WHO WE ARE

Who We Are

The Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) is an association of the YMCA, specifically dedicated to serving junior-enlisted military service members and their families, representing the six branches of the armed services: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. The Armed Services YMCA is “Strengthening Our Military Families®,” every day through unique and specialized programs and services for service members, military spouses and military children at no or low cost.

Our History

Established during the Civil War in 1861 as the United States Christian Commission, and later named the Armed Services YMCA in 1947, the organization has long provided care and comfort for military troops—originally from the battlefields to today’s home front.

Our Mission Statement

The Armed Services YMCA enhances the lives of military members and their families in spirit, mind and body through programs relevant to the unique challenges of military life.

Our Guiding Principles

Be guided by Christian principles with a holistic approach
to develop and promote healthy spirit, mind and body;
Be inclusive and treat everyone with compassion and respect;
Collaborate with military commands and community organizations;
Honor the service members’ and their families’ commitment to defend our Nation; and
Strive for excellence in all we do.

A strong military depends on strong military families.

The Armed Services YMCA provides free or low-cost programs and services for military children, spouses, and the family unit. This is how we strengthen our military families.

Our Annual Mission Impact

25K MILITARY FAMILY MEMBERS

1.3M SERVICES PROVIDED

112K VOLUNTEER HOURS

11K MILITARY YOUTH EDUCATED

15K MILITARY CHILDREN IN CHILD CARE

Our Mission Focus

Priority shall be given to providing needed programs and services for junior enlisted personnel, both single and married, and their family members. The focus of work shall be in three areas—Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. Services may be provided to military personnel other than junior enlisted where resources are available. Programs and services shall be designed to complement and supplement those provided by the Armed Forces, either on or off military installations as appropriate.

Our Programs and Services

The Armed Services YMCA offers essential programs and services at no or low cost and require no dues or membership fees. Some of the services include child care, hospital assistance, spouse support, emergency food relief, deployment support, computer training classes, counseling, wounded warrior support, wounded family support, health and wellness services, and holiday programs that are tailored to the specific needs of the military community at the local level.

Our specialized programs complement and are in coordination with the services provided by the Department of Defense, in addition to collaboration with our strategic partners and funded by our generous individual donors, foundations and corporate sponsors.

Our Locations and People

The Armed Services YMCA operates 12 local branches and provides programming at more than 200 affiliate centers nationwide, supporting 93 of our largest military installations. The Armed Services YMCA Headquarters is located in Woodbridge, Virginia with about 500 employees nationwide and relies on more than 10,000 volunteers, saving the organization more than $2.5 million annually. Join our forces as volunteer or a staff member.