Central Coast YMCA

Our Story

The Central Coast YMCA is an association of five branches serving the Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties. Formed in 1989, the Central Coast YMCA began with the merger of two independent YMCAs; the Salinas Community YMCA (founded in 1921) and the Watsonville Family YMCA (founded in 1898). Originally a USO built in 1941, with the purpose of supporting American troops during World War II, the YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula joined the association in 1990. In 1998 the South County YMCA became the fourth branch in the association, extending our service area to the residents of south Monterey County. After a very successful Founder’s Campaign, the YMCA of San Benito County became the fifth and most recent addition to the association in 1999.

We are an independent, private, nonprofit corporation, governed by the laws of the State of California. Our policies are set by the Board of Directors, a group of local volunteers legally charged with the responsibility of managing the affairs of the organization. While we are a part of the YMCA of the USA, we are responsible for our own policies, programs, and budgets. The Central Coast YMCA has access to management assistance from the YMCA of the USA.

Our Impact

Today, the Central Coast YMCA employs 22 full-time employees, about 225 part-time employees, and 120 volunteers who impact approximately 40,000 people within Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties.

As a YMCA member, you are part of a worldwide movement, which is in over 120 countries dedicated to making this world a better place—one person at a time. YMCAs are at the heart of community life in over 2,800 neighborhoods and towns across our great nation. Collectively, YMCAs are the largest not-for-profit community service organization in America. The YMCA's strength is in the people they bring together. Y's are for people of all faiths, races, abilities, ages, and incomes.

What We Stand For

The Central Coast YMCA embraces the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility with a mission to strengthen community through programs that develop youth, support healthy living and foster social responsibility. Our vision is to expand our impact by helping more people gain the skills and support needed to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

Our Services

Our Gym Offers More Than Just a Workout!

Our Branch Memberships provide you with complete access to our Wellness Centers and group exercise classes. But that's not all – we have a range of fun activities for children too! With childcare services, summer camps, youth sports, art & humanities, tutoring, and dance programs, we provide everything needed for a healthy and happy family. Our gym also offers programs for adults and seniors, and we make sure to give back to our community through partnerships and community outreach.