History

137 YEARS IN SIOUXLAND!

Celebrating 15 Years in our current location!

Established in 1886, the Sioux City YMCA operated in a former church until its first facility was built on the corner of 7th and Pierce Streets in downtown Sioux City, Iowa in 1892 for less than $50,000. 

In 1956, the Y moved to a brand new facility at 722 Nebraska Street following a successful capital campaign that raised more than $700,000. It replaced the outdated building two blocks away and included a separate entrance for boys and men and two floors of overnight residences. 

The Nebraska Street facility was home to the Siouxland Y for more than 50 years, but as the facility aged and the community needs changed, the now Norm Waitt Sr. YMCA broke ground on a new facility just across the Missouri River in Scenic Park, South Sioux City, Nebraska. The new 62,000 square foot, $11 million dollar facility opened in January 2008. 

With more than a century of serving the Siouxland community, the Y has impacted thousands and thousands of lives, inspiring members and participants to achieve greater well-being through healthier and more active lifestyles. Today, Y's around the world serve more than 20 million youth, families, and individuals, providing opportunities for Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.

ORGANIZATIONAL ROOTS

The YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association) began in Great Britain in 1844 in response to the needs of young men seeking refuge from the streets of London during the Industrial Revolution. The Y reached the United States in 1851, and since then, it has grown into a global non-profit organization (in 199 nations!) focused on helping people of all backgrounds reach their potential. 

The Y is responsible for the inventions of: 

• Basketball (1891 Massachusetts)
• Volleyball (1895, originally called Mintonette)
• Summer Camp (1885 in New York)
• Group Swimming Lessons & Water Safety Classes (1909 in Michigan) 
• Racquetball 
• "Bodybuilding" (Modern fitness workouts in 1856) 
• Night School (1900)