For over 155 years, the YMCA has been a pioneering force in the United States. Numerous sports, such as basketball, volleyball and racquetball were invented at the YMCA. Activities like camping, physical fitness and swim lessons were developed through YMCA programming. YMCAs helped found the USO, Boy Scouts of America and Camp Fire Girls, and YMCA volunteers provided support and services to millions of soldiers in many major wars, including the Civil War, World War I and World War II.

Locally, the YMCA of South Hampton Roads got it's start in March of 1885 with the first facility located in Norfolk. Over the next 20 years, activities such as basketball, bible study, baseball, track and football flourished. Pools, gymnasiums and fitness facilities brought forth new construction and additional programming. Mt. Trashmore was then built in the 70's, followed by Greenbrier, Suffolk and Effingham in the late 80's. The 90's, when Indian River, Greenbrier North and Hilltop were formed, were dedicated to broadening the YMCA's mission and services. To meet the needs of the at-risk population, the YMCA developed the Community Services branch. The next few years the YMCA extended it's boundaries to include serving the needs of the Eastern Shore, Outer Banks and Elizabeth City communities.