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ABOUT USYMCA History  A dry goods clerk named George Williams (left) founded the YMCA in 1844 in London, England. Just a few years later, in 1851, retired sea captain Thomas Sullivan brought the organization to America; establishing the first YMCA in Boston. It wasn't too long before this popular organization began to take shape here in Greensboro.  In 1859, a young attorney named Julius Gorrell implemented "Y" programs 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. 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 at opened its doors on Christmas Day 1911. In the 1920's, 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 Central YMCA, now located on West Market Street, eventually replaced this YMCA operation.  As the Greensboro Community expanded in the 1970's, so did the YMCA. In order to meet the desires of those residents which wanted a place to horseback ride, camp and canoe, the YMCA opened a "family retreat center", now called the Weaver Outdoor Center. During that time, the organization also implemented programs in the Guilford area. In 1980, the YMCA strengthened its partnership with Guilford College, and opened the Guilford College Community YMCA. In 1990, the Reidsville Family YMCA joined the YMCA of Greensboro to become the association's fifth branch. 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.  The history 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. As we enter the new millennium, the YMCA is once again embarking on a new journey... serving new communities and meeting the ever changing and complex needs of the diverse populations that today constitute Greensboro. What was touted in the 1880's as a "Great Manhood Machine, Dedicated to the Whole Man," today reaches out to each and every person. 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." Through a host of collaborative partnerships with organizations:
And with other area service providers:
The YMCA can effectively meet our mission and make a positive impact in our community. With great enthusiasm, we continue to serve the Greensboro area through expansion of facilities and by maintaining strong, viable programs. The mission of the YMCA is to put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. |
