2013 Top-Rated Nonprofit

YMCA of Pueblo Colo

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Human Services, Physical Fitness & Community Recreational Facilities, Sports, Young Mens or Womens Associations

Mission: Founded in 1883, YMCAs collectively make up the largest nonprofit community service organization in America. YMCAs are at the heart of community life in neighborhoods and towns across the nation. They work to meet the health and social service needs of 16.9 million men, women and children.The Y help people develop values and behavior that are consistent with Christian principles. Ys are for people of all faiths, races, abilities, ages and incomes. No one is turned away for inability to pay. YMCAs' strength is in the people they bring together.

In the average Y, a volunteer board sets policy for its executive, who manages the operation with full-time and part-time staff and volunteer leaders. Ys meet local community needs through organized activities called programs. In its own way, every Y nurtures the healthy development of children and teens; strengthens families; and makes its community a healthier, safer, better place to live.

YMCA programs are tools for building the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Longtime leaders in community-based health and fitness and aquatics, Ys teach kids to swim, offer exercise classes for people with disabilities and lead adult aerobics. They also offer hundreds of other programs in response to community needs, including camping, child care (the Y movement is the nation's largest not-for-profit provider), teen clubs, environmental programs, substance abuse prevention, youth sports, family nights, job training, international exchange and many more.

Organization: Each YMCA is a charitable nonprofit, qualifying under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Tax Code. Each is independent. YMCAs are required by the national constitution to pay annual dues, to refrain from discrimination and to support the YMCA mission. All other decisions are local choices, including programs offered, staffing and style of operation. The national office, called the YMCA of the USA, is in Chicago, with Field offices in California, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Ohio, Indiana, Minnesota and Texas. It is staffed by 241 employees. Its purpose is to serve member associations.

International: YMCAs are at work in more than 120 countries around the world, serving more than 30 million people. Some 230 local US Ys maintain more than 370 relationships with Ys in other countries, operate international programs and contribute to YMCA work worldwide through the YMCA World Service campaign. Like other national YMCA movements, the YMCA of the USA is a member of the World Alliance of YMCAs, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

History: The YMCA was founded in London, England, in 1844 by George Williams and about a dozen friends who lived and worked as clerks in a draperya forerunner of dry-goods and department stores. Their goal was to help young men like themselves find God. The first members were evangelical Protestants who prayed and studied the Bible as an alternative to vice. The Y movement has always been nonsectarian and today accepts those of all faiths at all levels of the organization, despite its unchanging name, the Young Men's Christian Association.

The first U.S. YMCA started in Boston in 1851, the work of Thomas Sullivan, a retired sea captain who was a lay missionary. Ys spread fast and soon were serving boys and older men as well as young men. Although 5,145 women worked in YMCA military canteens in World War I, it wasn't until after World War II that women and girls were admitted to full membership and participation in the US YMCAs. Today half of all YMCA members and program members are female, and half are under age 18.

Community Stories

11 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

Emvid Volunteer

Rating: 4

09/05/2013

The impact the YMCA of Pueblo has on our community is profound. The stories of the families they are helping were so touching. I know the money thats raised goes toward the greater good of our community and the people in it.

junkiermail Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

09/04/2013

This YMCA has an exceptional facility that is dedicated to the community by providing several programs, financial support, and partnerships that affect and improve the lives of many who particiapte in the Y. There are so many uplifting programs such as camp, sports, daycare, swim lessons, and more that develop and empower the youth. Many folks use the parkview annex for physical theropy and can be seen improving as they walk through the facility and use the Therapy pool. The Library annex has programs to develop reading skills, and give folks internet access. There is a respit program to assit families who have children with autism. There are so many programs aimed at addressing the needs of Pueblo residents that I feel this is the best non-profit for the local community. Whatever Pueblo needs, the Y has continued to find ways to respond and act.

bweiher Donor

Rating: 4

09/04/2013

I have known of the YMCA of Pueblo for over a decade when I first met Terry and the staff. The YMCA of Pueblo has always been kind and helpful in all aspects of what they do and offer. I look forward to meet the new CEO Augie and will continue to keep in touch with Doug, Victoria, Lindsay and the rest of the staff.

Thank you for all that you do for the community of Pueblo.

Brian W.

Ngladb General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

09/04/2013

The Pueblo YMCA has programs for every age and interest. They support the community needs, as well as the individual, continually working on expanding their services to keep up the those changing needs. I have been very impressed with their programs for my children and myself for over 10 years. Additionally, the staff are friendly, supportive, and overall excellent! Recenty all of these positive thoughts were completely affirmed. Not long ago we had a death in the family. I received a call from the Y offering to help ease financial issues and keep the Y part of our family by giving us 6 months of membership during this difficult time. Wow, I was truely impressed! I have been an supporter and member of the Y for years, and they have turned around and are helping support our family. WOW! A great organization and great people! Thank you!

JDPE Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/04/2013

The YMCA is an organization that emphasizes Child Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. The community needs the Y, and the Y needs the community. It is a partnership worth being involved in.

steves431 Board Member

Rating: 5

08/08/2013

The YMCA of Pueblo is part of the fabric that weaves throughout Pueblo County and creates both opportunity and quality of life. I am a new board member, and thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of a program that touches so many lives in Pueblo. I have been able to witness everything from indoor soccer programs for small children, to the confidence building activities on the climbing wall, to the vital work being done at Camp Jackson. As I meet various YMCA team members, I find a common bond of passion for serving the community. They live the core values fo the Y, caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Most impressive to me is the fact the YMCA is clearly committed to serving all constituents, regardless of ability to pay. Scholarship offerings make it possible to participate in Y programs for many young folks who would not otherwise be included. What a gem for Pueblo!!

ksmccar Volunteer

Rating: 4

07/18/2013

The Y can be something for everyone in the community, a family, singles, kids or seniors. There are programs and activities for everyone. The other great thing is they do not turn anyone away relative to financial resources. Scholarships are available for everyone depending on your income. I have been a member for over 25 years and use it 5 days a week.

DBanner Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/17/2013

Most YMCA's are very good at supporting their communities. Our YMCA is exceptional. About ten years ago It created a vision as to how it could serve the community for the next 50-100 years. It then worked to form partnerships in the community which helped raise $20M to acquire 150 acres of land and construct the only recreational center in the community. It is continuing to develop the vision and the community campus for the benefit of everyone in the community.

Our YMCA does not turn anyone away from receiving its services, whether it is a youth sports program, child care or senior programs. Our need based scholarship program steps in to enable those who couldn't afford Y programming to participate.

Beslinger Board Member

Rating: 5

07/17/2013

The YMCA of Pueblo is a great resource for our community. We provide scholarships, keep the community active and give our youth a positive environment in which to thrive. I recently gave a tour to a friend and she was very impressed with the upkeep of the facility, all of the resources for parents and just the overall number of activities that are available for every age group. This YMCA is a stand-out in our community as far as the facility, the affordability and the impact it has on our families.

RyanE General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

07/17/2013

The Pueblo "Y" provides a safe environment for kids and adults, allowing people of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to flourish!

Lindsay16 Donor

Rating: 5

07/17/2013

I donate to the YMCA of Pueblo's campaign to help out the community of Pueblo. Not only do they give out scholarships for memberships and programs like youth sports, but they also do programs that go out into the community that are free to the public.

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