About Us

The Ozarks Regional YMCA is one of the largest not-for-profit community service organizations in the Ozarks. It is an important part of community life in the neighborhoods it serves. Our association helped meet the health and social service needs of over 53,000 men, women and children [both members and participants], who used our programming in 2005. These people came from the following counties: Barry, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Douglas, Greene, Laclede, Lawrence, Polk, Stone, Taney, Webster, Wright.

The YMCA works to strengthen families and to help people develop values and behavior that are consistent with Christian principles. It is for people of all faiths, races, abilities, ages and incomes. No one is turned away for inability to pay. The YMCA's strength is in the people it brings together. A volunteer board sets policies for its executive director, who manages the operation with a full-time and part-time staff and volunteer leaders. The Y meets local needs through organized activities called programs. Your YMCA works to promote strong children and families, good health, a solid community and a better world.

Best known for health and fitness, our Y provides before and after school childcare, preschool, parent-child programs, swim lessons, activities for seniors, camping, teen programs and more. The abundance of offerings allows your YMCA to effectively meet a variety of needs and serve a diversely growing community. In 2005, the Ozarks Regional YMCA announced 33,034 facility members. Before and after school child care serves over 2,024 total children in 45 locations. More than 5,341 youth and 931 adults participated in youth athletic and adult sports programs in 2005. Six hundred and ninety kids went to Camp Wakonda in 2005, and we assisted 13,859 kids, adults and families.

Your YMCA serves Springfield, Bolivar, Hollister, Monett, Ash Grove and all surrounding communities. The population of the Springfield Metro area [a.k.a Metropolitan Statistical Area] totals 390,000. The population of Greene County alone is 247,932. Approximately 27,000 are school-aged youth, aged 5 to 19 [Springfield R-12 School District, Annual Report, 2003-2004.]. Enrollment in the YMCA's programs reflects the diversity of the population both in terms of age and ethnicity. The 2005 Ozarks Regional YMCA's operating budget totaled $7 million. It came from these sources: 2% United Way, 45% membership dues, 20% program fees, 5% public, 23% government grants/Prime Time Child Care, and 5% miscellaneous. Direct financial aid grants/memberships to low income children and families totaled $878,500 in 2005.

The five YMCA location facilities total 182,500 square feet, providing tremendous on-site program space. Other community organizations provide neighborhood program space such as soccer field acreage provided by a north-side church. In addition, 45 area grade schools provide Prime Time child care space. The decentralization of programs allows your YMCA to serve neighborhoods throughout the area. We also have a “Neighborhood YMCA” trailer outfitted with equipment and activities for families that takes the Y directly into local neighborhoods.

A staff of 39 career professionals give leadership to program operations, development and support services. Another 23 full-time staff, along with 350 to 400 part-time and seasonal staff, work at the various program locations depending on the season. Many young people have their first employment experience with the YMCA. They benefit greatly from extensive leadership and interpersonal skill training. Over 900 volunteers devote countless hours to fund raising, program leadership, office support and building projects.The Ozarks Regional YMCA consists of seven branches including an 80-acre camp. The association is a charitable not-for-profit organization, qualifying under Section 501(c)(3) of the U. S. Tax Code. The Ozarks Regional YMCA is affiliated with the YMCA of the USA through a charter. YMCA USA serves in a consultation capacity to all YMCAs, and their national headquarters is in Chicago.

YMCAs are active in 114 countries and the international organization is centered in Geneva, Switzerland. The YMCA movement was founded in London in 1844. In 1851 the first YMCA in the USA was established in Boston. The Ozarks Regional YMCA was established in 1888.Over the years it has benefited from widespread community support and enjoys an extraordinarily good reputation.

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Last Updated: July 25, 2007 © 2007 Ozarks Regional YMCA

Website designed by:
Karen Maxwell

Our mission — To promote Judeo-Christian values through programs that build healthy spirits, minds and bodies for all.