For over 135 years, the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas has been proud to serve our community. Thanks to our members, donors, board members, staff, and volunteers the Dallas YMCA association has been able to strengthen the foundation of our community through healthy living, youth development and social responsibility. Over the years the Y has grown, but our mission, values and commitment have not. Please take a brief look at our history.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas was founded in November 1885 as a non-profit organization. From that period until today, it has been a growth-oriented organization and an important member of the developing Dallas community. Today, the Dallas YMCA is composed of 16 branches, 2 camps, and hundreds of program sites, with a service area from Anna on the north to Waxahachie on the south; Royse City to the east and Graford to the west. Much has changed in the years of service of the Dallas Y. The present Downtown facility serving the business community is the third location in the downtown area. The first was on Commerce Street, now the site of the Hilton Hotel, and the second on North Ervay, now the Lincoln Building.

The first branch operations were established in the 1920’s. The Moorland Branch was opened to serve the diverse community of Dallas. From then until today, Moorland YMCA has helped to bring understanding between the races. The Oak Cliff Branch and the landmark structure of the Downtown Branch were built at the same time. Through the years as a result of 1959, 1969, 1979, 1989, and 1995 capital campaigns, other Branches were constructed throughout our community to bring the services of the YMCA to all people.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas is a member of the World Alliance of YMCAs. The Young Men’s Christian Association’s movement originated in London, England in 1844. It was the concept of Sir George Williams who felt a need for the development of Christian leadership and ideals among the young men who were then migrating to the city in search of their futures. The progressive idea that a healthy body, an active mind, and a Christian spirit would produce a valuable member of the community is not so far removed from today’s modern concept of total wellness.

Many organizations began as YMCA programs and evolved to their own identities including the Red Cross, U.S.O., Boy Scouts, and Camp Fire Girls. Both basketball and volleyball were sports invented within the YMCA.

YMCA’s across the world conduct a variety of programs in more than ninety countries today, seeking to service the individual needs of the locale while remaining neutral and promoting Christian ideals. The Dallas YMCA offers over four hundred different programs and is constantly reevaluating and planning for the future. The Dallas YMCA enjoys the support of its many members, volunteers, and program participants and knows that the next one hundred years will be as exciting as those preceding.