Future Home of the Canton YMCA
Since 1844 when the YMCA was founded in London, England the purpose has been to meet community needs. Over the years that has meant the Y has needed to be a dynamic and flexible organization ever changing and evolving.
The very first YMCA program was a bible study, because YMCA leaders determined that was the need of the London community. In 1891 it was the need for an indoor physical activity that led Dr. James Naismith, at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield Massachusetts, to create the game of basketball.
Near the turn of the century when adult learners in the cities of Cleveland and Youngstown wanted evening classes in their communities they turned to the YMCA. From those evening classes we now have two state colleges, Cleveland State and Youngstown State Universities.
In more contemporary program ventures YMCA’s have started charter schools, adoption programs, adult day care, and a multitude of different child care programs including 24-hour care and sick child child care. Some Y’s offer dog obedience classes and others offer horseback riding lessons!
As our leaders continue defining the current and future needs of the Canton community and how that relates to a YMCA facility we will continue to address the community needs of: supporting families, youth health and obesity, and positive mentoring relationships through our programs of child care, youth sports and Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
Craig A. Greenlee
Vice President of Operations