WHO WE ARE

The YMCA of Bristol is a leading nonprofit organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. We’re a spirit, a movement and a cause. Members join us because they believe in us and the values we stand for-caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith.

WHAT WE DO

The Y makes accessible the support and opportunities that empower people and communities to learn, grow and thrive. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y nurtures the potential of every youth and teen, improves the nation’s health and well-being, and provides opportunities to give back and support neighbors.

HOW WE DO IT

There is no other nonprofit quite like the Y. That’s because in communities across Bristol, we have the presence and partnerships to both promise and deliver lasting personal and social change.

  • The Y is community centered. For over 125 years, we’ve been listening and responding to our communities.
  • The Y brings people together. We connect people of all ages and backgrounds to bridge the gaps in community needs.
  • The Y nurtures potential. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
  • The Y has local presence and national reach. We mobilize local communities to effect lasting, meaningful change.

TOGETHER WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE

At the Y we welcome everyone. When you join the Y, you belong to a community of men, women, and children who strive every day to be healthy, confident, connected, and secure. When you give to the Y, you continue to strengthen our community and move us all forward by providing financial assistance for people who need us the most. When you volunteer at the Y, you take an active role in making a meaningful, enduring impact right in your own community. When you advocate for the Y, you join a diverse movement committed to supporting and serving our community through promoting youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

The YMCA of Bristol has a presence in seven schools throughout the region by providing after school programs, health and fitness activities, and initiatives to engage adults with youth for positive experiences. We also partner with nearly ten other community organizations to help children and adults live healthier and become more active.

HOW WE ARE FUNDED

YMCA funding is generated from membership and program fees, individual and corporate donors, foundations and grants, and the United Way of Bristol. The Annual Community Support Campaign raises money for financial assistance to ensure that no one is turned away for lack of funds in an atmosphere of inclusion and support. The expansion of local facilities is done through the YMCA Capital Development Campaign, contributing to the health and well-being of residents throughout the surrounding areas.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

The YMCA of Bristol is a nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The YMCA Board of Directors sets policy and oversees activities of the entire Association.

OUR LEADERSHIP 

OUR IMPACT

The Y is, and always will be, dedicated to building healthy, confident, connected and secure children, adults, families and communities. Every day our impact is felt when an individual makes a healthy choice, when a mentor inspires a child, and when a community comes together for the common good.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT 

NURTURING THE POTENTIAL OF EVERY CHILD AND TEEN

We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. That’s why, through the Y, thousands of youth in Bristol are cultivating the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and educational achievement.

HEALTHY LIVING 

IMPROVING THE NATION’S HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

In communities across the nation, the Y is a leading voice on health and well-being. With a mission centered on balance, the Y brings families closer together, encourages good health, and fosters connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests. As a result, thousands of youth, adults and families in Bristol are receiving the support, guidance and resources needed to achieve greater health and well-being for their spirit, mind and body.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 

GIVING BACK AND PROVIDING SUPPORT TO OUR NEIGHBORS

YMCA of Bristol has been listening and responding to our communities’ most critical social needs for more than 140 years. Whether developing skills or emotional well-being through education and training, welcoming and connecting diverse demographic populations through community services, or building healthier communities through collaborations with community leaders, the Y fosters the care and respect all people need and deserve. Through the Y, thousands of volunteers and donors, leaders and partners across Bristol are empowering thousands of people in our community to be healthy, confident, connected, and secure.