Soliders boarding an plane for deployment

About Us

Who We Are

The Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) is the constant in a military family’s life: on the home front and during deployment, when transitioning between bases, and in times of conflict and peace.

The ASYMCA is an Association of the YMCA of the USA, specifically dedicated to serving active duty junior enlisted military service members and their families of all six armed services: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. The oldest military support organization in the U.S., the ASYMCA has been “Strengthening Our Military Family®” since 1861 through its 12 branches and 23 affiliate partners, serving 89 military installations and facilities nationwide. Our nationally and locally tailored programs and services for our nation’s troops and their families are offered at no or low cost and require no dues or membership fees.

Our History

The proud heritage of the Armed Services YMCA begins in 1861 during the Civil War when dedicated YMCA volunteers provided relief and comfort to sick and wounded soldiers. Initially, the volunteers provided aid at military encampments located near the front lines, but shortly after, they braved the danger accompanying the soldiers on the battlefields.

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Historic TIn Type photo of coffee wagon in the field during the civil war

Our Values

  • 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.

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.

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.

Areas of Focus

Soldier it PT uniform laughs with fellow soldiers in Gym during Workout

FOR HEALTHY LIVING

Physical and mental health are critical for military families, which is why we offer a variety of programs for the whole self and the whole family.

A mother and soldier holds her young daughter in her arms in joy

FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Children are the heart of our organization because they are the ones who often sacrifice the most. We are honored to provide programs that educate, engage, and entertain children of all ages.

A Marine holds a puppy that licks his face during volunteer work

FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Mission readiness is as much of a mindset as it is a tactical operation. It’s critical that service members know the home front is safe and sound when they deploy for duty.

Our Team

The Armed Services YMCA is more than just a job. From our leadership down to our frontline staff, we foster a culture of caring and service, with a focus on working together to meet and exceed our goal of ensuring no military family is left behind.

Leadership

Our team is on a mission to strengthen our military families.

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VADM William French listens to a sailor while conversing outdoors

Careers

Are you passionate about supporting our country's military and their families?

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An ASYMCA Staff Member stocks shelves with canned goods for the Food Assistance program

OUR MISSION IMPACT

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

Our Annual Mission Impact for 2022:

130K

Families provided with critical services

550K

Points of Service delivered to military families

2.5K

Youth enrolled in education and skill-building programs

News, Info, & Stories

Our mission is hard at work. Read about our how our local and national programs and services are making a difference in the lives of young military families, or find informative contributions from military spouses across the country.

Visit Our Blog

Financials

We Take Accountability Seriously

The Armed Services YMCA is proud of our fiscal responsibility and the designation as a top- rated charity. Our consistently outstanding results are based on all aspects that determine the value of a nonprofit: fundraising expenses, administration, transparency of finances, good governance practices, and other leading benchmarks.

The Armed Services YMCA prides itself on using our generous donor contributions wisely and sharing how donations are strengthening our military family through quality programs and services.

Our Charity Ratings

Charity Navigator

4-Star Rated

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Charity Watch

A Grade

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Candid Guidestar

Platinum Seal of Transparency

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