The YMCA of Springfield was formed in March of 1874 and initially operated in the basement of the First Presbyterian Church. The organizers saw a need to provide reading rooms and meeting spaces to young men as an alternative to drinking establishments. Many people today know the YMCA as a gym, a pool and a basketball center. But for 150 years, the organization has been more than just a place. According to Lou Bart, director of marketing, communications and community engagement, it's been a mission of the YMCA to work beyond the buildings to help improve the lives of those across the community.
"It's hard not to have fun and feel rewarded when you work with so many kids, families and older adults in programs and events that bring joy, health and personal achievement," Bart said. "There's nothing better than seeing the excitement of a child, and their parent's faces, when they first swim underwater, score their first goal, shoot a basket, hit a home run, do their first roundoff or hit a tennis ball over the net. We love seeing the woman who took up pickleball at age 70, the stroke victim who reaches a new recovery milestone and the student athlete who achieves a new personal best in performance training."
The organization's most recent staff satisfaction survey showed that over 80% of employees were highly satisfied with their jobs. They also felt supported and appreciated by their supervisors, as if they truly belong at the YMCA, and they believe in the YMCA's mission.
"We employed 488 individuals last year," Bart said. "Nationally, the YMCA is the No. 1 first-time employer of teenagers, and we consider our youngest staff members part of our youth-development efforts."
The accomplishments of the YMCA over the past 150 years are vast and have ranged from new buildings to the addition of multiple programs. Exercise spaces, competency programs, organizing sports teams and the creation of a teen night club are just a few of the things realized during the first half of the organization's existence. By the 1970s, the YMCA had brought in youth soccer, established before- and after-school care programs and opened its doors to women becoming full-time members.
Today the YMCA provides more than 1,400 children in underserved communities with positive activities such as sports, summer camps and after-school spaces through the Strong Kids Fund. The Y has also helped distribute food boxes and participated in relief efforts during natural disasters in the area.
Looking to the future, the organization plans to continue expanding access to a YMCA experience for more people in the community. "We want to develop innovative activities that surprise and delight members and guests while providing community outreach and support to advance youth development and help the neediest whenever we can," Bart said.