WHO WE ARE
HOPE FOR LIFE
Who We Are Since our YMCA was founded in 1875, our community and its needs have changed, but one thing that's remained the same is our commitment to meeting them. Whether we were helping young men foster strong Christian characters in the late 19th century, joining the war effort by serving as a USO headquarters in the 1940s or introducing family programs to serve a growing suburban population in the 1960s, we've always been here for our community. And we've always been willing to ask 'What's next?'

In 2010, our volunteers answered that question with a powerful Hope for Life strategic vision aimed at tackling some of the most pressing challenges our neighbors will face in the next decade:


Our Vision

To offer Hope for Life to people of all ages, faiths, races, backgrounds and abilities, regardless of their socio-economic circumstances. Through a range of relationship-focused, impactful programs, services, partnerships and collaborations, we will offer hope throughout Middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky by:

Inspiring Youth
Start children off on the way they should go, and when they are old, they will not turn from it. –Proverbs 22:6

By 2020, a third of the youth in our community will experience a sense of belonging through the YMCA, and we will increase our efforts to impact youth in underserved communities, especially those who are most challenged educationally and socio-economically. Recognizing the fundamental role literacy plays in positive youth development, all YMCA children and teens will read at grade level.
Improving Health
Your body is the temple of God. –I Corinthians 6:19

Our YMCA will offer a path for all to live healthier in spirit, mind and body. Twenty percent of adults in our community (1 in 5) will improve their health through the YMCA and our community's youth obesity rate will be cut in half by 2020.
Serve one another in love.–Galatians 5:13

We will support a culture of philanthropy that recognizes the mutual benefit that results through the sharing of time, talent or financial resources and will engage a quarter of a million people in service to others through the YMCA by 2020.
A sweet friendship refreshes the soul. –Proverbs 27:9

Our YMCA will provide opportunities for people to make meaningful connections with one another to enrich lives, renew the spirit and foster a sense of belonging. By 2020, 1 in 3 people in our community will be involved in the YMCA.