The Mission of the YMCA of Greater Providence is to build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all, through programs, services and relationships that are based on our core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

Description:
The YMCA is a multifaceted organization that creates possibilities for everyone who chooses to participate. Each YMCA branch offers programs and services reflective of the needs of the communities it serves. A volunteer led, volunteer based organization,each person has the ability, and is encouraged to become part of the shaping and creation of the YMCA. All YMCA of Greater Providence members are welcome to use any of our ten branches.

History:
History of the YMCA
The YMCA was formed in 1844, in London, England, by a young drapery clerk, George Williams, and 11 other young men who shared his concern with the decadence and immorality of 19th-century London. Their original efforts centered on developing a library, reading room and a locale for lectures and Bible study.

The example of the young men in London soon inspired others. A retired American sea captain, Thomas Sullivan, brought the YMCA to Boston in 1851. Soon, chapters were formed throughout the United States and Canada, and later, throughout the world.

The early emphasis on religious understanding and relationship with Protestant churches was soon augmented by programs in the arts, education and gymnastics, setting the stage for modern YMCA programming centered on youth, fitness and recreation. Today, the YMCA is a non-denominational organization that is still inspired and guided by positive moral values.

The early emphasis on religious understanding and the relationship with Protestant churches was soon augmented by programs in the arts, education and gymnastics. That set the stage for modern YMCA programming centered on youth, fitness and recreation. Today, the YMCA is a non-denominational organization that is still inspired and guided by moral values.

Over the years, YMCAs have led the way for a host of activities that help define America as we know it. James Naismith, a physical education teacher at the YMCA Training School (Springfield College), invented basketball in 1891 and W. G. Morgan invented volleyball at the Holyoke YMCA in 1895. Lifeguards at every beach and pool in America can trace their roots to the YMCA. The organization has also set standards in community recreation, non-profit capital fundraising and community disaster relief, among many other services.

Today the YMCA is as diverse and strong as it has ever been. With a focus on “Activating America,” addressing issues of childhood obesity and lifestyle-related chronic diseases in adults, the YMCA is prioritizing efforts to support its members as they focus on living healthy lifestyles. The YMCA today may not be able to be all things to all people, but it does have something for everyone.

Although the Bayside Y’s history begins in the winter of 1949, when two communities joined to create the East Providence/Barrington YMCA, it wasn’t until 1963 that the current facility opened its doors.

The branch began as the Barrington YMCA, offering little more than exercise classes to a membership of approximately 2,500. In 1966, the popular outdoor pool was constructed, as well as the child-care building that still offers a warm and welcoming place for children to learn through play.

To meet the needs and desires of the community, the Y continued to grow, adding a new gymnasium and adult locker room facilities (1970), as well as racquetball courts, a women’s locker room, a weight room and a new parking lot (1980).

In 2001, the branch changed its name to the Bayside Family YMCA to better reflect the association’s East Bay presence to serve Barrington, Bristol, Riverside and Warren.

Given the extraordinary membership retention rate, the Bayside Family Y considers itself fortunate to have such loyal members who understand and incorporate the Y’s values – caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility – into their lives.

Today, the Bayside Family YMCA is made up of more than 8,000 members who continue to make the branch a true community stronghold. The outdoor pool is still a popular summertime destination, with many of the elder members still enjoying the Y – along with their children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren.

Every year, the Bayside Family Y becomes someone else’s family tradition. It’s an honor we accept graciously, and a mission we hold dear.

Contact people:

Edna Kurtzman, Chief Volunteer Officer, (401) 245-2444, (email) Joe Martino, Executive Director, 9999, (email)

Address:

70 West Street Barrington, RI 02806 (See a map)

Directions:

Not handicapped accessible in all areas.

Miscellaneous Information

Handicap accessible?
	Yes
Interests Served:
	Solutions for Children, Youth, Families, Helping People in Crisis, Building Adult & Neighborhood Independence
Does your agency accept court-appointed volunteers?
	Yes