Big Bend Family YMCA

Specialties

At the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA, we believe lasting personal and social change is best accomplished when we all work together and invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors. From family fitness classes and quality out-​of-​school care to youth sports and engaging activities for seniors, our programs and initiatives develop a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

As a cause-​driven charity, our future is built upon goals and strategies that position the Y to continue to strengthen the foundations of community. Through the renewal of our strategic plan, Vision 2020 II, we will nurture the potential of every child and teen, improve the nation’s health and well-​being and give back and provide support to our neighbors.

Vision 2020 II sets a direction for the future as identified by local stakeholders who care about their community. It’s our way of identifying Tampa Bay’s most critical social needs, then putting in place measurements that help us provide support for our neighbors in a positive, meaningful and lasting way. It holds us accountable to organizational benchmarks that enable us to measure our results and impact, and redesign or expand proven programs and initiatives based on their effectiveness. The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for all community members.

Vision 2020 II is organized around four areas of impact:

1. Youth Development

2. Healthy Living

3. Social Responsibility

4. Capacity Building

History

Established in 1908.

The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA was founded based on the core character values of: Faith, Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. The YMCA continues to flourish because those values are as relevant to today’s world as they were in 1844, when a young drapery clerk named George Williams sought to develop a wholesome place for young people to escape the immorality of the London Streets during the Industrial Revolution.

In 1908, the first YMCA facility was built in Tampa – a 50,000-square-foot building on the corner of North Florida Avenue and Zack Street. The building cost $ 100,000 and was funded entirely through contributions from individuals. This YMCA brought Tampa its first gymnasium and indoor swimming pool. It also had residential headquarters to provide housing for young men when they came to the city.