About Us
The Laurens Family YMCA was established in 1969 and serves the Greater Laurens County area. The YMCA is open to all who want to participate in sports programs, childcare programs, fitness activities, swimming programs, and to those that just need a sense of belonging. We never turn anyone away due to lack of funds and offer financial assistance for all programs and membership for those who qualify. We are very proud to be the leading provider of programs for families and individuals in the Laurens Community. We provide a wide range of opportunities for persons of all ages, gender and race.
WHY THE Y?
YMCA stands for Young Men’s Christian Association, but don’t misinterpret this to mean that YMCAs are only for “young, Christian men.” From its start more than 150 years ago, when George Williams founded the YMCA as a substitute Bible study and prayer for life on the streets, the YMCA was unusual because it crossed the rigid lines that separated all the different churches and social classes in England in those days. This openness was a trait that would lead YMCAs to recognize their strength is in the people they bring together—Ys are for all people of all faiths, races, ages, abilities and incomes. YMCAs’ financial assistance policies ensure that no one is turned away for reasons of inability to pay.
VOLUNTEERS:
YMCAs are first and foremost volunteer organizations. To put it in perspective, not every YMCA has a building, but every YMCA has volunteers. All 2,617 YMCAs are volunteer-founded, volunteer-based, and volunteer-led. Volunteers are at the heart of every YMCA and that is why YMCAs are at the heart of community life in more than 10,000 communities nationwide. Do something good. Volunteer at the YMCA.
List Of YMCA Firsts and Highlights of Accomplishments
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Invented by a YMCA
- Volleyball
- Basketball
- Staff Certification
- Student Work Study
- Professional Football
- Rags and Leather
- Non-Church Retirement Fund
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Started by a YMCA
- Racquetball
- Gideon’s
- Fathers Day
- Negro National League
- Toastmasters
- Association for the study of Negro Life and History
- National Model Railroad Association
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YMCA Influenced
- Softball
- Swimming and Aquatics
- Group Child Care
- Higher Education
- Camping
- Residences and Shelters
- Camp Fire Girls
- USO
- Peace Corps
- Boy Scouts of America
What makes YMCA sports programs different from others?
- Emphasis is on participation, NOT winning
- YMCA sports motto: Everyone plays, everyone wins
- Fundamentals and sportsmanship are stressed
- Volunteer driven-all coaches are parent volunteers
- Strong emphasis of character development and the core values of Caring, Honest, Respect, and Responsibility
- Special requests are honored for players and coaches
- All practices and games are supervised by YMCA sports staff
- Emphasis is on kids having FUN
THE YMCA MISSION STATEMENT:
“To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.”
We fulfill the mission by offering programs in the following categorizes:
- Wellness
- Family Strengthening
- Sports
- Christian Emphasis
- Aquatic
- Child Care
- Educational
- Scholarship
We are proud of each program we offer. Currently, we have more than 67 active programs.
