The Anaheim Family YMCA was established in 1911 by Charles Pearson. The YMCA’s Hi-Y clubs were very popular in local schools. Camp Osceola began the Y’s first camping season in 1924. The YMCA Indian Guides program was started in 1926, providing parents and children the opportunity to share one-on-one experiences. In 1930, the Anaheim YMCA became incorporated. Through the ‘40s, the Hi-Y Clubs and Girls Reserves continued to be very popular among youth.
In 1950, the YMCA building on Citron Street was constructed, providing a place for even more young people to share in the YMCA experience. Also in 1950, a new YMCA program called Youth & Government made its mark with local high school students. In the late 1960s, the shores of Catalina Island became the home of YMCA Camp Fox, a place for teens to continue their camp experience. In 1967, ground-breaking began at the YMCA’s North Street location. A two-phase plan resulted in a magnificent 58,000 sq. ft. facility offering expanded sports activities, aerobics and swimming. The building was officially dedicated in 1972, thanks to a $1.2 million gift from John and Donna Crean. In
1980, the word “family” was added to the YMCA’s name; it would now be officially called the Anaheim Family YMCA. In 1993, the YMCA opened the Children’s Station through a partnership with the city of Anaheim to offer quality, low-cost child care. In 1994, YMCA Character Development was adopted nationwide, tying all Y programs to the four pillars of Honesty, Caring, Respect and Responsibility. In 1995, the YMCA sold its North Street facility and expanded programs across Anaheim. In 1998, the YMCA partnered with the city to offer its Youth Sports programs at the Downtown Community Center.
In 1999, the Anaheim Achieves after-school program made its debut on 16 school sites, providing a safe place for thousands of students each day. Today, Anaheim Achieves serves 4,800 students in 46 local schools. In 2001, the Anaheim Y kicked off its new Endowment Program to help ensure a strong, viable YMCA for future generations.
Today, many of the Y’s early programs are still going strong. In recent years, the YMCA has focused on expanding its programs, particularly in the areas of health and fitness, youth development and after-school care. The Anaheim Family YMCA currently serves more than 10,000 youth and families each year. The key to the Anaheim Family YMCA’s success has been its ability to continually meet the changing needs of our community. Through a volunteer board of directors, more than 300 full- and part-time staff, and hundreds more volunteers, the Anaheim Family YMCA remains committed to offering mission-driven programs and financial assistance to everyone, regardless of age, faith, gender, ethnicity, income or background.
All YMCA programs integrate the four pillars of character development honesty, caring, respect and responsibility. Together with our community partners, staff, volunteers, supporters and board leaders, our goal is to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities.
Download the 2006-2007 Annual Report
