The Y is a founding nonprofit organization, offering health, hope, and opportunity for ALL.

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Y ensure everyone has a chance to succeed and belong at the Y.

 

 

A Strong Place to Launch

Since 1870, the Akron Area YMCA has been a strong place to launch and a safe place to land for generations of individuals and families.  A cornerstone to the foundation of Northeast Ohio, the Akron Area YMCA has answered the needs when the community called.   

Meet Our Corporate Office Staff

The Association Service Office (Corporate Office) of the Akron Area YMCA is located in downtown Akron.  You can reach those who work here by calling 330-376-1335 or contacting them by their emails below. 

Some Additional Info for You

Mission and Core Values

Mission
To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
 
Vision
At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, the Y works side by side with its neighbors to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
 
Culture
One Association, Inclusion, Philanthropy, Volunteers and Values
 

Values
Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Faith

 

2022 Annual Report

Christian Emphasis

While founded with a Christian worldview, YMCA doors are open to people of all faiths or none. We feel that we are called to inclusion by our faith-based roots. Our values are held in our hearts, not worn on our shirtsleeves. People of all faiths are welcome to work, play and volunteer at the Akron Y.

Each Y branch expresses our Christian heritage in unique ways. One branch might host a non-denominational Bible study while another sponsors a prayer breakfast on Good Friday. Many Y child care programs partner with churches.

The great historian of religion, Martin Marty, once said that every religion serves two functions: First, it is a message of telling us how to get right with God; and second, it is a lens for interpreting the world. At the Y, we attempt to remain true to our Christian roots and allow our members to interpret the world around them.

Our mandate is compelling: Love God and love our neighbors as ourselves.

History of the Akron Area YMCA

Since 1870, the Akron Area YMCA has been a strong place to launch and a safe place to land.  See our historical timeline.

 

Our Member Code of Conduct

MEMBER CODE OF CONDUCT

The YMCA is committed to providing a safe, caring, healthy and respectful environment for all members and guests. To promote these values, we ask all individuals to act appropriately at all times when they are using our facilities, r participating in our programs, or attending any event as a spectator. The following conduct may be grounds for removal from the YMCA, suspension, or  termination of membership as determined by the YMCA in its sole discretion:

  1. Inappropriate attire, such as clothing that is overly revealing or containing vulgar or discriminatory language / images, obscene gestures, or other content that is inappropriate for a facility serving children.
  2. Physical contact with another person in an angry or threatening manner, or intentional physical contact that injures another person. 
  3. Threatening, hostile, or vulgar language including swearing, name calling or shouting.
  4. Any demonstration of sexual activity or sexual contact with another person.
  5. Intimidation or harassment by words, gestures, body language or any other menacing behavior.
  6. Theft or attempted theft, or behavior that results in destruction of property.
  7. Carrying or concealing a weapon, devices or an object that may be used as a weapon, including guns, knives, and explosive devices.
  8. Providing personal instruction / training / coaching to YMCA members as a non-authorized provider.
  9. Using, possessing, and/or being under the influence of illegal or harmful chemicals/substances or alcohol on YMCA property, in YMCA vehicles or at off-site YMCA programs locations.
  10. Using tobacco or tobacco-like products such as e-cigarettes, vape pens, or other vaping products, on YMCA property, in YMCA vehicles or at offsite YMCA program locations. 
  11. Any other conduct of an inappropriate, threatening or offensive nature determined by the YMCA to be inconsistent with its mission and values.

If any member or guest feels uncomfortable confronting a person regarding conduct in violation of ths policy, they should immediately report the behavior to a staff member. Staff members are ready to help when these situations arise.

 

 

BACKGROUND CHECKS

The YMCA conducts regular sex offender screenings on all members, participants, and guests. If a sex offender match occurs, the YMCA reserves the right to cancel membership, end program participation, and remove visitation access.

The protection of our members and guests participating in our programs and/or our facilities is of paramount interest to the Akron Area YMCA. The Akron Area YMCA reserves the right to deny access or membership to any person who has been accused or convicted of any crime involving sexual abuse; is a registered sex offender; habitually or excessively uses narcotics or dangerous drugs; has ever been convicted of any offense related to the use, sale, possession or transportation of narcotics or habit forming and/or dangerous drugs; or continually or excessively uses intoxicating beverages.

MEMBER SERVICE PROMISE

Y staff recognizes that service to our members is the most important part of our job. Therefore, we make this promise: Our staff members will be friendly and attentive, and demonstrate caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. We will keep our facilities and equipment clean, safe and well maintained. We will deliver quality programs that meet the needs of our members and guests. We will provide opportunities for members to be involved as volunteers.

Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


Does it matter which branch I join?
 
