YMCA of Greater Nashua

The YMCA of Greater Nashua is a nonprofit community service organization located in Nashua, New Hampshire. It has been serving the local community since its founding in 1887, focusing on the core areas of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

History

Established over 135 years ago, the YMCA of Greater Nashua began when Nashua was much smaller, with a population of approximately 17,000 residents. Today, the organization serves a region with a significantly larger population and provides services to over 48,000 people annually, with 38% of those served being under the age of 18[1][2].

Mission and Core Values

The YMCA of Greater Nashua aims to instill values and provide opportunities for lifelong personal growth and development. Its core values include caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, guiding its mission to foster a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all individuals in the community[2][3].

Programs and Services

Youth Development

• The YMCA offers extensive programs for children and teens, including child care, summer camps, youth sports, and teen leadership initiatives[2].
• It serves thousands of children annually through its facilities and camps, such as Camp Sargent and Camp Spaulding[1][5].

Healthy Living

• Programs focus on improving physical and mental health through fitness activities, disease prevention, and healthy lifestyle promotion[3].
• The organization provides access to facilities like pools and gyms, as well as specialized programs such as adaptive swim lessons[5].

Social Responsibility

• The YMCA engages in social responsibility through initiatives like financial assistance programs (Y Cares), enabling individuals from all income levels to access its services[2][5].
• It supports community events, collaborates with other organizations, and offers free use of facilities for certain community projects[5].

Facilities

The YMCA of Greater Nashua operates several facilities across the region, including the Nashua YMCA, Merrimack YMCA, Westwood Park YMCA, and YMCA Camp Sargent[2].

Financial Assistance and Community Impact

In recent years, the YMCA has provided significant financial assistance, exceeding $1 million annually, to support low-income families and individuals in accessing its programs. It also invests in community initiatives and collaborates with local organizations to address issues such as educational gaps and public health[2][3].

Governance and Volunteer Engagement

As a not-for-profit organization, it is governed by a volunteer-led board of directors. Thousands of volunteer hours are contributed each year, valued at over $235,000[2].