YMCA of East Tennessee

To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

The Y has served East Tennessee for over 160 years, with stories of life change happening every day in our 5 Y locations and 17 After School Child Care sites. Every Y member has a story. For some, the Y means affordable child care for single moms. For others, it's a support group for cancer survivors or a group exercise class for lonely seniors. Still others find motivation and support to lose weight or replace an unhealthy habit like smoking with a healthy habit like daily workouts. Every member's Y story is different. These are some of their stories:

Jakevias faced some unhealthy addictions and knew that wasn't the life he wanted for himself. He replaced those habits with working out at the Y, and 8 years later, he's found a new obsession, a healthy lifestyle, and an entire community of support. "You feel like family when you come to the YMCA. You look forward to that support, and it has drastically helped me get through a lot over the years."

Alivia and BJ are a "daughter-daddy duo." This single dad is thankful for the Y's After School Child Care Program at Beaumont Magnet Academy, where Alivia has blossomed socially, emotionally, and academically. "I love knowing that my daughter is taken care of and in a safe place... I wouldn't want my child to go anywhere else."

Sue has faced injuries, joint replacement, major disease, and more. Through it all, a workout routine at the Y has helped Sue bounce back and given her a community of support along the way. "Even if I am feeling tired or cranky, by the time I get out of the pool, I feel great. The Y is my happy place!"

For each member's story we hear, we know there are others in our community in need of these same life-changing and life-saving programs. Volunteers at the Y help us increase our impact in our community. At the Y, we're here for a better community for us all.