At the YMCA, we believe in the power of young people. We’ve been helping them lead fulfilling lives since 1844, when our founder George Williams sought to create a safe and wholesome environment for young people in the midst of the Industrial Revolution. Over the years, the YMCA has established itself as a leader in youth empowerment and development, with over 24 Ys in Great Britain and 2,700 members by 1851. By the end of that year, the Y had made its way to North America, with YMCAs popping up in Montreal and Boston in November and December of 1851. Today, the YMCA is a global organization, providing services to millions of young people in hundreds of countries. We’re proud to have been helping young people since 1844, and we’re committed to empowering them for generations to come.