About the Y
HISTORY OF THE YMCA of CENTRAL NEW MEXICO (1877-2008)
In the late 1800’s, Albuquerque in New Mexico Territory was a fast growing railroad town. The saloons and brothels were abundant. The railroad brought in many diverse workers to the area who brought their cultures with them. In 1877, several prominent businessmen decided there was a need for a gathering place for young men that was not related to saloons or brothels. That was the beginning of the YMCA of Central New Mexico. The first meeting was held at the First Baptist Church in one of their meeting rooms. From that small start we have grown to over 26 Sites, which include Full Facilities and on site Child Care Programs and a yearly budget of over $4 Million. Our Fitness Departments are staffed to help any degree of fitness & health for our members.
The YMCA of Central New Mexico has helped lead the country in Character Counts! Development in our programs and administration. Our CEO, Marian Bolton is a well renowned national speaker for the Character Counts! Program. We have been honored nationally for our diversity in people, cultures and religions. Our professional staff are recognized regionally and nationally as certified trainers in many fields. We have one of the largest Sports Programs in the city and use the YMCA philosophy that every child will play every game. There will not be any benchwarmers in our sports leagues. Our Active Older Adult Programs are geared to keeping this portion of our population healthy and active both physically and mentally.
With the depletion of government programs, the YMCA has had to fill a more aggressive role in the community to help in Teen Programs, Single Parent Education, Retraining of Welfare Recipients and Mentoring of the Youth. The Y has multiple child care sites and an office in Santa Fe, NM. The Y operates a Resident Camp during the summer in the Jemez Mountains northwest of Albuquerque. This camp accepts any child seven years or older for one week stays. The children come to camp fearful of being by themselves for the first time and leave in a week feeling more secure about who they are as an individual. Most campers come back as junior counselors and full time counselors until they are out of college.
A statewide Youth In Government Program has hundreds of teenagers every year which learn how our Government process works and how they can change lives by being in Government. Our facilities serve children from infancy until their older adult years in every aspect of life. The YMCA of Central New Mexico scholarships over $370,000 a year to keep our community healthy in spirit, mind and body. These scholarships will enable anyone to attend any YMCA program of their choice.
We will continue to be in the forefront in offering new programs that will meet the needs of our community. We will also continue to be a training venue for other employers in the area. Above all,
We will contimue to serve our Community to Build Strong Kids, Strong Families and Strong Communities!
Did you know?
The YMCA of Central New Mexico serves more than 40,000 children, youth, teens and families in four counties. Approximately $400,000 in scholarship support is provided to youth and families in effort to turn no one away.