The Young Men's Christian Association ("YMCA" or "the Y") was founded on June 6, 1844 in London, England, by George Williams. The original intention of the organisation was to put Christian principles into practice. Young men who came to London for work were often living in squalid and unsafe conditions, and the YMCA's was dedicated to replacing life on the streets with prayer and bible study.
The YMCA idea, which began among evangelicals, was unusual because it crossed the rigid lines that separated all the different churches and social classes in England in those days. This openness was a trait that would lead eventually to including in YMCA's all men, women and children, regardless of race, religion or nationality. Also, its target of meeting social need in the community was dear from the start. Now the YMCA uses a holistic approach to individual and social development encompassing spiritual, intellectual and physical methods. This approach is symbolised by the inverse red triangle used by YMCA's around the world representing the YMCA mission of building a healthy spirit, mind, and body.
Since 1844 the YMCA has grown to become a worldwide movement of more than 45 million members from 124 national federations affiliated through the World Alliance of YMCA's. Currently the English National Council of YMCA's is based in London and the YMCA of the USA is headquarters in Chicago, Illinois.
Today, the degree to which Christ and the Christian faith is emphasised in programme's varies between individual YMCA associations. Generally, YMCA's are open to all, regardless of faith, social class, age, or gender.
YMCA NORTHAMPTONSHIRE UK ..more details
YMCA ENGLAND ... more details
WORLD ALLIANCE OF YMCA'S more details
See also related story about
Natasha Taylor found herself sleeping rough at the age of 17. She is now 24 and living at the YMCA in Northamptonshire
