Volunteer founded and volunteer led, the YMCA was established in London, England, in 1844 by George Williams, a draper's shop assistant, to give young men an alternative to life on the streets.

In 1851, Thomas Sullivan, a retired sea captain and lay missionary, started the first U.S. YMCA in Boston. From there, YMCAs spread rapidly across America. Some 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 to full membership and participation.

Sixteen years later, in 1867, the YMCA was formed in San Jose. At the time, San Jose was the county seat and center of the emerging fruit industry. Since then, the valley and the YMCA have grown and changed. The orchards have been replaced by high-tech facilities, and the YMCA of Santa Clara Valley has grown to six health and fitness facilities, one resident camp, and more than 50 child care locations.

The YMCA movement in America has become the largest not-for-profit community-based organization in the nation, serving 20 million Americans. The nation's more than 2,500 YMCAs unite men, women and children of all ages, faiths, backgrounds, abilities, and income levels. YMCAs are also at work abroad, serving more than 45 million people in more than 120 countries.