We know that lasting personal and social change comes about when we all work together. That's why, at the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
The Y is a nonprofit like no other. That's because in 10,000 neighborhoods across the nation, we have the presence and partnerships to not just promise, but deliver, positive change.
- The Y is community centered. For nearly 160 years, we've been listening and responding to our communities.
- The Y brings people together. We connect people of all ages and backgrounds to bridge the gaps in community needs.
- The Y nurtures potential. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
- The Y has local presence and global reach. We mobilize local communities to effect lasting, meaningful change.
With a mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all, our impact is felt when an individual makes a healthy choice, when a mentor inspires a child and when a community comes together for the common good.
That no one is turned away from the YMCA due to an inability to pay. Fill out an application, or stop by one of our membership desks. All applications are confidential.
2016 marked our Sesquicentennial Celebration! Our history dates back to April 16, 1866 when the first local YMCA meeting was held and eight days later the YMCA Constitution was adopted. In 1868, Major William McKinley was elected as the third President of the Canton YMCA; he was the only person to serve as President to both a YMCA and the United States of America. In 1886, the Canton YMCA was reorganized and charted on August 25th of that year. The name of the Canton YMCA was changed several times over the years before becoming the YMCA of Central Stark County in 1998. At the present time, the YMCA of Central Stark County consists of 9 branches, 2 program centers, and YMCA Camp Tippecanoe - our summer resident camp located in Harrison County. The YMCA of Central Stark County also collaborates with the YMCA of Western Stark County and the Akron Area YMCA to better serve the residents throughout Stark, Summit and Portage Counties.