Mission and History


Built by and for the community, The Oneonta Family YMCA has been an anchor institution since 1883

Since 1883 our Y has been a proactive community member by listening and responding to the needs of our neighbors. We were founded to serve this growing community and to bring about positive personal and social change. We continue to grow and thrive as a cause driven non-profit organization with the help of all our donors and volunteers that help strengthen our cause!

OUR MISSION

To strengthen community through programs and services that focus on Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.

OUR CORE VALUES

Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility

Broad Street YMCA

  • The Association started its humble beginnings June 13, 1877
  • In June 1878,we affiliated with the New York State YMCA
  • Planning for the permanent new home for the YMCA began in 1893 but was delayed due to lack of funding
  • In 1895 the late George I. Wilber donated $4,000 to our Y and later that year donated the lot where the Broad Street building was to stand
  • After a successful capital campaign and construction of the Broad Street YMCA was complete, the building was dedicated on March 27, 1900
  • Our Y has always been deeply rooted in the community. In 1907 the original meetings to discuss the village becoming a city were held at the Broad Street YMCA
  • In April 1930 the our Y installed the first indoor swimming pool in the area to the tune of roughly $50,000

Ford Avenue YMCA

  • As the popularity of the Y grew and the demand for service increased it became necessary to look to a larger facility to accommodate the needs of the community.  In 1963, under the direction of W. Clyde Wright, our Y started making plans and initiated a capital campaign of more than $700,000 for the present Ford Avenue building
  • On January 6, 1964 the lot on 20-26 Ford Avenue was purchased
  • On June 27, 1965 the Oneonta Family YMCA at 20-26 Ford Avenue was dedicated
  • In 1985 it became necessary based on the needs of the community to start a Capital Campaign for an addition to the Ford Avenue Building
  • After a successful campaign, thanks to the efforts and generosity of W. Clyde Wright and his family, the addition was built in 1990. In Oct 2009 the gymnasium on the first floor "The Mildred Wright Wing Gymnasium" was replaced with a state of the art gym floor

W. Clyde and Mildred Wright

  • In 2009 The Oneonta Family YMCA was awarded Excellence in Facilities for Green/Environmentally Friendly for turning to a number of eco-friendly and energy saving solutions. The project included switching to environmentally friendly cleaning and maintenance products & recycled paper products. Facility Energy Upgrades included lighting upgrades, heating system upgrades, HVAC upgrade, pool air handling and dehumidification system upgrade, water conservation, swimming pool covers, copper ionization pool water disinfection, and replacement of the gym roofs
  • With high demand for service it became necessary to create an additional fitness studio. In December 2010 this new studio was complete with an amazing sound system and special flooring with rubber underneath it, to help ensure the well being of the participants and instructors
  • Late 2010 a Capital Campaign commenced so that the Oneonta Family YMCA could provide facilities to our members and guests with special needs. It is hoped that in 2011 there will be an addition of a handicap accessible and family locker room on the second floor