Oklahoma: A Story Through Her People

YMCA
The Y’s four core values are caring, honesty,
respect and responsibility. We challenge
our members and participants to believe
in and behave according to these values.
Our core values unite us as a movement
with a common cause. They are the shared
beliefs and essential principles that guide our
behavior, interactions with each other and
decision-making.
We believe that to bring about meaningful
change in individuals and communities, we
must be focused and accountable. That is
why we focus our work in three key areas
that are fundamental to strengthening community:
youth development, healthy living
and social responsibility.
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 YMCA of greater Oklahoma City was
formed in May of 1889, one month after the
famous Oklahoma Land Run. In those days,
the Y’s purpose was to provide a source of
strength and positive influence for young
men who had traveled far from their families
to make a new life for themselves.
The YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City has
celebrated 125 years. Today, we have more than
900 full and part-time staff members serving
in a wide variety of positions within our 8
branches, 7 programs centers, and 25 community-based
program sites. Program and administrative
functions are coordinated through the
association office. We have grown and changed
with the times, providing services and solutions
to community problems that impact the
population. Financial assistance, teaching children
to swim, teen leadership programs and
providing school-age childcare are just some of
the ways the Y provides for the community.
O K L A H O M A : A S t o r y T h r o u g h H e r P e o p l e
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