Our History

The Greater Waterbury YMCA has been a cornerstone of our community, particularly downtown, since 1858, when it was first organized in Lang's Building on Bank Street. As with other YMCAs around the world, the Greater Waterbury YMCA was originally founded as a religious organization for young men to escape the perils of city life during the industrial revolution, as well as provide spiritual support for soldiers and veterans of our country's earliest wars.

The YMCA moved to its current location at 136 West Main Street in 1892, and over the years, both the facility and scope of programming has expanded to meet the needs of greater Waterbury citizens. To date, the facility itself has housed a cafeteria, bowling allies, a barber shop, classrooms for the University of Connecticut, and single residency apartments. The YMCA today includes two swimming pools, a large health & wellness center, a child development center, group health & wellness studio, racquetball courts, and countless other amenities for various programs.

Although the YMCA's mission has remained the same, the scope of services has dramatically changed since inception in 1858. Although the YMCA is no longer seen as a religious institution for young men, the YMCA's commitment to put Christian principles into practice through programs that develop healthy spirit, mind, and body for all is evident in the work the Greater Waterbury YMCA does every day. The YMCA serves men and women all ages, and all faiths, through an ever–changing program plan that mirrors our ever–changing community.

Nationally, the YMCA is the forerunner of organized health & wellness, camping, and childcare, as well as the inventor of both basketball and volleyball. Locally, the Greater Waterbury YMCA has roots in social and sporting events and service to soldiers and veterans of all our country's wars until the end of WWII.

The YMCA today has carved its niche in health & wellness, youth sports, aquatics, childcare, and camping and serves over 10,000 participants and members annually through a wide range of programs.