YMCA of the USA

21 years ago, Natalie Grabow learned how to swim at the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA. Last year she became the first 80-year-old woman in U.S. history to finish the The IRONMAN Group Triathalon World Championship. Natalie's friend and fellow Y member Angie Dello puts it best: “Natalie had a goal. She taught herself how to swim and then she wanted to do a triathlon. I say later in life you have a certain goal in your life and you want to reach that and that gives you self motivation to do it." Natalie still trains at Lakeland Hills Family YMCA and is already preparing for more races. Her story reminds us that it’s never too late to set a goal and that community support can make all the difference. We’re proud to celebrate Natalie as one of our #YCONS. 💙 #Y175 #NoPlaceLikeThisPlace

A warm welcome to the new members and officers of the YMCA of the USA National Board of Directors, including our new Chair, Ruben Dario Taborda. These leaders bring incredible experience from across industries and will help guide our work to strengthen communities and ensure all people can reach their full potential.

Love seeing how community partnerships like this are making learning more accessible. Glad to be part of an organization that believes in expanding opportunity and showing up for communities in meaningful ways.

We believe that every learning journey deserves support. 📚 Watch how the YMCA of Greater New Orleans and New Orleans Public Library are helping connect communities through access to free adult education across the city through the YMCA Educational Services program. https://bit.ly/3ZBdnLd

If you look closely at all the logos we've used over the years you might notice the one thing that's always been there - a triangle. For us, the three sides of a triangle represent the three things it has always been our mission to support and nurture: spirit, mind, and body. That's why it was there in the beginning and that's why we still use it today. #NoPlaceLikeThisPlace #Y175

At the Y, we believe in the power of community and how it transforms lives. The latest story in the #TeamUp Best of America series shows what happens when Ys intentionally create spaces in their communities for connection and belonging. At the Mays Family YMCA of Greater San Antonio, meaningful partnerships and community voices have shaped something extraordinary: spaces where kids of all abilities can grow, play, and succeed, and where families feel a true sense of belonging. See what happens when people come together with purpose.

As we prepare to celebrate MLK Day this Monday, let’s honor Dr. King’s legacy by turning inspiration into action. Volunteering is one of the most powerful ways to live out his message of service and community—and teens can lead the way! We’ve gathered 24 volunteer ideas for teens to help young people make an impact, not just on MLK Day, but every day. “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Let’s answer that together.

Every January, resolutions tend to focus on what we should give up, like less sugar, less screen time, or fewer indulgences. But a healthier, happier year doesn’t have to start with restriction. It starts with addition. This January, consider additive resolutions—small, intentional habits that build strength, well-being, and connection. When goals feel positive and sustainable, we're more likely to stick with them. From adding movement and moments of calm to strengthening community connections, read on to discover why these small additions can create lasting impact, for individuals and for our communities. You don’t have to overhaul your life to start the year strong. Just add one good thing—and let it grow from there.💙 https://bit.ly/4ju0Gev

Did you know the Y invented basketball? 🏀 We’re proud to be the birthplace of the game that changed sports forever—but the first version looked a little different: ✅ First game: December 21, 1891 ✅ First score: 1–0 (defense wins!) ✅ First ball: a soccer ball ✅ First hoop: a peach basket—with the bottoms still on! ✅ First NBA game: November 1, 1946—NY Knickerbockers vs. Toronto Huskies Today on #WorldBasketballDay we’re celebrating with Ys nationwide, our friends at National Basketball Association (NBA), WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) & @Jr. NBA, and every kid, player, coach, and fan who knows basketball is more than a game—it’s a cultural force that brings people of all ages together, keeping our communities active, connected and inspired. Want more Y history? We’re sharing fun facts all year as we mark 175 years of the Y in the USA! 👉 https://bit.ly/3Y6FEsq

As we celebrate 175 years of strengthening communities, we are thrilled to announce that we are coming together with the National Basketball Association (NBA) for what we can only describe as a "nothing but net" partnership! We invented basketball and they gave us the legends that have made the game what it is today. Throughout the season--including #WorldBasketballDay this Sunday--we'll work together to bring a love of basketball to youth across the country and show them that sports can be a pathway to a great future and brighter world, for everyone. https://lnkd.in/gzDWPvE9