More than a Membership

Different people choose to be Y members for different reasons. It may be our comfortable exercise environment, our commitment to quality, affordable child care services, or our great family atmosphere. Many join the Y in search of something greater than themselves. They want to participate in our broader mission:

The Y of Central Maryland is a charitable organization dedicated to developing the full potential of every individual through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Generally speaking, most people want to be associated with something good.

For many, membership at the Y gives them a sense of a "greater good", especially when they are able to see their dollars at work should they choose to donate to the Y.

Every dollar contributed goes towards giving Y experiences to those who couldn't otherwise afford them, and 100% of the funds go straight to direct services.

Contributions stay in your community if you choose, so your generosity helps those in your own backyard. In the end, the Y gives back what you give to the Y.

Often times, joining the Y and participating in Y programs serve as a means to a larger end:

The woman suffering from Multiple Sclerosis who joins the Y to use the pool for therapy and finds herself as a community organizer, using her talents to collaborate with the Y and spearhead Maryland's first swim program for people with MS.

The strength of our organization allows us to serve thousands of at-risk children and youth, from the very young in our Y Head Start programs, to teens who need a safe place to go after school.

Thousands of community members who walk through our doors and find a value system that infuses caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in all Y programs and services, reinforcing the same values many instill in their children, their home, and their lives.

In today's busy world, it's easy to lose sight of what's important. Your time at the Y is valuable and we work hard to help you achieve that balance between a healthy spirit, mind and body. But this connection doesn't just happen in our classes. The camaraderie that's found in Y centers is refreshing. You feel a sense of belonging and new friendships are formed. This ability to connect with people gives a lift to your spirit just as much as any yoga class.

So you see, people have many different reasons for choosing the Y, but each one is ultimately fulfilled by our mission to serve. In simplest terms, we are an organization made up of good people who do good things. Who wouldn't want to be a part of that?