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CHARITY REVIEW
Issued: February 2025 Expires: February 2027

YMCA of Greater Houston

Accredited Charity
Accredited Charity

Meets Standards

Accreditation seal

Standards For Charity Accountability

Governance

  1. Board Oversight
  2. Board Size
  3. Board Meetings
  4. Board Compensation
  5. Conflict of Interest

Measuring Effectiveness

  1. Effectiveness Policy
  2. Effectiveness Report

Finances

  1. Program Expenses
  2. Fundraising Expenses
  3. Accumulating Funds
  4. Audit Report
  5. Detailed Expense Breakdown
  6. Accurate Expense Reporting
  7. Budget Plan

Fundraising & Info

  1. Truthful Materials
  2. Annual Report
  3. Website Disclosures
  4. Donor Privacy
  5. Cause Marketing Disclosures
  6. Complaints

YMCA of Greater Houston meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

Stated Purpose:
To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.  The YMCA is a community service organization dedicated to developing strong kids, strong families, and strong communities and developing enduring moral values among children, youth, and families.

Year, State Incorporated:
1889, TX

Also Known As:
Alief YMCA South Montgomery County YMCA Edgar A. Smith YMCA Smith, Edgar A. YMCA of Greater Houston - Weekley Family YMCA Ley, Wendell D. YMCA Wendell D. Ley YMCA YMCA YMCA-North Harris Co YMCA Cypress Creek YMCA of Greater Houston Fort Bend Family YMCA Houston-Pearland Conroe Family YMCA (Childcare) YMCA - Lake Houston YMCA - Katy YMCA International Service Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA Brenda & John Duncan Family YMCA YMCA East Montgomery County Perry Family YMCA

For more than 135 years, the YMCA of Greater Houston has created inclusive communities to ensure that everyone has equal opportunity. The YMCA of Greater Houston is committed to building strong communities by providing resources for families to live their fullest and healthiest lives. As a result of YMCA Membership and Programs elevating the degree of connectedness, belonging and achievement experienced by its residents of the Greater Houston region, a community transformation will occur resulting in empowered youth, healthier families and more inclusive communities.

The YMCA of Greater Houston is the 4th largest YMCA in the country with an expansive 10,000 square mile service area that spans 11 counties. During 2023, The YMCA of Gretar Houston operated 21 Membership Centers, 1 Overnight Camp, 4 Adaptive sites, 42 Outreach sites, and 238 After-school and early care sites resulting in 380,648 people served through membership and programs while also awarding $28.9MM in financial assistance.

Membership, 175,000+ Members
At the YMCA, membership is one way that we strengthen the bonds of community. Membership at the Y is more than buildings and programs. It provides opportunity for everyone in our community to achieve, connect and belong. At the Y membership means more than fitness. It means you are part of the transformative work we do in the community to strengthen families, empower youth and support inclusive communities.

Empowered Youth
Teens, 63,000+ of people served at the Y are ages 10 though 19
Through Y Teen L.I.F.E. (Leadership, Inspiration, Fellowship, Education), the YMCA remains committed to engaging youth ages 12 through 18 with opportunities engineered to help them realize what they’re capable of achieving. Whether through cultivating leadership, encouraging a culture of service, helping them with college prep or ensuring they’re equipped with workforce skills, the YMCA helps ensure all teens receive an equitable opportunity to learn, thrive and affect change in their community.

Youth Sports, 14,800+ youth
The YMCA of Greater Houston empowers youth by providing programming designed to better prepare youth for their futures with skills, confidence and social awareness. Whether it's through flag football, soccer, baseball and more, our youth sports programs provide a fun, positive experience for kids and their families while encouraging fundamental skill development, teamwork and sportsmanship. The YMCA of Greater Houston offers a variety of youth sports where our sports staff, coaches and volunteers all share a singular vision of helping all youth reach their full potential in life. Our sports programs are for all, helping to build confidence and positive relationships that lead to good sportsmanship and teamwork.
YMCA Camp Cullen, 8,000 youth and adult campers

In an effort to provide fun, structure and educational opportunities for children outside of school, the YMCA Camp Cullen experience is an opportunity for young campers to gain independence, build self-worth and create lifelong friendships. Camp Cullen serves children with emotional and adaptive needs, encourages peer engagement and develops leadership skills through summer camps and weekend retreats.

Before and After School Care, 8,000+ youth through 194 Out of School Time Sites

Out of School Time programs are more than a place to go as these after-school hours shape children for the rest of their lives. These high-quality, interest-based activities support development and help to develop confidence, strong character and opportunities to discover interests.

Early Care, 44 sites
Starting at the infant level, youth in the YMCA’s Early Care programs are introduced to daily instruction that focuses on routines and experiences. As a first-step in the path to educational progression, early care activities are designed to meet the growth and developmental needs of each child with a whole-child approach.
Youth Enrichment

Creative play is more than just fun and games. Our centers offer arts and education classes for youth and teens including dance, theater, visual arts, home school programs and more.

