The YMCA was founded in London, England in 1844 by George Williams and some friends. Their goal was to help young men like themselves find God. The first members were evangelical Protestants who prayed and studied the Bible as an alternative to vice.

The first U.S. YMCA was started in Boston in 1851 by Thomas Sullivan, a retired sea captain and lay missionary. YMCAs spread rapidly across America, opening their doors to boys and men of all ages. Some YMCAs were started to serve specific groups such as railroad and factory workers, as well as African Americans, Native Americans and recent immigrants. After World War II, women and girls were admitted. Today, half of all YMCA members are female, and half are under age 18.

Here in Darke County, the YMCA was founded in 1965. It was originally located at 212 E. Main Street in Greenville. In 1971, the Greenville facility located at 301 Wagner Avenue was opened. Renovations have been made over the years, including the addition of the Dorothy Coppock Hole Child Care Center in 1992 and the GTI Youth Gym in 1994. In 1998, the YMCA of Darke County opened a facility in Versailles.

Church Community
The YMCA's Pastoral Advisory Committee includes pastors and church leaders that help guide YMCA staff in keeping Christian principles at the forefront of all its programming. The YMCA of Darke County also  plays a role in helping people find a church to call home. Darke County Church Directory Link

Family Financial Assistance
Financial assistance is available to help low-income families, with children, belong to the YMCA so that the entire family can benefit from YMCA programs and learn to lead healthy lives regardless of circumstances. Click here for the scholarship assistance form.

Special Needs
Special people have special needs and the YMCA is a good place for those in need to develop physically and socially, and learn to lead healthy lives. Groups such as Wayne Industries, Special Olympics, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Michael's Home are able to enjoy the YMCA of Darke County every year.

Child Care
The Child Care Centers in Greenville and Versailles service nearly 150 children from Darke County. From as young as six weeks old through fourth grade, the YMCA provides full-time day care in a setting that is safe, secure and offers children a warm and loving environment in which to grow. With help from the United Way, the YMCA is able to provide families in need with quality child care that is close to home. We have part-time care available for children in the Infant Room through Day Care II.

Local Schools
The YMCA facilities are used by youth athletics throughout the county, such as baseball clinics, and tennis and swim teams. The YMCA also welcomes classes, grades and entire schools for field trips or student rewards. It's a great treat for the schools and a great way share the YMCA values with kids.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Center
Adults who have had a heart attack, surgery or heart disease and are under a physician's care are referred to the YMCA for phases 3 and 4 of cardiac rehabilitation. Our trained fitness counselor works one-on-one with patients on computerized monitored fitness equipment to help them return to a healthy -- if not healthier -- lifestyle.

Citizen Fingerprinting
The YMCA of Darke County provides the county's only civilian fingerprinting service. The YMCA coordinated with the Darke County Sheriff's Department to assume responsibility for all of Darke County's civilian fingerprinting needs. By offering this service, the YMCA has helped the Sheriff's Department increase its efficiency and security in operation as well as providing a convenient service to the community.

"At the YMCA, all paths lead to our core values – caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.  These values are never compromised, never substituted."

John 17:21 – This is our Christian creed. The YMCA is for everyone and John 17:21 states, all of them may be one.