About Us
Established in 1854, The Granite YMCA is part of the worldwide non-profit Y organization. With branches in Manchester, Goffstown, Concord, Londonderry, Portsmouth, Somersworth, and Rochester and New Hampshire’s leading camping programs, we focus on youth development, healthy living, family strengthening, and social responsibility. The Granite YMCA is part of the state’s safety net in support of those less fortunate. In the midst of a nationwide pandemic in 2020, we provided financial aid and/or free services valued at over $1 million dollars to 5,144 individuals across NH. This outreach included: sliding scale fee structure for programs and services, free use of facilities to a broad range of non-profits, camp scholarships and reduced fee or free child care services.
Our Mission
The Granite YMCA creates a community where all are welcome and builds a healthy spirit, mind and body based on the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Our Values
Guided by our core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, the Y is dedicated to giving people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity.
Caring
Honesty
Respect
Responsibility
Diversity & Inclusion
The Y is committed to equity and inclusion, creating opportunities for all. As a cornerstone of the communities we serve, The Y:
- Strives to be diverse, multicultural, and to promote a culture free from bias and injustice
- Boldly models inclusive, anti-racist behaviors that embrace all people
- Positively connects, strengthens, and impacts all segments of our communities
Working together as one united community, we can make a world of difference.
Our Desired Impact
The communities we serve thrive because people face fewer obstacles to healthy living, have a powerful sense of belonging, and work together to create equity.
2,650 locations
The YMCA has 2,650 locations in over 10,000 communities across the country. The Granite YMCA is comprised of seven facility branches located in Manchester, Goffstown, Concord, Londonderry, Rochester, Somersworth, and Portsmouth and two overnight camps in Alton and Strafford.
11 million people
11 million people of all ages, incomes, backgrounds, and abilities come to the Y to learn, grow and thrive. The Granite YMCA serves over 30,000 individuals each year.
233,000 volunteers
More than 233,000 volunteers, including youth, parents, individuals, and community leaders are personally invested in strengthening their communities. The Granite YMCA has support of over 1,400 volunteers.
Our Areas of Focus
Youth Development
We believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for life. Because of the Y, more young people in neighborhoods around the nation are taking a greater interest in learning and making smarter life choices. At the Y, children and teens learn values and positive behaviors, and can explore their unique talents and interests, helping them realize their potential. That makes for confident kids today and contributing and engaged adults tomorrow.
Healthy Living
Being healthy means more than simply being physically active. It’s about maintaining a balanced spirit, mind and body. The Y is a place where you can work toward that balance by challenging yourself to learn a new skill or hobby, fostering connections with friends through our lifelong learning programs, or bringing your loved ones closer together through our many family-centered activities. At the Y, it’s not about the activity you choose as much as it is about the benefits of living healthier on the inside as well as the outside.
Social Responsibility
We know that when we work as one, we move people and communities forward. That’s why we are committed to providing support to our neighbors and opportunities for kids, adults and families to give, join in or advocate in the name of stronger communities.
Family Strengthening
Family strengthening at the Y provides opportunities for every family to build stronger bonds, achieve greater work/life balance, and become more engaged with their communities. As a unit, and as individuals, families have the opportunity to deepen relationships, develop new skills and interests, and improve health and well-being.
Financial Assistance
As a 501©3 non-profit, charitable organization, The Granite YMCA strives for our services to be affordable to the community. Our Flexible Membership Program helps provide access to those in need in the form of financial aid for Y memberships and programs according to household income.
Our Cause
At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. The Y is the unparalleled cause for strengthening community because we are the community. We’ve done it for more than 160 years already, and we’re determined to keep doing it. Every day, we work side by side with our neighbors to create the support and opportunities that empower people and communities to learn, grow and thrive. The Granite YMCA is, and always will be, dedicated to building healthy, confident, connected, and secure kids, adults, families, seniors, and communities.