Day Camp, 5,000 campers

YMCA Summer Day Camp offers a safe and healthy atmosphere where youth can enjoy their summer break. Special emphasis is placed on youth choice, achievement and a sense of belonging, with exciting themed weeks, sports, games, new friends and adventure. Other activities may include creative and performing arts, archery, engineering and nature exploration. At the Y, your kids will leave ordinary at the door and prepare to learn and grow with positive role models encouraging campers to take on new challenges.
All of our camps include a mix of indoor and outdoor activities in a group setting at YMCA locations across the Houston area. Campers are sure to discover unexpected fun! Activities may include art, STEAM activities, theatre, sports and outdoor games, literacy, group games and big events. Your child is sure to make their mark this summer at the YMCA.

Healthier Families

Safety Around Water, 3,800+ participants
The YMCA's Safety Around Water program aims to eliminate drowning by promoting awareness and education through basic swim skills through community partnerships, such as apartments, school districts and other organizations.

Aquatics Programs, 13,000+ participants
No matter the age, swimming is a vital skill. Whether ensuring people know how to survive in emergency situations or in offering an alternative form of exercise, the YMCA of Greater Houston’s aquatics programs have a profound impact on the Greater Houston Community.

Health and Wellness, 4.17MM fitness facility visits
Through virtual exercises classes on YMCA 360, small class and specialty class offerings, nationally certified personal trainers and family group exercise, Home School and Martial Arts programs, The YMCA of Greater Houston offers a variety of programs for all ages to provide everyone in the community an opportunity to achieve, connect and belong.

Inclusive Communities
The YMCA is committed to meeting community needs, filling gaps and helping all people to learn, grow and thrive. Communities are stronger when we all have the opportunity to succeed. We strive to serve all segments of society, build bridges between communities, and advance inclusion. In communities across the Greater Houston area, we mobilize local efforts to bring about lasting and meaningful impact.
International Services, 54,000+ individuals served
YMCA International Services restore hope and well-being through client-centered assistance including services to refugees, survivors of human trafficking and other vulnerable newcomers. Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the United States and YMCA International Services aids with advanced economic independence, social integration and civic participation.

Adaptive Programs for Youth and Adults with Disabilities, 540+ participants
As an all inclusive organization, the YMCA of Greater Houston strives to provide opportunities for all throughout all of its programming. In the Greater Houston area, there are more than 430,000 households that have someone living with a disability. Our organization aims to serve these families through adaptive programs and services, ensuring both disabled youth and adults enjoy ample opportunities to learn, grow and thrive in safe, fun atmospheres.

ForeverWell, 40,000+ participants

The YMCA offers a variety of opportunities for adults age 55 and better to prevent isolation, stay active, engaged and connected with others.
Physical Benefits: Adults 55 and older are at a higher risk for falls. Regular physical activity builds both muscle and bone strength, increases metabolism, improves balance and mobility, reduces the risk of heart disease and improves overall heart health.
Mental Health Benefits: Participating in regular physical activity can also lead to improved mental health and cognitive function.
Social Benefits: Maintaining strong social connections is important for older adults. Our group exercise classes and social and learning opportunities provide a great opportunity to meet new friends and to build connections.

Outreach Programs, 6,400+ participants served, 2,800+ served at Area Food Pantries
The YMCA of Greater Houston is dedicated to building healthier families, connected communities and empowered youth in areas where resources are limited. YMCA Outreach teams actively meet community members where they are, working with them to identify needs, and deliver high-quality programming, such as out of school enrichment, senior wellness and other supportive services. Y on the Fly, a Mobile Makerspace, brings STEM, coding and robotics to families unable to access Y facilities. Through this program, we aim to empower today’s children to solve tomorrow’s problems.


For the year ended December 31, 2023, YMCA of Greater Houston's program expenses were:

Program Activities - Social responsibility $86,904
Program Activities - Youth development $69,841
Program Activities - Healthy living $41,867
Total Program Expenses $198,612

Chief Executive
Steve Ives, President and CEO

Chair of the Board
Mr. Lee A. Lahourcade, Board President

Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation

Board Size
45

Paid Staff Size
5616

% of Related Contributions on Fundraising: 2.05%

This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.

The following information is based on YMCA of Greater Houston's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Source of Funds
Financial support from member YMCAs $84,153
Donations in-kind and contributed services $54,719
Contributions $35,970
Government grants $9,330
Program and service revenue $8,433
Allocation of investment earnings for current operations $3,410
World Service campaign $3,118
Royalties and other revenue $1,768
Income from third-party truts $1,407
Total Income $202,308

Programs: 93% Fundraising: 1% Administrative: 6%

Total Income $202,308
Total expenses: $212,813
  Program expenses $198,612
  Fundraising expenses $2,115
  Administrative expenses $12,086
  Other expenses $0
Income in Excess of Expenses $-10,505
Beginning Net Assets $151,918
Other Changes In Net Assets $16,577
Ending Net Assets $157,990
Total Liabilities $48,144
Total Assets $206,134

An organization may change its practices at any time without notice. A copy of this report has been shared with the organization prior to publication. It is not intended to recommend or deprecate, and is furnished solely to assist you in exercising your own judgment. If the report is about a charity and states the charity meets or does not meet the Standards for Charity Accountability, it reflects the results of an evaluation of information and materials provided voluntarily by the charity. The name Better Business Bureau is a registered service mark of the International Association of Better Business Bureaus.

This report is not to be used for fundraising or promotional purposes.

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Report completed by:
BBB of Greater Houston and South Texas