Our Mission
The YMCA of Greater Boston is dedicated to improving the health of mind, body, and spirit of individuals and families in our communities. We provide welcoming, belonging, and opportunity for all.
Our Cause
Founded in 1851, as America’s first Y, the YMCA of Greater Boston strengthens the Greater Boston community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Our Commitment
We will purposefully build bridges between diverse groups of people and seek equity for all, contributing to a community and nation free of racism, inequities and inequality. We will create programs, services, and spaces where everyone feels seen, heard and safe.
A Message From Our President David Shapiro
and Board Chair Dan Brownell
Dear Friends of the Y,
We are so pleased to share our 2025 Annual Report with you. While it’s difficult to distill an entire year’s worth of impact into one report, we’re incredibly proud to share these highlights with you, the people who make it real day in and day out.
As we reflect on 2025, we are struck by the breadth of impact in which the Y was privileged to take part. From launching “See You at the Y,” a city-wide initiative to combat isolation and loneliness, to completing our first year of the Greater Boston Collaborative Food Access Hub, the YMCA of Greater Boston partnered, responded, evolved, and innovated to meet the most pressing needs of the community.
2025 was a year of connection and community, reaching more than 165,000 neighbors in Greater Boston through membership and programs. As we prepared for our 175th Anniversary as America’s first Y, it was also a year in which we laid the foundation for the future through strategic planning, facility planning and investment. By collaborating with numerous partners across sectors, we worked to ensure the Y is providing relevant social solutions and that all of our YMCAs serve as a place where everyone belongs.
We championed equity by raising funds to eliminate financial barriers for anyone seeking our programs and services. We ensured that our adult education and workforce development programs continued to offer a bridge to economic stability and mobility. We worked to ensure that our littlest learners and our young people have the enrichment, resources, and opportunities that they need to thrive.
We’re so proud of what we’ve accomplished by working shoulder to shoulder with our neighbors and partners. We can’t wait to see what 2026 will bring.
Yours in partnership and service,
David Shapiro
President and CEO
YMCA of Greater Boston
Daniel Brownell
Chair of the General Board
YMCA of Greater Boston
Our 2025 Community Impact
See You at the Y Campaign
In 2025 we launched our “See You at the Y” campaign, a city-wide initiative focused on confronting loneliness, isolation and division.
The Y led a coalition of partners with the goal of making Greater Boston the most community connected city in the country. The campaign helped thousands rediscover a sense of belonging at the YMCA by bringing people together through welcoming spaces, programs, and shared experiences.
PURPOSE
Youth Development
Afterschool and Summer Enrichment, BPS Community Hub Schools, Early Education, Teen Employment, and YMCA Achievers
Our programs meet the social, emotional, and academic needs of our young learners and develop our teens into leaders through employment, mentorship, and opportunities to explore higher education.
Michael & Amy's Story: Our early education programs provide the nurturing and connection that every child needs to thrive.
Brandon's Story: See how Brandon found welcoming and accessibility at the Oak Square YMCA.
Healthy Living
Adult and Youth Sports, Chronic Disease Management, Group Exercise, Healthy Aging, Personal Training, and Swimming
Healthier communities start with positive changes, one person at a time. That’s why the Y works to build communities with accessible, affordable, and welcoming places, where everyone can come to strengthen their mind, body, and spirit.
Greater Boston Collaborative Food Access Hub | 1 Year in Review
In 2025, the Greater Boston Collaborative Food Access Hub in Roxbury reduced food waste in Boston by recovering 272,000 pounds of food.
As we mark the first year of operations, we continue to build on our commitment to provide free meals, groceries and nutrition education across the community.
Food Security and Nutrition, Supportive and Transitional Housing, Workforce Development
The Y’s Social Responsibility programs play an integral part in the lives of thousands of people across Greater Boston. From delivering millions of meals each year, to ensuring that adults have access to job training and English language programs, to helping families find stable housing, the Y provides critical resources to those who need them most.
Karen's Story: Meet Karen, a participant in our Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship program. The program provides paid training for participants to earn early childhood education teacher credentials.
PEOPLE
Partners in Purpose
The impact of the Y in 2025 would not have been possible without the collaboration and support of our many community leaders and partner organizations across Greater Boston. By working together, we were able to broaden our reach, touching the lives of thousands of individuals and families. We are so grateful and proud of all we accomplished together.
We can’t say thank you enough to our good friends at Delta Air Lines, who think nothing of rolling up their sleeves to help feed our community.
Rain or Shine! Our YMCA of Greater Boston staff and their families celebrated fellowship and friendship during our 2025 Employee Appreciation event and throughout the year.
A Fulfilling Workplace Culture
The power of the Y is in our people! By cultivating an inclusive, supportive workplace, we helped staff grow through meaningful work and strong relationships with colleagues and community members.
PLACES
Facility Equity and Stewardship
Charlestown to Charles River, Reading to Roxbury, Waltham to Wang to Lake Winnipesaukee
We are putting community at the heart of our facilities by updating our infrastructure with an eye toward the future. From accessible and inclusive spaces to environmental stewardship, we’re investing in the next century of Greater Boston’s evolving needs.
Learn more about our facilities investment plan.
✦ All Centers have been equipped with new ADA-compliant pool lifts, ensuring safe and independent access to aquatic facilities for individuals with disabilities.
✦ The Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation fully renovated the Huntington Avenue YMCA basketball court and created a brand-new kids court.
✦ In partnership with the Boston Celtics and New Balance, the Roxbury YMCA basketball court was renovated to serve the community for generations to come.
✦ The new Community Room at the Thomas M. Menino YMCA, made possible through the generous support of Holly McGrath and the Highland Partners Charitable Fund, serves as a multigenerational hub for connection, learning and growth.
In 2025 we continued our commitment to facility improvements by continuing to update our spaces and provide enhancements that will allow our YMCAs to meet the needs of the future.
The Wang YMCA of Chinatown Gets a New Gym Thanks to NBA Cares and the Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum joined us to unveil our newly refurbished basketball court and renovated afterschool space at the Wang YMCA of Chinatown, courtesy of NBA Cares and the YMCA of the USA.
2025 Financial Report
2025 Financial Support
In partnership with so many, the Y strengthens communities. Lasting personal and social change is achieved by making a collective investment of time, passion and resources.
We are grateful to our generous supporters for championing the work of the Y in their communities.
Over 90% of Our Expenses Directly Support Our Programs and Services
The YMCA of Greater Boston was ranked among the largest Massachusetts nonprofits with the lowest overhead costs by the Boston Business Journal. We are proud that, once again, over 90% of our expenses directly supported our programs and services, which continue to impact the lives of thousands of children, individuals, and families across Greater Boston.
See the pie chart for a breakdown of our 2025 programmatic expenses.
Social Responsibility