YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta

First opened in 1858, the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta, reflecting its Judeo-Christian heritage, is an association of volunteers, members and staff open to and serving all, providing programs and services which develop spirit, mind, and body. The YMCA actively seeks to identify and involve those in need. We build strong kids, strong families, strong communities by enriching the lives of all people in spirit, mind, and body. All YMCA programs are anchored in ideals such as core character values and leadership development, providing programs that serve the needs of the community and enrich individuals.

Be the organization that champions communities where everyone belongs.

Goal One: MIND - Increase early learning access for children and families, influence policy to improve child outcomes. - Provide educational and, social-emotional support, and skill development for youth.

Goal Two: BODY Be the leading community resource for holistic, preventative wellness to reduce chronic and progressive disease. Address health disparities across race and socio-economic conditions.

Goal Three: SPIRIT Create spaces and experiences that foster equity and inclusion, promote understanding and acceptance of people of all faiths and backgrounds, and be an organization that welcomes all.

The YMCA of Metro Atlanta has a robust leadership development program and a deep commitment to investing in continued education and training for team members at all levels. Even when in-person group trainings were not possible due to COVID safety protocols, training was adapted and continued virtually. All staff are required to complete training around our two non-negotiable values: fiscal responsibility and child safety, and have opportunities to engage in comprehensive courses designed to develop competencies for leaders, team leaders and organizational leaders. Additionally, the Y has developed and invested in partnerships to offer critical trainings in social-emotional learning, mental health, and diversity and inclusion, ensuring team members and volunteers have the resources needed to deliver impactful programs and build strong communities.

While the last two years and the crises we have weathered have brought new challenges and uncertainty, it has also brought the opportunity for each of us to serve our communities in profound and selfless ways. Through school closures, mounting food insecurities, increased isolation, and heightened awareness of racial and economic inequities, we came together to leverage our individual and collective strengths to stand up critical and needed programs. This work was not done alone, but side-by-side with staff, volunteers, community members, and partners. For 163 years, the Y has pivoted, stretched, and evolved with our city, to deliver our mission to promote “healthy mind, body, and spirit.” As we navigate the long-term impacts of the pandemic and consequences of exacerbated economic and racial inequities, we remain steadfast in our vision to champion communities where everyone belongs. As we implement our Y-2025 strategic plan, we are full of excitement. This plan centers equity at the heart of our work plan capitalizes on the agility, innovation, and unique value we bring to the communities we serve as we look to the future and embrace our goal to be the most relevant community impact organization by addressing critical needs and empowering individuals to achieve their full potential. Through adversity, we’ve learned we are more agile, adaptable, innovative, and essential to the health and well being of our city than even we knew. This plan capitalizes on these qualities, as we look to the future and embrace our audacious goal “to be the most relevant community impact organization, by addressing critical needs that empower individuals to reach their full potential, achieve their goals, and build relationships, as we create experiences where everyone belongs, and generate lasting positive change in our communities.”