Our Mission

Everyone knows the Y as a place to camp, swim, or exercise, but we’re so much more. We’re working side-by-side with our neighbors to address critical community needs that help kids develop into smart, resilient adults, for people to improve their health and build a sense of community, and for our most vulnerable young people to get the care and support they need.

The mission of the YMCA of Greensboro is to put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

Our Values

Guided by our core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, the Y is dedicated to giving people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity.

Our Cause

At the Y, strengthening the community is our cause. Every day, we work side by side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone—regardless of age, income or background—has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

Our Vision

Building a stronger and healthier community where equity is the norm.

Goal

The goal of the YMCA of Greensboro is to turn no one away because of the inability to pay and to provide scholarships on a sliding scale to keep our membership and program fees affordable for those who desire to become a member of the YMCA family.

History of the YMCA of Greensboro

The history and mission of the YMCA in Greensboro is dynamic and growth-oriented, one rich in development, service and innovation, determined to meet the needs of our community. We stand to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.

In 1859, a young attorney named Julius Gorrell in Greensboro, N.C. implemented the first Y programs in the city that focused on enriching the human spirit and mind at Greensboro College. Though this early Y organization disbanded with the onset of the Civil War, it made a strong comeback in 1889. Charles Ireland, E.P. Warton, and photographer Sidney Love Alderman were just a few of its founding fathers in the city.

After meeting for years in the old First National Bank Building in downtown Greensboro, the group spearheaded the organization’s first capital campaign in 1909. They raised a total of $65,000 and the new Y facility located in Greensboro opened its doors on Christmas Day 1911.

In the 1920s, Cone Mills operated a number of YMCAs for its employees in each of its company towns on the outskirts of Greensboro. The Cone family was also responsible for building the first YMCA for Greensboro’s black citizens. Caesar Cone II donated $50,000 to facilitate the building of a new facility in 1939 and named the building in honor of his butler, Andrew Taylor, and cook, Sallie Hayes. Today, the Hayes-Taylor YMCA is still a cornerstone of our organization’s programming and success.

In 1966, the Greensboro Central YMCA opened on West Market Street; the Bryan Family YMCA eventually replaced the Central Y facility in 2003.

As the Greensboro community expanded in the 1970s, so did the YMCA. In order to meet the desires of those residents who wanted a place to horseback ride, camp and canoe, the YMCA opened a family retreat center, originally called Camp Tap-A-Wingo. This facility is now known as YMCA Camp Weaver.

In 1980, the YMCA strengthened its partnership with Guilford College and opened the Guilford College Community YMCA. In 2002, the Spears Family Y opened on Horse Pen Creek Road, replacing the facility at Guilford College.

In 1990, the Reidsville Family YMCA joined the YMCA of Greensboro to become the association’s fourth branch.

In 2004, the Stoney Creek Express Y opened in Whitsett and the Mary Perry Ragsdale Family YMCA opened in Jamestown, NC.

In 2017, the Eden Family YMCA officially joined the YMCA of Greensboro. The Eden Family YMCA has been serving northern and western Rockingham County for generations. Joining the YMCA of Greensboro has brought more opportunities to strengthen our impact in the Rockingham County community.

Through the years, our organization has been established and re-established, while still maintaining its mission of strong Judeo-Christian service to the Greensboro community. Our vision is to offer a warm and friendly environment radiating a feeling of belonging and caring where people of all ages, races, faiths, beliefs, and physical and financial abilities participate in worthwhile programs and meaningful experiences that make a positive difference in their lives.