Dow Bay Area Family YMCA

Dow Bay Area Family YMCA

About the Y

Our Mission: To put Christian principles into place through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

Our Core Values: Caring: expressing sensitivity for the well being of others. Honesty: fairness and trustworthiness. Respect: understanding and acceptance of all people. Responsibility: accountable for one’s actions.

Our Cause: To strengthen the foundations of our community through Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.

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Our History

The first YMCA was founded in Bay City in 1885.  Throughout the next century, individuals from all walks of life came to the YMCA in search of refuge, commonalities with others, and a drive to further their individual health and wellness.

Our current facility opened its doors in December 2011. With such a beautiful building, the future has never been brighter for the Dow Bay Area Family YMCA. As a staff, as members, as an organization, and as a community, we will continue to bring forward the very best in fitness, childcare, programming, and fun. We are so proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to many successful years to come.

Timeline

SUPPORT THE Y

Together, we are making a difference

We count on the generosity of you, our members, and community to help people of all ages and from all walks of life. Together we are committed to giving young people the resources to reach their potential, provide individuals with the access and support to lead healthy lives, and connect neighbors so they can come together for the common good.

With a focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, strengthening communities is our cause. At the Dow Bay Area Family YMCA, we believe that lasting personal and social change happens when we all work together. Every day we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to be healthy, confident, connected and secure.

When you give to the Y, you are funding life-changing programs for children, adults, and families in the Bay City and surrounding areas to learn, grow, and thrive.

Volunteer your Time

As a Y volunteer, you can lead an exercise class, coach a basketball team, help out at a special event, or simply serve as a role model for young people.

Share your Y Story!

Every day at the Y, members like you inspire us with the remarkable things you are doing to grow stronger in spirit, mind and body – and we want the rest of the community to know about it! Please take a moment and share with us why you come to, work for, volunteer with, or give to the Y. Share your experience, your fond memories, your passion, or what keeps you coming back.

Bay County Sports Hall of Fame

The Dow Bay Area Family YMCA is home to the Bay County Sports Hall of Fame, an organization devoted to the celebration and preservation of our sports history, formed in 1990.

Since 1994, the Bay County Sports Hall of Fame annually gifts a scholarship  to benefit scholars/athletes in the Bay County School system. Each year, the Hall of Fame Scholarship Committee reviews applications from scholars/athletes and presents a $500 award to one student/athlete from each Bay County school. Schools include: Bay City Central, Bay City Western, Pinconning High School, Bangor John Glenn, Essexville Garber and Bay City All Saints.

The Hall of Fame has since given more than $100,000 to deserving high school athlees/scholars.

Our History

The first YMCA was founded in Bay City in 1885.  Throughout the next century, individuals from all walks of life came to the YMCA in search of refuge, commonalities with others, and a drive to further their individual health and wellness.

Our current facility opened its doors in December 2011. With such a beautiful building, the future has never been brighter for the Dow Bay Area Family YMCA. As a staff, as members, as an organization, and as a community, we will continue to bring forward the very best in fitness, childcare, programming, and fun. We are so proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to many successful years to come.

About the Y

Our Mission: To put Christian principles into place through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

Our Core Values: Caring: expressing sensitivity for the well being of others. Honesty: fairness and trustworthiness. Respect: understanding and acceptance of all people. Responsibility: accountable for one’s actions.

Our Cause: To strengthen the foundations of our community through Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.

Our History

The first YMCA was founded in Bay City in 1885.  Throughout the next century, individuals from all walks of life came to the YMCA in search of refuge, commonalities with others, and a drive to further their individual health and wellness.

Our current facility opened its doors in December 2011. With such a beautiful building, the future has never been brighter for the Dow Bay Area Family YMCA. As a staff, as members, as an organization, and as a community, we will continue to bring forward the very best in fitness, childcare, programming, and fun. We are so proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to many successful years to come.

Timeline

1800s

The Young Men’s Christian Association arrived in the United States in 1851 in Boston, MA.  It didn’t take long to spread across the country, as the first YMCA was founded in Bay City in 1885.  Throughout the next century, individuals from all walks of life came to the YMCA in search of refuge, commonalities with others, and a drive to further their individual health and wellness.

The Y was originally founded on Christian principles in response to the needs of a growing and changing society that threatened the preservation of family and values.  Programs and activities were developed to guide and preserve health and wellness in spirit, mind, and body.

1930s

In 1937, the Board of Directors of the Y discussed plans to develop plans for building a new Y.

1940s

Ten years later, in 1947, the former site of Eastern Jr. High was purchased and efforts began to raise money for a new Y. The goal of the Board of Directors was to raise $500,000 in order to construct a new facility.

1950s

By 1952, construction of the new facility began. Not only was there a hired crew to do the work, but also many volunteers from the community rolled up their sleeves and helped to construct the new building.

In 1953, members of the press recorded the formal dedication and opening of the Bay City Y was held in the middle of 1954. Located at 111 N. Madison Ave, the cost was approximately $500,000. The Board of Directors and planners knew what was needed in 1937 when they began their dream of building a modern Y.

1960s

The location of the building wasn’t the only thing that was changing. In 1964, women and girls were allowed to become members. In 1967, racial discrimination was banned in all YMCA’s across the country. Over the years, the Y had formed an enduring partnership with individuals and the ever-changing needs of Bay County residents. In 1980, the name changed from Bay City YMCA to The Bay Area Family YMCA.

