YMCA Focus

When life has not turned out the way you planned you need more than a get fit quick plan. Several Y’s in Richmond, Virginia now help those in the city to contemplate struggles and identify areas of change. Faith drives these small groups to real change.

For most people running the 26.2 mile distance (42.2k) of a marathon is a big undertaking. Pushing someone that entire distance would require you to expand your range --- of physical ability, determination and your own personal motives. Now do 9 marathons and a lot of other racing events and you’ll start to get an idea of how Gene Carter has learned to stretch further. This is a story to get you inspired then get you pushing yourself to believe for something more. Use the PUSH YOURSELF tool to set your own goals and create your own story.

In the summer of 2010 the YMCA rebranded and officially became the Y. Many feared that Jesus Christ lost his membership and that one of the nation’s largest non-profits was going Godless. Since then, countless news stories have helped clarify the Y’s mission. We ask if the Y can do more than wave the banner of Christian principles. More importantly, can Christians in the Y be passionately faithful and truly serve their God by meeting the spiritual needs of members in the Y?

In the Nordonia Hills area of Ohio a church and a YMCA are under one roof. When that roof needs repair what do you do? Fix it with faith, muscle and music.

Since 2000 one event has helped define how the Christian faith shapes the mission and many other aspects of the YMCA. The conference is a time of fellowship, growth, and renewal in the context of the Christian Purpose of the YMCA. Learn more about the 2009 conference.

We all know that a YMCA is a great place for good exercise. But how does a YMCA help families deal with pink slips, crime, family issues, poor health and an uncertain financial future? They bring their entire community together and pray.

Like many YMCAs we walk a line between being a Christian organization and being an organization that is open to people of all faiths, or even no faith. We like to say that while few people come to the YMCA seeking spiritual truth, that won’t prevent them from finding it IF it’s there. The key is to deliver real ministry in real people's lives.

What do you do when the best workout and the best nutrition plan just don’t work? Scott Reall, founder of the YMCA Restore Ministries program says that the problems you face can’t be solved simply through a fitness regimen.