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About Us
Our Mission
"The YMCA of San Diego County is dedicated to improving the quality of human life and to helping all people realize their fullest potential as children of God through development of the spirit, mind and body."
Program Goals
The YMCA of San Diego County accomplishes its Mission through programs that seek to help individuals with respect to one or more of the following:- To develop self-confidence and self-respect and an appreciation of their own worth as individuals.
- To develop core values for daily living based upon Judeo-Christian teachings that help achieve their highest potential as children of God being sensitive to individual beliefs.
- To grow as responsible members of their families and citizens of their communities.
- To appreciate that health of mind and body is a sacred gift and that wellness, physical fitness, and mental well-being are conditions to be achieved and maintained.
- To develop their capacities for responsible leadership and use them in their own groups and in community life.
- To appreciate the beauty, diversity, and interdependencies of the environment and resources which God has provided in this world.
Program Facts
The YMCA touches the lives of nearly one out of every ten people in San Diego County.
| By the Numbers | Total |
| Total Members & Participants | 292,935 |
| Youth | 129,904 |
| Adults | 163,031 |
| Contributors | 18,192 |
| Policy Volunteers | 735 |
| Program Volunteers | 1,283 |
| Fundraising Volunteers | 3,011 |
| Branches and Operating Units | 28 |
| YMCA Resident Camps | 3 |
| Youth & Family Services Projects | 6 |
| YMCA Child Development Programs | 175 |
| Swimming Pools | 22 |
| Total Staff | 3,753 |
| Full-time Staff | 745 |
| Part-time Staff | 3,008 |
Basic Philosophy
- The strength of
the YMCA is centered around volunteerism.
- Individuals band together to render service.
- Community collaborations are formed as a means to accomplishing the Mission.
- Adults and youth work together as members and participants.
- The YMCA involves members and participants as opposed to customers or consumers and works to foster long term involvement.
- As
a membership organization the YMCA is an Association of people where
individuals grow and develop by moving from a casual to a committed
relationship with the organization that benefits the common good.
- All people are welcome to participate regardless of race, age, gender, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, religion, or ability to pay.
- The
YMCA is not an "agency", it is an Association of people working
together to improve the quality of life for families, individuals, and
the community.
- The YMCA is people united in a common effort to put Judeo-Christian principles into practice.
Desired Outcomes
The YMCA seeks to develop strong kids, strong families and strong communities. Individuals and families that are involved in YMCA programs will:
- Strengthen and enrich their family life.
The family is society's primary unit for raising children, caring for
elders, and maintaining societal values. The YMCA supports people of
all kinds in their efforts to be responsible parents who are concerned
with the physical, mental, and spiritual health of their children. The
YMCA supplies a safe, wholesome environment in which parents and
children can learn to communicate effectively, cooperate, and care
about each other.
- Build self-esteem and nurture personal growth.
Without these qualities, one can't treat oneself or others with
respect. In tough situations and times of trouble, self-esteem helps
individuals make the right choices, and act out of strength instead of
weakness. Appreciating ones own worth can make the difference between
dependency and self-reliance, failure and success.
Important Dates
1844 - George Williams founded YMCA in London.
1851 - First YMCA in USA formed in Boston.
1882 - George Marston formed YMCA in San Diego.
1913 - First YMCA owned facility completed at Eighth & C Streets.
1923 - YMCA Camp Marston site secured near Julian.