About the YMCA of Central Florida
Driven by its founding mission, the Y has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community.
Why the Y? Guided by our core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, and Faith, we empower everyone by ensuring access to critical programs, services, and relationships. For more than 175 years, we’ve remained dedicated to helping Central Floridians learn, grow, and thrive.
Working Side-by-Side with Our Community
Our Mission
To improve lives of all in Central Florida by connecting individuals, families, and communities with opportunities based on Christian values that strengthen spirit, mind, and body.
Our Purpose
The Y is the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening the community by connecting children, teens, adults, and seniors to their potential, purpose, and each other.
Who We Are
Every community needs a leader to bring people together, compel others to action, and empower every individual to be their best so the community can grow stronger together. We’re more than a gym; the YMCA of Central Florida is a nonprofit organization that’s been serving Central Floridians since 1885. We’re a coalition of members committed to the idea that our community can be better tomorrow than it is today.
What We Do
We have presence and partnerships to deliver positive change across Orange, Osceola, Brevard, Seminole, Lake, and Marion counties. Every day, we work to make sure that everyone—regardless of age, income, or background—has access to life-changing opportunities. The Y helps today’s youth develop into well-educated adults, empower individuals of all ages to live healthier lives, and inspire people to give back and support those in need.
Why it Matters
Our impact is felt daily in more than 100 neighborhoods, and our obligation to the community is continuously growing. Together with our advocates, we’ll continue to innovate, embrace new partners, and be a force for transforming communities in Central Florida and around the world.
Areas of Impact
Youth Development
The Y offers swim, sports, and recreational programs designed for the youth. These programs are beneficial in forming healthy exercise habits early on, while also being a fun outlet for kids to let out their energy. Kids will build their confidence, sportsmanship, and learn the importance of teamwork.
Our Ys also offer all kinds of camp programs from specialty to day to overnight to ensure you’ll find one that’s right for your family! Kids will have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try exciting activities, gain independence, and create lasting bonds and memories.
Kids absorb the knowledge, skills, and value around them from a young age, which is why our Child Development Centers are filled with staff who understand their development. Our programs allow kids to grow their values and skills, build their confidence and receive support from role models engaged in their future.
We work hard to offer programs and opportunities to help the kids of Central Florida meet their full potential. Our education and leadership programs help children and teens develop new skills, gain courage, and explore their passions and interests.
Healthy Living
The Y understands the importance of nurturing the spirit, mind, and body. For this reason, our health and wellness programs are more than physical fitness. In addition to fitness facilities, we provide educational programs to promote healthier decisions and offer a variety of programs that support physical, intellectual, and spiritual strength.
Whether you’re new to the Central Florida area or are interested in taking up a new hobby, YMCA groups offer a way for members of the community to come together to engage in new activities. Our programs include cooking classes, volunteer committees, and more. Here, you will have the chance to meet others who share your interests and values!
The Y offers sports team programs that meet all needs. Whether you’re looking for a recreational sport to play during your free time, or a more structured team to meet your competitive goals, the Y offers a program for all adult and youth members.
Social Responsibility
More than 170 years ago, the Y was founded by a group of volunteers who wanted to improve their communities. Today, Y volunteers and our supporters remain at the heart of our organization. It’s only through the support of our hundreds of thousands of volunteers and both public and private donors that we’re able to serve more people and deliver on our cause to strengthen the community.
We’re always working to provide our community all the resources needed to bring about social change. Whether this includes rehabilitation programs for struggling individuals, outreach programs, or intervention programs, the YMCA cares deeply about each and every member of our community.
Our advocacy program allows members of the community to be the Y’s voice. This means that they have the opportunity to influence policies, share the Y’s mission, and help families, friends, and the community become happier and healthier.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Y is able to offer scholarships to individuals and families for YMCA membership and programs. Scholarship amounts are granted based on the applicant’s demonstrated need due to household income and/or extenuating circumstances and the availability of scholarship funds.
To apply for financial assistance, please contact Member Services.
My Y Stories
Watch neighbors from your Central Florida community describe the variety of ways the Y has positively impacted their lives.
The Courage of a Community
Creating the Central Florida YMCA — Authored by Pamela Bayles
Read about the history of the YMCA of Central Florida starting in the 1800s through the early 2000s!
Our History
As time passes, the challenges we face will continue to change. However, our programs and services will continue to evolve, and our unwavering willingness and ability to support our communities will always be at the core of the Y.
Our Partners
We’re committed to working with our partners and donors to give people the resources to reach their potential. Together, we’re providing individuals with the access and support to lead healthy lives, and connecting neighbors so they can come together for the common good.
Our Leadership Team
Our Leadership Team collaborates with the Y team and a diverse group of dedicated volunteers, donors, board members, partners, and committees. This collaboration helps our entire YMCA of Central Florida Association create a positive and lasting impact.
Y Reports
Our strategic vision plan, annual reports, and financial documents highlight our mission in action as we help transform Central Florida for the better and improve our community in spirit, mind, and body.
Our Commitment to Child Safety
The YMCA of Central Florida’s commitment to providing a safe environment for every individual who engages with us—especially children—is essential to our mission, reputation, and our viability as an organization.