Dear Y Community,
Behind every statistic, every milestone, and every success story in this impact report is a person whose life was changed for the better. The stories that follow represent the very best of what the Capital District YMCA strives to be: a place where children discover their potential, families find support, seniors remain connected, and communities grow stronger.
While we are incredibly proud of what we accomplished this past year, none of it would have been possible without the generosity of donors who believe in our mission and understand the unique role the YMCA plays as a community anchor throughout the Capital Region. Their investment transforms lives every day.
The Investing in Tomorrow Place
From infancy through young adulthood, the Capital District YMCA provides the programs, support, and opportunities children and families rely on to learn, grow, and thrive.
That journey begins in our Early Learning centers, where infants, toddlers, and preschoolers receive safe, nurturing, high-quality care during the most important stages of development. Through school age school care, vacation clubs, summer camp, youth sports and STEM programs, the Y supports children year-round while helping working families build stability and peace of mind.
The Capital District YMCA is an essential community cornerstone that makes it possible for thousands of parents and caregivers to pursue careers, maintain their health, and find comfort knowing their children are safe, supported, and encouraged every step of the way.
Thanks to generous donors like you, the Capital District YMCA provides more than $200,000 in childcare scholarships and nearly $300,000 in camp scholarships, so that no child or family is turned away due to an inability to pay.
By investing in young people and supporting families, our Y continues to strengthen communities across the Capital Region, setting them up for success for generations to come.
Childcare Scholarships Offer Families Stability
Life can change in an instant. An unexpected illness, job loss, or shift in family circumstances can create challenges that feel overwhelming. During those moments, access to dependable, high-quality childcare can make all the difference. At the Capital District YMCA, we're grateful for the opportunity to support families when they need it most, providing children with a nurturing environment while helping caregivers maintain stability and move forward with confidence. When we strengthen families, the benefits extend far beyond the household, creating a ripple effect that strengthens our entire community.
Lifeguards Save Lives, Build Community
Lifeguards do far more than watch the water. They help create a safe, welcoming environment where individuals and families can learn, grow, and thrive. Every day, lifeguards play an important role in protecting the health and well-being of our members, from young children taking their first swim lesson to older adults staying active and healthy through aquatic exercise.
It's also one of the most rewarding jobs you'll ever have. Lifeguards develop valuable leadership, communication, and decision-making skills while building meaningful relationships with members, coworkers, and the community.
The Four Walls and Beyond Place
YMCAs are built to meet the unique needs of the communities they serve. Across the country and around the world, no two Ys look exactly alike, yet all are united by the same mission: strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
The Capital District YMCA reflects that mission in powerful and sometimes very different ways.
At one end of the spectrum is Y on the Fly, our mobile YMCA initiative designed to bring the Y directly into neighborhoods and communities. Whether delivering Thanksgiving food baskets to families in need, setting up pop-up recreation like Gaga ball in local parks, or expanding teen after-school opportunities through TeenXcel in partnership with Albany County, Y on the Fly removes barriers and meets people where they are. It is truly a Y on wheels, without walls or boundaries.
At the other end of the spectrum are our residence programs at Mont Pleasant and 845 Commons, where the walls themselves become part of the support system. For low-income Seniors looking for supportive housing, Mont Pleasant provides an enriching community. For men facing homelessness, substance use challenges, or mental health struggles, the Commons provides stability, safety, and the space they need to rebuild.
Together, these programs represent the full reach of the YMCA’s mission: from bringing services directly into the community to providing a place to call home when it is needed most.
Learn About the Residents Who Call the Y Home
At the Capital District YMCA, we believe that health and wellness extends far beyond physical fitness. A safe, stable place to call home is one of the most important foundations for a healthy, fulfilling life. That's why we are committed to providing affordable, supportive housing that helps individuals build stability, maintain independence, and strengthen their connection to the community.
Through 845 Commons and Mont Pleasant Commons, hundreds of residents have found more than just housing. They've found dignity, security, friendship, and opportunities to thrive. From veterans and individuals overcoming significant life challenges to seniors seeking an affordable place to age with independence and purpose, these communities are changing lives every day. In this video, you'll hear directly from residents whose stories demonstrate the powerful impact that safe, affordable housing can have on a person's well-being, future, and sense of belonging.