No. Any of our Membership Branches allow you to use any of the facilities and programs we offer throughout Summit, Medina and Portage counties. Feel free to visit all of our Membership Branches - take a tour and decide which one you'd like to call your “home branch.”
 
How much does a membership cost?
 
 
Through our Annual Campaign, financial assistance may be available to those who qualify. Please contact a Membership Director at a Y branch near you or stop by any of our branches' member service desks for confidential enrollment in our Financial Assistance Program. 
 
Why do I have to show my ID?

All visitors and guests, 18 years and older, must present a valid ID upon entering our facilities, including the Grizzly Outdoor Pool.  This information is used to ensure the safety and security of all persons entering our facilities.  If you have a concern regarding this process, we encourage you to reach out to the Akron Area YMCA Corporate Office at 330-376-1335.

 
What are my membership payment options?
 
We offer two methods of payment. The first is a monthly bank draft or credit card draft. The second option allows you to pay for the entire year's membership at once.
 
Does the Akron Area YMCA offer discounts to seniors and students?
 
The Akron Area YMCA offers various types of memberships and rates based on age. Please contact your local branch for details.
 
What if I can't afford the membership fee?
 
The Akron Area YMCA is committed to providing quality programs and services to all members of the community. Confidential financial assistance is available to those who qualify through our Annual Campaign Financial Assistance Program. Please contact the Membership Director at a Y branch near you for assistance. 
 
Can members bring a guest to the YMCA?
 
Akron Area YMCA members, who are 18 and over, can bring up to two guests, also age 18 and over, in at a time, as a Membership perk.  Guests must remain with the Member while they are in our facilities. Guests will be able to participate in programs without a drop-in fee.  Guests may come in as many times as they wish, while accompanied by the member, during the promo time.
 
Guest Passes will be honored for those visitors wishing to use our facility on a one-day trial.  Inquire at the branch.
 
Are all programs free to members?
 
No. While we strive to continuously add value to your membership, some programs require specialized equipment or staff training. Therefore, we ask members to contribute to the cost of the program in order to ensure its quality. However, the fee that members are asked to pay is considerably less than that required of non-members, or “program members. 
 
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS

 

Participants who cancel prior to the start of class or program may receive 100% credit toward a future program. Refund checks will be issued in 2-4 weeks less a $10.00 service charge. Refunds will not be issued after the session begins except in case of injury or illness. Please contact the Membership/Program/Executive Director as soon as possible in order to receive a credit for classes not attended. Some restrictions may apply, such as aquatic programs, camp programs, child care, events and special programs. Check at time of registration for cancellation restrictions.

Although we do our best to help all participants make up classes missed for personal reasons, we cannot guarantee that make-up classes will be available. Make-up classes must be scheduled through the program director.

Form 990

First page of IRS Form 990 in 2020

Age Policies

AGE POLICIES

CHILD WATCH (6 WEEKS–10 YEARS)

Child Watch allows parents to participate in programs and work out up to two hours per day while children are engaged in various age-appropriate activities in a supervised environment. Child Watch is free for those with a Family or Youth membership. Adult memberships may purchase a monthly Child Watch pass for children under 3 years of age for $5 a month. Please check with your branch for time and details.
 
Wellness/Fitness Center

Youth ages 10-12 may use the wellness/fitness center if accompanied by an adult (18 or older) at all times. It is recommended that the youth first complete Youth Wellness Assessment, at the branch.

Teens ages 13-15 may use the wellness/fitness center if accompanied by an adult (18 and older).  They may only use the wellness/fitness center, without adult supervision, if they complete our Teen Wellness Assessment.

Gymnasium

Youth ages 9-10 are permitted in the gymnasium during open gym time.  A parent or supervising adult (age 18 or older) must be inside the building at all times.
Youth ages 11+ may be in the gym without a parent or supervising adult in the building.
 
Group Exercise Classes
Members ages 13–15 may attend fitness classes if accompanied by a parent/supervising adult (18 or older). Members 16 years and older may attend group classes on their own.
 
Locker Rooms
Children age 4 and over are not permitted in opposite sex locker rooms but are encouraged to use the family changing rooms. Adults not required to use the family changing rooms are asked to use the regular locker rooms. The Y is not responsible for stolen, lost or damaged personal property. Ensure your lockers are secured and leave your valuables at home.
 
Open Swim
Children age 5 and under must be accompanied in the water by an adult wearing appropriate swimming attire at all times. Children ages 6–10 must have a parent present on the pool deck for the duration of their time in the pool. Children ages 11 and older may be in the pool without a parent present. However, they are subject to a swim test and must adhere to posted rules and any rules set forth by the lifeguard. Use of the deep end may be dependent on the completion of a standardized swim test and will be at the discretion of the lifeguard.

Board of Trustees