow and mature.
We are still fulfilling that mission today by granting over $500,000
worth of scholarships to families in the Harrisburg area. The Harrisburg
Area YMCA still offers quality child care, swimming lessons, the Teen
Achievers Club, health and fitness classes and wellness areas, summer
camps for all ages, along with a wide variety of other activities that
appeal to all ages. Our Active Older Adults take trips together, sponsor
an Ethnic Diversity Luncheon, and strive to maintain healthy lifestyles
through activities at the YMCA. Our child care program is the one of
the largest providers in the Harrisburg area, serving children from
Northern Dauphin to the Camp Curtin Area, Downtown and before and
after-school care on the East and West Shores. Our swim lesson program
celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2006 – and the Y is still the
largest organization offering swimming lessons to the members of our
community.
The East Shore YMCA was built in 1932, with its' unique "Moorish"
architecture. To date, additions and improvements have increased the
downtown Y significantly. A new Computer
Learning Center and Wellness Center have all been added. Camp Curtin, in
Uptown Harrisburg, opened the doors of a new facility in 1966. With the
completion of a new Youth & Teen Center, upgraded Computer Learning
Center, new Wellness Center and renovated Lobby, the Camp Curtin Branch
is a vital part of our community. The West Shore Branch was founded in
1952, with the construction of our existing building competed in 1972.
Renovations and additions to the Y on the west shore have increased the
Wellness Center by 5,000 square feet, as well as an addition on the
front of the facility which will house a new Pre-school/Kindergarten
room, a Child Watch Center, and an Active Older Adults Center. Also new
is the Indoor, Interactive Waterpark housed in the back of the building
along Route 581. The Northern Dauphin County Branch, while established
in 1985, was built in 1994. A new free standing Teen Center was opened
in 2005 and has been instrumental in allowing the Y to expand their Teen Outreach.
Y-USA among the nation's top charities
The
American Institute of Philanthropy (AIP), which helps donors make
informed giving decisions, has awarded YMCA of the USA an `A' in its
most recent ratings. AIP gave the Armed Services YMCA an `A-' grade.
Y-USA is one of only two national human services charities to receive an
A grade or better. The Armed Services YMCA is one of just four veterans
and military charities to receive an A- grade or better. AIP bases its
grades on two factors: 1) how much it costs an organization to raise 0
in public contributions and 2) the percentage of an organization's total
expenses spent on services.
Promise
No one will be turned away due to an inability to pay.
