Who We Are
“The mission of the Armed Services YMCA of the USA, on behalf of the National Council of Young Men’s Christian Associations of the United States of America, is to put Christian principles into practice through educational, recreational, social and religious programs and services for military personnel, both single and married and their family members. The mission is carried out in cooperation with the military.”
The Armed Services YMCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization exemplifying the American spirit of caring. Although headquartered in Alexandria, Va., we provide support services to military service members and their families all over the world, with a particular focus on junior-enlisted men and women — the individuals on the front lines of defending our nation.
The beginning of YMCA service in the military setting usually is associated with the year 1861, when 5,000 dedicated YMCA volunteers took to the battlefields of the Civil War alongside America’s uniformed young men. It was the year that Abraham Lincoln commended YMCA for the “benevolent undertaking for the benefit of the soldiers.” The tradition of “following the flag” has continued in every war and conflict in which the United States has been involved.
Today, the ASYMCA, a national member association of the YMCA of the USA, operates more than 150 program centers worldwide, working closely with the Department of Defense. The possibility of expansion into geographical areas where there are unmet needs always exists, and there is no effort to compete with other support agencies. Where there is a need, we try to meet it in cooperation with the installation commander, and we remain dedicated to providing essential support programs for U.S. military personnel and their families.
At its 16 dedicated branches, the 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 addition to these locations, the ASYMCA and its programs are implemented by partners at nine affiliated community YMCAs, as well as eight Department of Defense/Department of Homeland Security affiliates worldwide, and through the support of a dedicated volunteer corps.
In 2009 alone, more than 9,400 volunteers donated 169,803 hours of service in support the Armed Services YMCA.
