Our Mission

"Our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all."

Through the years, lifestyles and family structures have changed and will continue to do so. Our programs will always reflect the needs of the communities which we serve. YMCAs are mission-driven. We live our mission every day.

Ys are a total community service organization—collectively the nation's largest not-for-profit charity. We are volunteer founded, volunteer based and volunteer led. Ys are for people of all faiths, races, abilities, ages, and incomes.

Our YMCA builds strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.

YMCAs are founded to serve the whole individual—spirit, mind and body—and the whole community, from infants to seniors. Health and fitness are critical to the YMCA mission, and have been for over 100 years.

Physical activity for all ages is an important part of the Y experience—but only one part. In over 130 countries children and adults are learning values and life skills at YMCAs—from fitness to child care, tutoring to serving their communities ... it's all part of the YMCA experience.

YMCAs are founded to serve people of all communities: all incomes, all ages and abilities.

Open to everyone, we bring together the poor and not-so-poor, young and old, men and women, all faiths and all backgrounds.
Nationwide, YMCAs this year raised some $490 million in scholarships, subsidies and other services for those who could not otherwise participate.

Across America, YMCAs are the place where people of every background come together to create community and to learn from each other.

 Did you know that the Kankakee Area YMCA...

• Never turns anyone away for financial reasons. Everyone is welcome at the YMCA and over $227,000 of financial assistance and community subsidy was given out in the past year. 
• Utilizes over 250 volunteers annually in the delivery of YMCA programs and services to our community. 
• Serves over 16,000 youth and families each year. 
• Serves over 360 kids every summer in day camp. 
• Has over 1,000 children participating in youth sports. 
• Has over 2,100 children participating in aquatic programs. 
• Collaborates with over 10 agencies in our community to serve youth and families. 
• Has been at work in our community since 1894.