KANSAS STATE ALLIANCE OF YMCAs
KANSAS STATE ALLIANCE OF YMCAs
The purpose of the Kansas State Alliance of YMCAs is to represent the
collective voice and impact of all Kansas YMCA Associations; foster
statewide communication and cooperation; and inspire, nurture and
strengthen communities by advancing youth development, healthy
living and social responsibility through advocacy, programming and
collaboration.
OUR MISSION
To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a
healthier spirit, mind and body for all.
OUR CAUSE
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. That’s why we focus our work in three areas:
•
Youth Development—nurturing the potential of every child and teen
•
Healthy Living—improving the nation’s health and well-being
•
Social Responsibility—giving back and providing support to our
neighbors
OUR IMPACT
The Kansas State Alliance of YMCA’s main purpose is to advocate for
issues of importance to the Kansas YMCA associations and the
thousands of children and family we serve. We know when we speak
with one voice we can move individuals, communities and our entire
state forward. We are a grassroots driven and governed organization
that advocates on behalf of the YMCA and its mission. We monitor
legislative and regulatory issues and educate policymakers on all of
the community services provided by the YMCAs in Kansas.
YMCA HISTORY
The Y is committed to strengthening community because we are the
community. Together with you, your family and your neighbors, our
movement strengthens America’s towns and cities through the
promotion of three things: youth development, healthy living and
social responsibility. As an organization, we’ve successfully done it for
160 years, and we’re determined to keep doing it.
When a dozen young working men founded the YMCA of London in
1844, their focus was on satisfying the spiritual needs of young men
like themselves. They worked to bring their peers into a safe place
where they could reject the vices of the street and develop in spirit.
The Y has changed greatly since those early days and now has a
presence in 10,000 neighborhoods across the nation. Through our
programs, the Y helps people of all ages and from all walks of life to
learn, grow and thrive.
Basketball, volleyball, racquetball and Father’s Day all started at the Y.
We pioneered the USO, the Peace Corps and things like pre-school,
camping and group swimming lessons. Our programs, services and
initiatives get kids off the street, help send disadvantaged teens to
college, provide shelter for the homeless and care for the elderly,
prepare people for employment, welcome and embrace newcomers,
and help foster a nationwide service ethic.
Deeply rooted in our local community, our movement is made up of
people of all ages, faiths and abilities, all working side-by-side to
ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, income or background
has the opportunity to live life to its fullest. We value caring, honesty,
respect and responsibility, and everything we do stems from this.
Shared values hold families and communities together; and character
development must be a responsibility shared by the whole community.
If we work together to live out our values every day, and pass them
on to our children, we can go a long way toward solving some of our
society’s most pressing problems. Please join us in accepting this
challenge to make our community and our world a better place – a
place where everyone can succeed.
In 1899, the Kansas University basketball team, coached by
Dr. James Naismith, played its first varsity game at the
Kansas City YMCA against a YMCA team: YMCA 16, Kansas
University 5.
OUR FOUNDATION