The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) movement was started in 1844 in London by Mr George Williams and a group of likeminded concerned Christians. It is one of the oldest and largest Movements for youth in the world and now operates in 119 countries, and reaching 58 million people. The YMCA works to bring social justice and peace to young people and their communities, regardless of religion, race, gender or culture.
Established in 1902, the YMCA of Singapore is a volunteer-based Christian organisation that seeks to serve and impact all members of the community, regardless of race, language or religion, through programmes, services and enterprises to develop the body, mind and spirit.
Mission Statement
YMCA of Singapore is a volunteer-based Christian organisation that seeks to serve and impact all members of the community, regardless of race, language or religion, through programmes, services and enterprises to develop the body, mind and spirit.
Core Values
Compassion
To recognise the needs of others especially the last, the lost and the least, then take action to help
Servant leadership
To desire to serve first, then to make the conscious choice to take the lead to act
Honesty
To speak and embody the truth, to act and to be worthy of trust, and to have integrity in making sure their choices (decisions and actions) are in line with our Christian values
Accountability
To be accountable for their behaviour and their actions in meeting their obligations
Respect
To treat others as they would have them treat them and to value the worth of every person
Excellence
To strive for best practices
COMMUNITY SERVICES
YMCA of Singapore serves local and overseas communities to enrich the lives of the less-privileged. YMCA also provides emergency financial assistance to needy families and provides purposeful work training opportunities for individuals with special needs. YMCA also reaches out to out-of-school youths and youths-at-risk to integrate them back into society with meaningful programmes and activities.
HOSPITALITY
YMCA International House offers guests a range of clean and affordable accommodation within the heart of the city. Additional facilities such as function rooms and the Y Café are available as well.
As a social enterprise of YMCA, surpluses generated from YMCA International House are channelled to fund YMCA community service programmes.
EMPOWERMENT
YMCA aims to groom volunteers and build capacity in its volunteer corps. YMCA also seeks to build character and cultivate young adults into responsible community champions who are able to make positive contributions to the community. YMCA facilities corporations to embrace Corporate Social Responsibility.
MEMBERSHIP
YMCA organises programmes and activities to develop the Body, Mind, and Spirit of its members. Members also enjoy use of their facilities and are engaged to help serve the community through YMCA’s various programmes.
HEALTHY LIVING
YMCA promotes healthy living through wholesome programmes ranging from fitness and dance to outdoor and adventure.
YMCA INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP AND EVENTS
YMCA of Singapore is a member of the World Alliance of YMCAs, and Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs. Delegates from Singapore participate in global YMCA events and work with overseas counterparts to develop best practices and serve the community.
EDUCATION
YMCA education services strive to provide a holistic education to nurture caring, honest and responsible individuals. Students from YMCA Education Centre are given opportunities to contribute to the community. YMCA Education provides schooling options from pre-school to the tertiary level.
As social enterprise of YMCA, surpluses generated from YMCA education services are channelled to fund YMCA community service programmes.
FUNDRAISING
YMCA runs programmes and activities to bring cheer to beneficiaries, groom volunteers and empower youth. Surpluses from their social enterprises are only able to meet part of the running expenses of these programmes. YMCA raises funds to augment the surpluses to sustain these programmes.
