Raritan Bay Area YMCA Celebrates 175 Years of YMCA in America
PERTH AMBOY, NJ - This year marks the 175th anniversary of the YMCA in America, and the Raritan Bay Area YMCA is joining YMCAs across the country in celebrating this historic milestone. Founded in 1850, the YMCA has been a cornerstone of community service, dedicated to strengthening spirit, mind, and body for all.
The YMCA's story in America is one of hope, service, and innovation. What began by meeting the needs of young men during London's Industrial Revolution grew into a movement that has shaped communities across the nation. From inventing basketball and Father's Day to pioneering ESL classes and group swim lessons, the Y has consistently responded to local needs, creating solutions that foster relationships and belonging.
Through every generation, the Y has been a place where people come together—where connections are made, friendships are formed, and individuals find a sense of belonging. Today, that mission is more important than ever. Across the country and right here in our town, we continue to see the effects of loneliness and isolation across all age groups. This is truly a defining issue of our time, and the Y is uniquely positioned to help build connections between people—something we have done from the beginning.
"At the Raritan Bay Area YMCA, we're proud to be part of a nationwide movement that has helped shape lives and communities for nearly two centuries," said Steve Jobin, President & CEO of the Raritan Bay Area YMCA. "From swim lessons to childcare, from health programs to volunteerism, the Y has always been here for good; helping people reach their full potential."
In 2026, Ys across the country will host special events celebrating the moments, programs, and people who've shaped our story. "We're inviting everyone to join the celebration," said Jobin, "reflect on their own connection to the Y, and discover how they're part of our 175-year journey."
Today, the Raritan Bay Area YMCA, founded in 1912, offers programs in youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
For more information or to join the celebration, visit 175.ymca.org or rbaymca.org or follow us @rbaymca.
About RBAYMCA
The Y is one of the nation's leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women, and children — regardless of age, income or background — to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation's health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, last personal and social change.
About the Y
Driven by its founding mission, the Y has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community for more than 175 years. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they're from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships, and opportunities for all to learn, grow, and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and generations, the Y's goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections in and across 10,000 communities nationwide. Learn more at ymca.org.
