YMCA Mission

YMCA Mission

The mission of the YMCA of Central New Mexico is to develop and promote personal and family growth – spiritually, mentally, and physically – which will enable people of all ages, ethnic groups and faiths to reach their potential and to enrich the quality of life in the community.

True To the Mission…

Even after 150 years of service worldwide, the YMCA remains true to its mission. The YMCA commitment is to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. In Central New Mexico, the Y’s activities have grown to influence the lives of thousands— young and old, rich and poor, of all races and every creed.

The YMCA’s presence was felt in New Mexico as early as 1877. A thriving railroad town then, Albuquerque had more than its share of saloons and brothels. Local business leaders recognized the need for a wholesome gathering place for young men. Over the years the YMCA continued to grow. In 1915 the YMCA of Albuquerque constructed a two-story building—a facility that remained the “heart of Albuquerque” for many years. 

Today the YMCA of Central New Mexico provides its services at 26 sites. Our main facilities are: the Heights Branch, the Mountainside Branch, the Westside Branch (a rented location), and YMCA’s Camp Shaver. We also operate the Santa Fe Branch.

At sites throughout the metropolitan area, the YMCA offers year-round programs for all ages. A nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, the YMCA of Central New Mexico serves more than 40,000 youth, youth-at-risk, families, adults and seniors each year. Membership and program fees cover only a portion of the cost to provide its programs and services. And yet, at the YMCA, no one is denied a chance to participate based on the inability to pay. The YMCA of Central New Mexico is a well-run organization with a solid reputation for fiscal responsibility. In each of the last twelve years, the YMCA has had balanced budgets and administrative expenses account for only 12% of our budget.

At the “Y” everyone is welcome . . . and everyone belongs.

 

Scholarship Assistance Program

YMCA scholarships are made available thanks to the generous support of the Invest in Youth Campaign, United Way, and special events. Scholarships are available to those families facing financial hardship and who are unable to afford full fees.

YMCA of Central New Mexico does not deny program participation or membership because of an individual's inability to pay fees. Please contact YMCA staff personal for further information and application.

 

Building Strong Kids—Mary’s Story

The authorities found Mary—then only five years old—in the middle of a drug infested household. She was barely dressed for the winter. Removed from her mother for the first time, Mary went from family member to family member. Her mother’s situation grew worse and she eventually landed in jail. Later, Mary and her mother were reunited, but a live-in abusive boyfriend made the household dangerous. As an adolescent, Mary began using drugs and alcohol, and doing poorly in school.

Mary was ultimately sent to live with her Aunt. At her new school she was introduced to the YMCA’s “Fade II Reality” Teen Initiative—an innovative program that encourages teens to explore their emotions and situation through video productions. 

The YMCA of Central New Mexico’s Fade II Reality program embraced Mary and provided a positive peer environment for her to learn, grow, and cope with her problems. For the first time, Mary felt accepted. Her grades improved. Relationships strengthened and she began to understand she had choices. Today Mary is succeeding in school, making good decisions and feeling better about herself.