The YMCA of Greater Charlotte
Established by 23 founding members on November 11, 1874, the Charlotte YMCA embodied the progressive spirit of a new and growing city.
Offering instruction in subjects like math, bookkeeping, stenography, and carpentry, the early Charlotte YMCA also included temporary housing and North Carolina’s first indoor pool.
A trailblazer from the very beginning, our organization was the first Y to:
- Offer local health and human services
- Promote educational and religious work
- Operate a gymnasium in Charlotte
Though our services and programs have changed over the past 150 years, our commitment to the community remains the same. Through initiatives like food shares, literacy instruction, swim lessons, and adaptive programs, we remain steadfast in our dedication to serving our community.
Please help us celebrate our 150th anniversary—you’re the reason for our success!
In both times of growth and hardship, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte shows up in meaningful, impactful ways that no other organization can, including:
- Engaging children & teens in programs that nurture potential, foster confidence, build relationships, and equip them with resources they need to thrive.
Saving lives by teaching people of all ages to swim and be safe in and around the water.
- Fostering a sense of social responsibility by providing volunteer opportunities for neighbors to support one another.
- Offering programs like Drop-Off Childcare, Adaptive Sports, and Nutrition Outreach to improve the entire community’s quality of life.
And we’ll continue serving our community for the next 150 years—because that’s who we are.
- Engaging children & teens in programs that nurture potential, foster confidence, build relationships, and equip them with resources they need to thrive.
Saving lives by teaching people of all ages to swim and be safe in and around the water.
- Fostering a sense of social responsibility by providing volunteer opportunities for neighbors to support one another.
- Offering programs like Drop-Off Childcare, Adaptive Sports, and Nutrition Outreach to improve the entire community’s quality of life.
And we’ll continue serving our community for the next 150 years—because that’s who we are.
As a non-profit organization that has roots in Greater Charlotte for 150 years, the YMCA relies on the generosity of our community. With your support, we ensure that every individual has access to essentials needed to learn, grow, and thrive.
Our Funding Priorities include:
- Minimizing the academic achievement gap with programs like Y Readers, Y Achievers, and Summer Literacy Infusion.
- Making people of all ages safe in and around water with Swim Lessons.
- Helping teens become leaders through programs like Babysitter Training, Lifeguard Training, and Leaders in Training.
Our Funding Priorities include:
- Minimizing the academic achievement gap with programs like Y Readers, Y Achievers, and Summer Literacy Infusion.
- Making people of all ages safe in and around water with Swim Lessons.
- Helping teens become leaders through programs like Babysitter Training, Lifeguard Training, and Leaders in Training.
A big way that the YMCA of Greater Charlotte keeps the community strong is through the help of volunteers. Not only do our volunteers fill important needs throughout the area, but they also become more deeply connected to their neighbors by sharing their talents, skills, and empathy.
Whether you’re inspired to volunteer as a reading buddy, sports coach, Food Share distributor, event official, or fundraiser, please know that your work is an integral part of the Y’s continued presence, both over the past 150 years and through our future.
Whether you’re inspired to volunteer as a reading buddy, sports coach, Food Share distributor, event official, or fundraiser, please know that your work is an integral part of the Y’s continued presence, both over the past 150 years and through our future.
“I enjoy helping others because when I can lend a hand and help out, it's like getting a warm hug inside.”
Paul Zaremba, a 13yr old Miracle League volunteer at our Keith Family YMCA, joins his group of volunteers from the Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School to give children with special needs the time of their lives playing baseball. His spirit for volunteering shows how serving others can leave an impact on you!
“Putting a smile on someone’s face or even just hearing them say “thank you” really made me realize that even the smallest gestures matter. I think of it as paying it forward, because maybe one day when I need help someone will be there for me.”
He goes on to say: “The Miracle League is a great program and I love the community of support it has formed. I truly do love helping them because it brings a sense of fulfillment and joy into my life.”
#volunteer #volunteerwork #volunteering #volunteerclt #volunteercharlotte #volunteerism #volunteeropportunities #volunteeropportunity #volunteernow #charlottenc #ymca
It’s Level Up Time! Here’s where teens aged 13-18 can relax, have fun, and find their vibe in a FREE, safe space: https://www.ymcacharlotte.org/programs/teens/level-up
Join us for food, games, sports, music, and so much more. 😎
#levelup #teenprogram #teenageroom #teenagerpost #ymcacharlotte #charlottenc #teenage #teenageboy #teenagegirl
Minho Kang is a Summer Camp volunteer and 1st year Leader at our Morrison Family YMCA. This is what he shared about his experience. ⬇️
"The Y gives me an opportunity to take part in a cause that goes beyond me and has an impact that reaches further than I could ever imagine. It has taught me valuable lessons and has provided experiences that will stick with me for a lifetime."
#volunteer #volunteerwork #volunteering #volunteerclt #volunteercharlotte #volunteerism #volunteeropportunities #volunteeropportunity #volunteernow #charlottenc #ymca
Did you know our Lake Norman YMCA offers the only adaptive waterskiing program in NC. 🤩 One family says, “Christopher loves water…we always look for how he can do the same things other kids can do.”
Read more about Christopher’s sail across the lake: https://tinyurl.com/5n6ze7t3
#adaptivesports #adaptiverecreation #adaptivecommunity #waterskiing #ymca #ymcacharlotte #charlottenc #charlottenorthcarolina
"Working with special needs kids just does something to your heart and soul.”
Members of the leadership team from Carolinas Telco Federal Credit Union recently volunteered as player buddies with our Keith Family YMCA Miracle League team. This was their second time volunteering with the program, and it won't be their last!
Megan Snyder, VP of Learning, Organizational Development and Operations, shared why they love volunteering with this program. “They are some of the purest human beings, and I was lucky to support them. You can see they love the interaction and have fun with it, which makes it worth it all."
#volunteer #volunteerwork #volunteering #volunteerclt #volunteercharlotte #volunteerism #volunteeropportunities #volunteeropportunity #volunteernow #charlottenc #ymca
🙏🏼 Thank you, volunteers, runners & sponsors! The 20th Anniversary Run! Ballantyne 8K · 5K · Fun Run was a tremendous success.
We would like to send a special shout-out to our presenting sponsor, Northwood Office. With your help, we raised $116,350 for the Better Us campaign, which gives youth an opportunity to play, grow, and learn in a safe and thriving environment. 🙏🏼
#RunBallantyne2024 #RunBallantyne #YMCACharlotte #CharlotteNC #CharlotteRunningClub #RunCLT
Renew your commitment to health! Refresh your fitness goals! Recharge your sense of community: https://bit.ly/ymcamembershipdeal
Celebrate our 150th anniversary with a special offer: get $1.50 Activation + FREE membership until 5/15!
#GymMembership #GymMemberships #CharlotteGym #CharlotteGyms #Gyms #HealthyLifeGoals #HealthyLifeStyle #HealthyLifeHappyLife #YMCACharlotte
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, May 22nd at The Revelry North End for an uplifting morning of prayer and worship, continental breakfast and encouraging discussions at the 37th Annual YMCA Community Prayer Breakfast: https://tinyurl.com/4m29ahk6
Register and save the date for this special event!
#ymcacharlotte #communityprayerbreakfast #charlottenorthcarolina #charlottenc #prayerlife #prayerispowerful #prayful #praying #prayforyou #prayforcity #charlottenonprofits