We are passionate about building strong kids, strong families and strong communities.

Everything we do is driven by our passion to promote wellness and help people of all ages and abilities reach their full potential. We want to help children be prepared for all that life brings their way, keep teens engaged with healthy pursuits, provide assistance to parents raising their families, encourage healthy lifestyles, connect with seniors, motivate volunteers and continue to finds ways to make Missoula a better place to live and work. We do this by focusing our efforts in several key areas:

We serve all incomes, ages and abilities.

In 2008 we served 26,641 people in diverse communities within the greater Missoula area. We bring together young and old, men and women, people of all faiths, backgrounds and incomes.
We provide more than $400,00 in financial assistance and subsidies for youths and families, which is approximately 15 percent of our total expenses. No one is ever turned away due to inability to pay. Scholarships, subsidies and outreach provide critical access to low-income familes.

We serve vulnerable populations in our community.

Children & Youth: We serve more than 7,200 members, of which 41 percent are youths. An additional 15,000+ youth participated in our programs that foster healthy productive children—including teen clubs, sports leagues, family nights, community service projects and special events. Our childcare centers and before and after school clubs serve over 300 children a day. All our activities incorporate our core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
Low-income Families: We are one of the largest providers of affordable daycare in Missoula and offer high-quality childcare to families regardless of income level.
People with Disabilities: We recognize the local need for targeted programs for people with disabilities. More than 1,900 people with disabilities participate in our programs. As the Five Valleys Area Coordinator for Special Olympics, the Missoula YMCA serves hundreds of additional athletes each year.
Other Nonprofit Organizations: We also provide more than $4,000 worth of space at no charge for outside clubs, nonprofits and community service organizations to help them face broader community problems.

We mobilize community resources to meet community needs.

Locally Driven: Our Y is created by the local community based on regional needs assessment and is controlled by a local board of community volunteers.
Contributed Income: We receive over $400,000 in support from annual community contributions, which represents 14 percent of our total revenue.
Volunteer Hours: We mobilize more than 1,000 volunteers annually to serve the Missoula community. These volunteers contribute almost 13,000 hours valued at over $239,000.
Key Partnerships: We recognize the importance of collaboration so we are creating key partnerships with organizations such as the Special Olympics of Montana, Community Medical Center, Missoula City/County Health Department and many others.

We promote healthy lifestyles to prevent obesity.

Health Crisis / Childhood Obesity: We have a longstanding dedication to providing programs and services that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. We continue this commitment today by engaging and supporting children and all health seekers – individuals of all ages who wish to pursue a healthy lifestyle, but struggle to do so.

We reach out internationally.

Sierra Leone: Taking care of our local community is certainly a top priority but we have established a sister relationship with the Sierra Leone YMCA that continues to flourish. We are humbled by their commitment to rebuild their country after a civil war wiped out the majority of the adult population leaving thousands of children without an education and in poverty. Check out our Sierra Leone page to learn more.