Mission

The YMCA of Greater Rochester is a charitable association of members that seeks to place Christian principles into practice through its programs for the community to build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

History

The Southeast Family Branch of the YMCA of Greater Rochester opened to the public on June 5, 1973, after a lengthy site search and extensive community resistance. Today the Southeast Family Branch provides various family, preschool, youth, teen, adult and active older adult programs for over 12,000 members and is regarded as a tremendous asset to the community.

The Southeast Family Branch, upon its opening, employed four professionals under the leadership of Executive Director Myron Sunderland and boasted 300 members. Thirty years later, under the leadership of Group Vice President Debbie Masters, the branch employs 45 full-time employees, 350 part-time employees, and has 12,500 members. Programs have expanded to include a full range of activities for babies, preschool, school age, teens, adults, seniors and special populations. Programs have expanded off-site utilizing facilities in the surrounding communities for School Age Child Care, Youth Sports, Swimming Lessons and Swim Team.

The Southeast Branch was remodeled internally in 1987 to provide office space for the increased staff, a Nautilus Center, and a Child Care Room. Over the past 15 years many projects have occurred within the Southeast facility. Examples include the addition built to the Wellness Center, the creation and expansion of the Family, Women's and Men's Locker Rooms, the reconfiguration of the Member Service Center, the expansion of the parking lot, and the creation of Mystery Mountain Family Adventure Center.

The Southeast Family Branch has provided the community with a variety of programs and services for the past 30 years. The branch is continually evaluating and improving programs to meet the changing needs of its members as it moves through the 21st Century. The mission of the YMCA continues, putting Christian principles into practice through programs for the community that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.