About Us
Our Areas of Focus
Our History
Our Board of Directors
Our Staff
Reports & Publications
Our Experts
Location Rentals/Film Shoots
Our Cause
We are a powerful association of men, women and children joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together to invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors. That's why, at the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors throughout the five boroughs to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
Our Areas of Focus
FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
All kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve, therefore, we focus our program delivery to NYC children and teens so they cultivate the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and enhanced educational achievement.
- Download our Youth Development fact sheet (PDF, 3.1 MB) to learn more ›
FOR HEALTHY LIVING
The Y enjoys the capacity and the scale to make a positive and measureable impact upon New York City's health and well-being. We recognize our unique responsibility by offering programs that encourage healthy lifestyles, bond families closer together, and strengthen connection with others.
- Download our Healthy Living fact sheet (PDF, 2.9 MB) to learn more ›
FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
As we have for more than 160 years, we continue to listen and respond to our communities' most critical social needs, with a focus on New York City's most vulnerable citizens and underserved populations.
- Download our Social Responsibility fact sheet (PDF, 2.4 MB) to learn more ›
Our History
Founded in 1852, the YMCA of Greater New York has a long esteemed history. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the YMCA in 2002, the YMCA of Greater New York published a book entitled "The YMCA at 150 - A History of the YMCA of Greater New York" by Pamela Bayless. Copies are available upon request by emailing emurphy@ymcanyc.org.
Looking for more historical information about the Y? Contact the Kautz Family YMCA Archives at the University of Minnesota.
Our Board of Directors
Our influential board of directors is passionate about strengthening the foundations of New York City communities. View a listing of our Board of Directors.
Our Staff
Passionate. Dedicated. Nurturing. Genuine.
Senior staff at the Y work day in and day out to deliver and grow quality programs and services in communities throughout the five boroughs.
View Senior Staff Listing and Biographies
Reports & Publications
Want more info about the Y? Take a look at these regular publications.
Our Experts
With a seasoned staff of experts in the fields of healthy living, youth development and social responsibility, the Y experts listed below are media trained and ready to contribute to your story or speak at your event. From bullying to break dancing to diabetes prevention to development to depression to drug addiction, the Y experts bureau is made up of thought leaders in New York City. All experts listed below provide regular content to our Twitter account (@ymcanyc). And our experts are on YouTube. Watch brief interviews with each of our experts to see how they shine on camera.
Contact Ellen Murphy at emurphy@ymcanyc.org or 212-630-9699 to connect with a Y expert today.
YMCA Leadership Team: Nonprofit management, leadership development, capital expansion projects, fundraising, strategic planning.
- Jack Lund, president & CEO
- Gary Laermer, chief development officer
- Connie Fishman, senior vice president, real estate
Youth Development: Early childhood development, adolescent development, bullying, mental health for children, after school programs, early childhood education, parent/child relationships, camping, teen programs.
- Sean Andrews, vice president of youth development
- Marty Forth, senior director of teen programs
- Shannon Cussen, senior director of early childhood
- Wheaton Griffin, executive director, New York YMCA Camp
Healthy Living: Childhood obesity, diabetes prevention, health & wellbeing, fitness, youth fitness, and strategic partnerships.
- Lori Benson, vice president healthy lifestyles
Social Responsibility: ESOL, immigration, international relations, global exchange, drug addiction and counseling.
- Dio Gica, executive director International YMCA
- Jacqui Fiore, executive director Counseling Services
Local Experts: Y experts are also available to comment on neighborhood and community trends in each borough. Topics include: borough specific information, YMCA management, counseling services, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, Staten Island.
- Sharlene Brown, executive director, Bronx YMCA
- Dordy Jourdain, executive director, Bedford-Stuyvesant YMCA
- Eileen O'Connor, executive director, West Side YMCA
- Ebony Conely-Young, executive director, Long Island City YMCA
- Greg Coil, vice president, Operations
Location Rentals/Film Shoots
- Rentals - With 22 locations throughout the five boroughs, the Y has a myriad of rental spaces for birthday parties, special events, meetings, corporate events and fitness classes. Please contact your local Y to understand spaces that are available for rental.
- Media Requests - Members of the media are welcome at the Y for broadcast and print shoots dependent upon the content of the piece and the potential disruption to members. All requests should be sent to emurphy@ymcanyc.org
- Photo and Film Shoots - Facility rentals may be available to accommodate photo and film shoots depending on timing, schedule and content. All film crews must have the proper certificate of insurance. Location specific rental fees will apply. All requests should be sent to Ellen Murphy at emurphy@ymcanyc.org