See Teens Thriving in Supportive Third Spaces with TeenXcel
Safe places for teens to gather, connect, and be themselves are becoming increasingly difficult to find. That's why the Capital District YMCA, in partnership with Albany County, is committed to creating spaces where young people can spend their time productively, build positive relationships, and stay connected to their community.
Through Y on the Fly and TeenXcel, we're meeting teens where they are and providing opportunities to learn, grow, and belong. In this video, you'll hear how these programs are helping young people stay engaged, off the streets, and connected to caring adults who are invested in their success.
The Amplifying All Voices Place
he Capital District YMCA's Black and Latino Achievers program is dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders by connecting Black and Latino youth with mentors, career exploration, and professional development opportunities that help them envision and pursue their futures.
The CDYMCA strengthened that commitment by integrating Achievers with our Youth and Government program, creating an immersive experience that introduces students to civic engagement, public policy, and leadership. Participants learn how legislation is written, debated, and enacted while developing critical skills in public speaking, advocacy, collaboration, and problem-solving.
This work is especially meaningful as Youth and Government celebrates its 90th anniversary this year. What began right here in Albany has grown into a national YMCA movement that has inspired generations of young leaders to engage in democracy and public service.
Together, Achievers and Youth and Government are helping build a more representative future. By exposing Black and Latino youth to leadership opportunities and the inner workings of government, we are ensuring more young people can see themselves as elected officials, policymakers, advocates, and community leaders. Representation matters.
90 Years of Youth and Government
For 90 years, Youth and Government has empowered young people to become informed, engaged leaders. Through hands-on experiences in civic engagement, public speaking, debate, and policymaking, participants develop the confidence, critical thinking, and leadership skills needed to make a difference in their schools, communities, and beyond. More than a program, Youth and Government is a launchpad for the next generation of leaders and changemakers.
Equity and Inclusion: Basketball for All
The Schenectady YMCA is proud to call the Special Olympics Schenectady Patriots basketball team part of our Y family. As the Patriots' home court for practices and tournaments, we're honored to provide a place where athletes can compete, grow, and build lasting friendships.
The sport of basketball was invented at the YMCA, and it feels only fitting that we continue that legacy by opening our doors to athletes of all abilities and celebrating the simple truth that sports are for everyone.
The Stronger Than My Diagnosis Place
The Parkinson's Center YMCA is changing lives.
Since cutting the ribbon last November, the center has welcomed nearly 200 new members living with Parkinson's disease while serving participants from across the Capital District YMCA. The response has been extraordinary, demonstrating the need for a dedicated space where individuals can exercise, learn, and connect with others facing similar challenges.
In just six months, the center has expanded its offerings to include boxing, Tai Chi, dance, Ping Pong, Parkinson's Wellness Recovery, and more. Educational Lunch and Learn sessions continue to draw roomfuls of engaged participants, while healthcare providers throughout the region are increasingly referring patients to the center.
Members report improvements in mobility, strength, and symptom management, but the greatest impact may be the sense of community and hope that has taken root within the center's walls.
Thanks to the generosity of donors throughout the Capital Region, every program and service is provided at no cost to participants, ensuring that anyone living with Parkinson's, and their families, can access the support, resources, and community they deserve.
Raising Hope for People with Parkinson's
A Parkinson's diagnosis can be life-changing, but no one should have to face it alone. At the Parkinson's Center YMCA, members have found more than programs and services. They've found a community of people who understand their challenges, celebrate their victories, and support one another through the difficult days. Together, they continue to find reasons to smile, stay active, build meaningful connections, and face the future with hope.
Healthy Living: Girls on the Run Partnership
Through our partnership with Girls on the Run, the Southern Saratoga YMCA helps young girls build confidence, resilience, and healthy habits that extend far beyond the track. Combining physical activity with lessons focused on social and emotional growth, the program empowers participants to believe in themselves, support one another, and take on new challenges. Throughout the season, girls gather at the Y to run, learn, and grow together, culminating in an inspiring 5K that celebrates their hard work, determination, and limitless potential.