2006

In 2006, the Board of Directors of the Y again reached out to the community to find the needs and wishes of those who live in Bay County. The result was a resounding need for a family based facility, one that Bay County could be proud of, and would reach across demographics, age gaps, and financial situations. With the help of generous donations from Dow Chemical, and well as thousands of private contributions, the new 13.2 million dollar facility began to be built.

2011

On December 27, 2011, the new Dow Bay Area Family YMCA opened their doors to thousands of people, with the formal dedication being on January 25, 2012. Within the first 8 weeks, the number of people served by the YMCA doubled, and the true mission of the Y is upheld everyday.

PRESENT

With such a beautiful building, the future has never been brighter for the Dow Bay Area Family YMCA. As a staff, as members, as an organization, and as a community, we will continue to bring forward the very best in fitness, childcare, programming, and fun. We are so proud of what we have accomplished, and look forward to many successful years to come.

SUPPORT THE Y

Together, we are making a difference

We count on the generosity of you, our members, and community to help people of all ages and from all walks of life. Together we are committed to giving young people the resources to reach their potential, provide individuals with the access and support to lead healthy lives, and connect neighbors so they can come together for the common good.

With a focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, strengthening communities is our cause. At the Dow Bay Area Family YMCA, we believe that lasting personal and social change happens when we all work together. Every day we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to be healthy, confident, connected and secure.

When you give to the Y, you are funding life-changing programs for children, adults, and families in the Bay City and surrounding areas to learn, grow, and thrive.

Volunteer your Time

As a Y volunteer, you can lead an exercise class, coach a basketball team, help out at a special event, or simply serve as a role model for young people.

Share your Y Story!

Every day at the Y, members like you inspire us with the remarkable things you are doing to grow stronger in spirit, mind and body – and we want the rest of the community to know about it! Please take a moment and share with us why you come to, work for, volunteer with, or give to the Y. Share your experience, your fond memories, your passion, or what keeps you coming back.

Bay County Sports Hall of Fame

The Dow Bay Area Family YMCA is home to the Bay County Sports Hall of Fame, an organization devoted to the celebration and preservation of our sports history, formed in 1990.

Since 1994, the Bay County Sports Hall of Fame annually gifts a scholarship  to benefit scholars/athletes in the Bay County School system. Each year, the Hall of Fame Scholarship Committee reviews applications from scholars/athletes and presents a $500 award to one student/athlete from each Bay County school. Schools include: Bay City Central, Bay City Western, Pinconning High School, Bangor John Glenn, Essexville Garber and Bay City All Saints.

The Hall of Fame has since given more than $100,000 to deserving high school athlees/scholars.

  • Reservations are for members only.

  • Reservations can be made up to 5 days in advance or until one hour before the class starts. If you wish to reserve a spot within one hour before class starts, please call the MEMBER SERVICE DESK.

  • Please be on time for your reservation. If you are late for your appointment, you will not get additional time. (e.g. your reserved lap swim time is 9am-9:45am, but you do not get in the pool until 9:20am, your reservation still ends at 9:45am.)

  • Reservations can also be made at the MEMBER SERVICE DESK or by calling us at 989.895.8596

  • There are daily/weekly limits on some classes/areas to give opportunities to other members. The system will let you know if your daily/weekly limit has been reached.

  • If you are unable to attend your reserved appointment, please cancel your appointment online or call the MEMBER SERVICE DESK.

Book Your Spot:

Reservation Reminders:

  • Reservations are for members only.

  • Reservations can be made up to 5 days in advance or until one hour before the class starts. If you wish to reserve a spot within one hour before class starts, please call the Member Service Desk.

  • Please be on time for your reservation. If you are late for your appointment, you will not get additional time. (e.g. your reserved lap swim time is 9am-9:45am, but you do not get in the pool until 9:20am, your reservation still ends at 9:45am.)

  • Reservations can also be made at the Member Service Desk or by calling us at 989.895.8596

  • There are daily/weekly limits on some classes/areas to give opportunities to other members. The system will let you know if your daily/weekly limit has been reached.

  • If you are unable to attend your reserved appointment, please cancel your appointment online or call the Member Service Desk.
Reminders
Instructions
  • Reservations are for members only.

  • Reservations can be made up to 5 days in advance or until one hour before the class starts. If you wish to reserve a spot within one hour before class starts, please call the Member Service Desk.

  • Please be on time for your reservation. If you are late for your appointment, you will not get additional time. (e.g. your reserved lap swim time is 9am-9:45am, but you do not get in the pool until 9:20am, your reservation still ends at 9:45am.)

  • Reservations can also be made at the Member Service Desk or by calling us at 989.895.8596

  • There are daily/weekly limits on some classes/areas to give opportunities to other members. The system will let you know if your daily/weekly limit has been reached.

  • If you are unable to attend your reserved appointment, please cancel your appointment online or call the Member Service Desk.

Financial AsSistance Programs

Individuals will not be turned away from participating in programs, activities, and/or membership due to their inability to pay. The Y maintains a generous financial assistance program for youth, adults, and families who demonstrate financial need. Funding for this program is provided by fundraising events at the Dow Bay Area Family YMCA and community-wide donors.