The YMCA is...
The Lincoln Area YMCA is a Charitable 501(c)(3) organization and is NOT tax supported. Our
revenue comes from program and membership fees, as well as donations. We are a non-facility,
store-front YMCA that opened in 1991 under the Springfield, IL Y charter. We are named
the Lincoln Area YMCA due to the fact that our services extend further than just Lincoln, and
into the surrounding towns in Logan County. We became independent in 1997.
The Young Men’s Christian Association is unique among those institutions
which American society has provided for the welfare of its youth and families. The YMCA’s
unique role results from the combination of five factors:
1. The YMCA is a voluntary organization. Boys, girls, young people participate in
the programs of the Y because they want to, not because they are required to.
Mature citizens also, voluntarily serve on its board and committees and provide leadership for its
activities because they believe in the importance of the YMCA program and choose to share responsibility
for its development and effective operation.
2. Because of its fundamental character as a voluntary organization, the YMCA enjoys
freedom to determine its policies and select its methods of serving youth without interference
from political or governmental sources.
3. The YMCA works with young people in their leisure, when they are free to do
what interests them, with companions of their choice. The misuse of leisure is responsible for much
of the crime and delinquency among youth today.
4. The YMCA was born of the free enterprise system and its growth has paralleled
that of a free enterprise. Although the Y operates in all parts of the world, except Iran and
Bamboo curtain countries, like free enterprise it has reached its highest development under the
American system.
5. Although non-sectarian, the YMCA is a Christian organization. It’s purpose and
programs proudly direct youth to the spirit and teachings of Jesus and leads them toward a dynamic
religious faith as the only sound basis for the achievement of character and realization of a full life.
For generations the Y has worked with youth – with problem youngsters and with
good youngsters, with ordinary youngsters and exceptional youngsters. It has sent them out into
the life of the community as well adjusted, useful citizens, many of them as leaders.
There are over a total of 2,600 YMCAs. Corporate YMCA of the USA headquarters
is located on North Wacker Drive in Chicago, IL.
To return to the YMCA home page, click here.
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