Our Focus.
Welcome to the Y. We're an inclusive organization of men, women and children joined together by a shared commitment to strengthening community by upholding our core values of respect, responsibility, honesty and caring.
With a mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all, our impact is felt when an individual makes a healthy choice, when a mentor inspires a child and when a community comes together for the common good.
The Y is a cause-driven organization that is for youth development, for healthy living and for social responsibility. That’s because a strong community can only be achieved when we invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: Nurturing the potential of every child and teen
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: Improving the nation's health and well-being
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: Giving back and supporting our neighbors
The YMCA has been listening and responding to our community’s most critical social needs for over 100 years. Whether developing skills or emotional well-being through education and training, welcoming and connecting diverse demographic populations through global services, or preventing chronic disease and building healthier communities through collaborations with community partners, the Y fosters the care and respect all people need and deserve. The generosity of others is at the core of the Y’s existence as a nonprofit. It is only through the support of our hundreds of thousands of volunteers and public and private donors that we are able to support and give back to the communities we engage.
Our History.
The original Fond du Lac YMCA was built on First Street in 1904. The building included bowling alleys, meeting rooms, residence for men, and a gymnasium that was described as “the largest in the state outside the great armory in Madison.” The first renovation was completed in 1913 with the addition of a swimming pool, but the YMCA eventually outgrew this location and began construction on a new facility in 1963.
In 1964, the new YMCA opened its doors at 90 W. Second Street. Major additions and renovations took place in the late 1970’s and 1990’s, but over the years it became apparent that the building was tired and could not withstand another renovation. Through a collaborative effort between the Fond du Lac Family YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac, the vision of serving children and families in one location in downtown Fond du Lac became reality.
Demolition of the west side of the YMCA building began in 2009, and construction of the new community center was completed at the end of 2010. The central focus of this project was to provide a combined facility with more space for fitness, education and community services that will benefit the entire community. Much more than just a new building, this project brought to Fond du Lac a community center where families, children and individuals have the opportunity to gather and participate in safe, healthy activities.
In addition, the Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac occupies approximately 20,000 square feet of the newly constructed space, complete with a Teen Center offering recreational activities, homework help and tutoring, and enrichment programming. The Club entrance is off Second Street.
Public Policy
YMCAs were founded to serve the whole person: spirit, mind and body. The Fond du Lac Family YMCA provides much-needed programming and services that focus on the healthy lifestyles of individuals, families and children in the Fond du Lac area, regardless of income, age or ability.
The YMCA earns its 501(c)(3) tax exemption from the IRS based on several factors:
In the absence of a YMCA, the costs of its services would be borne by taxpayers through government-funded programs (which are often less effective and more costly);