• About the YMCA of Snohomish County

A Brand New Day

It's a brand new day!

The Y has long been a respected entity with a very recognizable name and logo. Unfortunately, most people don’t connect the logo with the greater work and impact of the Y beyond swimming and recreation.

We want people to know we exist to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and give back and support our neighbors. We are a cause-driven nonprofit.

YMCA of the USA has unveiled a new brand strategy to reinforce our value and impact as a leading nonprofit. This will allow us to better educate people about the Y’s commitment as a nonprofit organization – to help people learn, grow, and thrive.

The new logo helps to spark that conversation. We believe that with increased understanding of what the Y does, and its impact, we can help nurture more kids, improve more lives with overall health, and offer more opportunities to connect with and support our neighbors.

All YMCAs across the country are doing this together. Our look, feel, and logo will change. You’ll see and hear about our areas of focus – youth development, healthy living, social responsibility – and we’ll be talking more about why having a Y in this community is so valuable, and the difference we make for kids, individuals, and families.

As one Movement, with one voice, we can and will create more lasting change for individuals and communities. By nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the nation’s health and well-being, and supporting and serving our neighbors, the Y ensures that everyone has the opportunity to become healthier, more confident, connected and secure.

The one thing that isn't changing is our mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Though we will be called "The Y" as a common name, our official name is still the YMCA, and as you can see it is still retained in the new logo.

With this change, we will be better able to communicate what we stand for, our shared values, and considerable impact. We hope that the vibrancy of the new logo will soon come to mean to you what it now does to us - a symbol of the vibrancy and vitality of the YMCA.

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Is it true that you are dropping the "C" from your name?
No. We are not changing our name, simply officially adopting "the Y". That's the nickname that's been in use for a long time. Adoption of the familiar name allows us to communicate with and engage more people in our cause - strengthening the community.

"YMCA" will always be included in branch and association names, and our legal name is "Young Men's Christian Association".

The new logo incorporates the letters "YMCA" whereas the old one did not.
Are all Ys changing their look, or just the YMCA of Snohomish County?
All Ys in the country are taking part in the rebranding. The national office - known as the YMCA of the USA - led the effort in terms of research and testing, and Ys were asked for input at various junctures during the process.
How will we benefit locally?
We believe that with increased understanding of what the Y does, and its impact, we can help nurture more kids, improve more lives with overall health, and offer more opportunities to connect with and help our neighbors.
Why did you choose to focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility?
Our nation is challenged with serious issues. For decades, the Y has offered programs designed to help kids reach their potential, to help individuals and families achieve better health outcomes, and encourage everyone to get involved and make their community a better place. Lasting personal and social change will only come about if we all invest in our kids, health, and neighbors.
How is the Y structured?
The YMCA consists of a national resource office and more than 2,600 local Ys. Each Y association is an independent, autonomous organization with its own governing board, professional staff and assets.
How is the work of the Y funded?
The Y is funded through a combination of contributed income, corporate, foundation, or government grants, membership dues and program fees.
How can I get involved at the Y?
There are four ways to engage with the Y - join, give, volunteer, and advocate. Our focus at the Y is to nurture the potential of kids, improve healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility. Whether your interest is to be a member, make a gift in support of our programs, or volunteer or give back to support your neighbors, the Y offers numerous ways to participate.

Youth Development

Nurturing the potential of every child and teen


Early Childhood Education, homeschool enrichment classes, organized youth sports and recreation, summer camp, teen clubs, Minority Achievers Program, Youth and Government, and swim/sports/play for children with disabilities, are just the beginning of what the YMCA of Snohomish County offers for Youth Development.

Healthy Living

Improving the nation's health and well-being


Your YMCAs offer family nights and wellness programs, group exercise classes, healthy lifestyle programs (such as ACT! and LIVESTRONG at the YMCA), personal training, adult swim lessons, adult sports and recreation, lifelong learning, and opportunities for spiritual development (such as the community Prayer Breakfast) and Affinity Groups.

Social Responsibility

Giving back and providing support to our neighbors

 
Your local Ys provide social services like Y-Community, military outreach, and mentoring; global services such as assistance to immigrant families, disaster response, and service learning opportunities; volunteerism; giving; and advocacy in grassroots initiatives such as Healthy Communities and Get Movin'.