FAQs

What does the YMCA stand for?

    -Young Men's Christian Association

Who can go to the YMCA?

-All individuals are welcome to attend the Montgomery County Family YMCA and use our facilities as members regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, ability to pay or disability.

Do you have to be a Christian to participate in Y programs?

-While the Young Men’s Christian Association was founded in London, England in 1844, as a bible study for young men, today the Y is open to all people.

Is the YMCA a charitable organization?

-Yes, the Montgomery County Family YMCA is a non-profit organization, recognized by the IRS with a 501(c)3 charitable designation. All donations made to the YMCA are tax deductible to the fullest extent of law.

Does the Y offer financial assistance?

-Thanks to the generosity of members, small businesses, corporations and foundations, the Montgomery County Family YMCA is able to offer financial assistance. This is done through the YMCA’s "Membership for Everyone" Annual Support program.

What does the joiner fee money go towards?

-Long term maintenance fund.

How long do we have to renew after our membership expires?

-30 days and the joiner’s fee will be waived.

What is a radius membership?

-When your home mailing address is more than 20 miles from the Montgomery County Family YMCA, you are entitled to a discount to your YMCA membership.

Why do you have I have to pay $1, if I forgot my membership i.d. card?

-One of the four core values of the YMCA is responsibility. Your membership i.d. card makes you special. It is very important to swipe your card for the customer service needs.

DID YOU KNOW?

· The YMCA was founded in 1851 by Thomas Valentine Sullivan.

· Basketball was the first indoor sport played at the YMCA.

· James Naismith invented basketball.

· Father’s Day was founded by Spokane Washington YMCA in 1910.

· Colorado YMCA leader, Homer Hoisington, invented softball.

· President Ronald Reagan was a YMCA lifeguard in Dixon, Ill.

· Y logo is the third most recognized in the world…behind Red Cross & Coke.

· The YMCA is America’s largest nonprofit community service organization.

· Jackie Wilson, featherweight champion of the world in 1941, trained at the Central Avenue Branch YMCA in Pittsburgh.

· The world’s first indoor filtered pool was built at the Kansas City, MO, YMCA in 1910.

Where is the YMCA Today?

More than 2,400 neighborhood YMCAs today serve more than 17.5 million members in all 50 states, the district of Columbia and Puerto Rico. YMCA membership has doubled since 1974. Collectively, YMCAs are the largest not-for-profit organizations in the nation and benefit from the leadership of more than 60,000 volunteers. Each YMCA is volunteer founded, volunteer led and volunteer based. As such, each YMCA is separate. Every YMCA is started by local volunteers in its community, and all funds raised stay in its community. Together, YMCAs are second only to the Salvation Army in funds raised annually—more than $682 million in 1999.

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Edited 2/6/08