ABOUT THE Y We are governed by volunteers Our governing boards lead policy-making, raise funds to ensure the Y is accessible ... to all members of the community, advocate for the Y’s efforts to influence policies and initiatives that positively and impact our community. VOLUNTEER BOARD OF DIRECTORS LEADERSHIP STAFF We turn no one away due to inability to pay Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Thanks to support from individual contributions and the United Way of Lake County, we can help offset the cost of membership and program fees for those in need. We have a rich history around the world and at home The YMCA was founded in London, England, in 1844 by George Williams and some friends who lived and worked as clerks in a drapery, a forerunner of dry goods and department stores. 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. To learn more visit www.ymca.net. The Lake County Y December 29, 1866 when a handful of men met for a prayer meeting in a basement room of the First Baptist church on the corner of Washington and Liberty Streets in downtown Painesville. They decided to found a men’s Christian service organization. Today, the Lake County Y engages one out of every five households across the county. We are part of the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to helping people and communities to learn, grow and thrive. We believe by nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the community's health and well-being, and supporting and serving our neighbors, the Y ensures that everyone has the opportunity to become healthier, more confident, connected and secure. We're more than a gym; people do more than visit . . . they belong Parents find a safe, positive environment for children to learn good values, social read more