About Us -

The Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is a national member association of the YMCA of the USA and works with the Department of Defense. Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, the ASYMCA has provided support services to military service members and their families for more than 140 years, particularly focused on junior-enlisted men and women – the individuals on the front lines defending our nation and their families. ASYMCA operates at 16 dedicated branch locations and nine affiliated community YMCAs, as well as six Department of Defense/Department of Homeland Security affiliates worldwide.

ASYMCA offers essential programs such as childcare, hospital assistance, spouse support services, food services, computer training classes, health and wellness services, and holiday meals, among many others. In 2006 alone, more than 9,133 individuals nationwide volunteered their time to the ASYMCA, logging 214,622 volunteer hours.

Department of Defense: Many of our ASYMCA branches are on military installations;however, programs are held wherever logistics permits. The Department of Defense recognizes ASYMCA’s extraordinary contribution to junior enlisted service members and their families, and recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding that streamlines the process through which ASYMCA can carry out its programs and services by providing easier access to facilities and resources on military bases.

YMCA of the USA: As a member organization of the YMCA of the USA, ASYMCA supports the motto of the Y: "We build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities." However, ASYMCA is the only non-geographic affiliate of the 2,400 community YMCAs in the United States — our “community” is the military, wherever that may be. As such, we have headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, but our programs are found in more than 31 geographic locations from coast to coast and in Alaska,Hawaii, Pureto Rico, and Japan.

Congress: ASYMCA honors Members of Congress who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to military personnel and their families at its Annual Recognition Luncheon, held on Capitol Hill. In 2006, ASYMCA presented Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) with the Military Family Congressional Champion Award at ASYMCA’s 19th Annual Recognition Luncheon on Capitol Hill. Senator Graham was recognized for his outstanding commitment to serving the needs of America’s military families.