YMCA of Greater Houston
Every child, every family, every neighbor—stronger together since 1886
Mission and Vision
Our Mission
To help everyone build a healthy spirit, mind, and body. Everyone is welcome at the Y.
At the YMCA, we believe in relationships. When people feel connected, they do better. When communities are connected, they are healthier, safer, and stronger.
The YMCA of Greater Houston brings together people of all ages and backgrounds who want to strengthen our community. We focus on helping young people grow, keeping families healthy, and taking care of our neighbors.
Why Belonging Matters
Families sign up their kids for swim lessons or sports not just to learn skills, but to make friends and feel like they belong. Seniors come for exercise classes and stay to talk over coffee. People walk through our doors for programs, but they stay because they feel seen and supported.
Recent research shows that feeling connected to others is more important for success than age, race, or income. The Y uses this information to create programs that bring different generations together and help people feel less alone.
Our Impact Across Greater Houston
The YMCA of Greater Houston serves more than 700,000 people across the Houston area through programs, services, and events. We work in 11 counties throughout Southeast Texas, helping everyone regardless of age, income, or background.
Five Main Goals
Our work focuses on creating real change in our community through these five connected priorities:
Programs and Services
The YMCA of Greater Houston offers many programs to meet the needs of our community. Click any program to learn more and sign up:
10 YMCA Children's Academy sites with fun learning programs for babies (6 weeks old) through kindergarten kids.
Learn More →Flag football, soccer, baseball and more. Kids learn new skills, work as a team, and make friends.
Browse Sports →Important water safety skills and swim lessons for all ages to stay safe and feel confident around water.
Register for Swim Lessons →201 childcare sites with fun activities, STEM projects, and safe spaces for kids after school and during summer.
Find Programs →Group fitness classes, workout equipment, personal trainers, and online classes you can do at home.
Explore Fitness →Help for refugees, people escaping trafficking, and newcomers. Includes legal help, job training, and support services.
Get Support →Community centers providing resources, programs, and support to families who need extra help.
Find a Center →Working with Houston Food Bank and others to give food and supplies to thousands of families.
Find Distribution Sites →Sports, swimming, and social activities for people with disabilities in welcoming spaces built for everyone.
Learn About Adaptive Programs →Help with schoolwork, GED resources, community connections, and support for families working toward their goals.
Get Family Support →Bringing coding, robotics, and creative building projects into neighborhoods to help kids solve problems.
Explore STEM Programs →Sports that teach science, technology, math, and engineering. Learn real-world skills while playing soccer, baseball, basketball, and more.
Join PowerUP →Ways to Get Involved
Become a Member
At the Y, being a member means more than just exercise. It means you belong. When you join the Y, you help make our community stronger. Your membership helps important causes like equality, opportunity, education, and health.
Financial Help Available
We believe everyone should be able to learn, grow, and thrive—no matter their age, income, or background. We offer financial help so everyone can afford childcare, after-school programs, and Y membership.
Volunteer Opportunities
Join a team making a real difference in our community. You can coach youth sports, help with community programs, and many other ways to give back through the Y.
Corporate Partnerships
The YMCA of Greater Houston helps create healthy workplaces. Our Corporate Partnership Program lets your company invest in employee health while doing good in the community.
Ready to Join the Y Family?
See everything the YMCA has to offer. Request a free guest pass and tour your local Y today.
Leadership
Stephen Ives - President and CEO
Stephen Ives leads the YMCA of Greater Houston, serving nearly 400,000 members and people in programs each year across the region. Under his leadership, the Y has worked to help people feel less lonely and more connected through thoughtful programs and community partnerships.
A Message from Our CEO
"At the YMCA, we have always been about relationships. Belonging is not extra—it is our main mission. Our job is not just running programs. We also speak up for important community issues and start conversations that matter. Together, Houston can become a city known not just for being diverse and growing, but for being truly connected."
