The YMCA's reason for being:
To put Christian principles into practice
through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
- The Lincoln Area YMCA provides programs that
promote the enrichment of spirit, mind and body.
- The Lincoln Area YMCA works in partnership with other organizations
to fulfill the needs
of individuals and families while complementing available services in
the community.
- We will integrate our vision into all functions of
operations and programs.
- Programs offered by the Lincoln Area YMCA are supported in part by
sponsors and patrons.
- No one is denied participation in YMCA programs due to the
inability to pay.
The YMCA is a Christian organization that serves the entire
community, regardless of religeous affiliation. YMCA activities for youth include
a character develpment component. We strive to teach the youth of our community the
importance of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
To return to the YMCA home page, click here.
The YMCA's direction:
We believe the Lincoln Area YMCA will be the premier
human service organization in Logan County and will be the standard by which others are judged.
Our programs will reflect a commitment to excellence in everything we do.
- We will be mission driven and focused on our efforts.
- We will be honest, fair, and always do what is right.
- We will integrate our vision into all functions of
operations and programs.
- We will do our best and take full responsibility for
the quality of our performance.
- We will recognize achievement and celebrate the success
of our staff and volunteers.
To return to the YMCA home page, click here.
The core values that guide the YMCA in fulfilling the mission and goals:
These are the four core values that were adopted by Y-USA in the 1990's
as part of a recommitment to character development. The Lincoln Area YMCA has adopted these
four as their core values. We consider these values to be an expression of the Christian
priciples referenced in both the mission statement and summeries of goals. These values
are both practiced in operations and promoted in programs.
Caring (to love others, to be
sensitive to the well-being of others, to help others.)
"Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the
Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which
he obtained with his own blood." ~Acts 20:28
Honesty (to tell the truth,
to act in such a way that you are worthy of trust, to have integrity, making
sure your choices match your values.)
"A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies."
~Proverbs 12:17
Respect (to treat others as
you would have them treat you, to value the worth of every person, including
yourself.)
"Give everyone what you owe him. If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then
revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." ~Romans 13:7
Responsibility (to do what is
right, what you ought to do; to be accountable for your behavior and obligations.)
"I'm not responsible for what outsiders do, but don't we have some responsibility
for those within our community of believers?" ~I Corinthians 5:9
To return to the YMCA home page, click here.
How YMCA does it:
In analyzing the history of the YMCA
movement that all Ys, no matter what the times or what their
focus, have used since the first Y was founded, in London in 1844.
(The first in the United States, in Boston, followed seven years later.)
These methods are likely to continue to be used by Ys even as goals, strategic
plans and programs change.
- A place to belong
- People who care
- A choice of programs and activities that build
skills and assests
- Fun
To return to the YMCA home page, click here.
What the YMCA strives to do:
In the 1970s, a set of eight goals were adopted by the National Council of
YMCAs (to which all Ys in the United States belong) and was published in the Pramble to its
Constitution and Bylaws. The Pramble states that the goals are for "our members and their
constituents," i.e. local YMCAs and the chidren, teens and adults they serve and involve.
The Phrases below are summeries of our eight goals.
- Self-Worth
- Christian Principles
- Positive Relationships
- Holistic Health
- Appreciation of Diversity
- International Awareness
- Leadership and Service
- Environmental Stewardship
To return to the YMCA home page, click here.
How the YMCA must organize and operate:
The points below summarize the basic ways that the Lincoln
Area YMCA legally must organize and operate (the ways YMCAs earn their tax-exempt status
every day).
- Not-for-profit, tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization
- Volunteer based; led by a volunteer policy-making board
- Accessible to people of all kinds through affordable fees
and /or financial assistance
- Fulfilling important human, community,
and societal needs through membership
- Appreciation of Diversity
- International Awareness
- Leadership and Service
To return to the YMCA home page, click here.
What YMCA uses to convey the key concepts in a few words:
YMCA. We build strong kids, strong families, stong
comminities is the theme adopted by Y-USA in the 1990s. This theme was
extensively researched and tested locally and nationally. Along with the YMCA logo,
the theme has since been adopted by the Lincoln Area YMCA. In just a few words, it conveys
the essence of the mission, goals, values, methods and obligations of the YMCA.
To return to the YMCA home page, click here.