The Young Men’s Christian Association of Wooster had its humble beginning in the mid 1930's. The citizens of Wooster saw the need for a community organization that provided programming that built strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. The YMCA of Wooster was officially organized in 1939 with L.C. Boles its first President and C.M. Angle as the Executive Secretary.



Initial office space on Liberty Street soon yielded to the larger space of a residence on Market Street and, in 1958, to the present site on Woodland Avenue. October of 1994 found the YMCA managing the new 50-meter Ellen Shapiro Natatorium at Wooster High School. The facility is owned by the Wooster City School System, but managed by the YMCA.



On March 1, 1999, in collaboration with Citizens for Drug Free Youth, the YMCA of Wooster opened the Wooster Community Youth Center/a.k.a. The Spot! for the youngsters of Wayne County. Through the generosity of the congregation of the Wooster United Methodist Church, the Youth Center had its first home. With tremendous growth within the first few weeks a larger facility was needed. An agreement was established with the Wooster City Schools to renovate facilities at the bottom of Cornerstone Elementary School in lieu of rent for the new home of the Wooster Community Youth Center.



In 2001, the Gerstenslager Company and the YMCA opened a corporate Fitness Facility for Gerstenslager Employees called The Fitness Zone. Also in 2001, the YMCA leased property on Route 585 for their ever growing gymnastics programs.



In 2002, the YMCA collaborating with the College of Wooster started a Wellness Program for the College, with YMCA staff having an office on the college campus, and working with more than 200 employees in health and wellness programs.



Finally, in 2003 the YMCA was asked by LuK Incorporated to help design and manage their new LuK Launchpad Child Care Center. The facility opened with just 19 children and now has more than 63 enrolled.



The YMCA of Wooster, now 66 years old, has become a seasoned citizen in the Wayne County Social Service Community. Collaborating in programs to better serve the citizens of Wooster and Wayne County with: Wooster City Schools, United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties, Children’s and Family First Council, Wayne County Children’s Services, Steps at Liberty Center, College of Wooster, OARDC/ATI, Salvation Army, Human Resources of Wayne County, Cleveland Clinic Wooster, Wooster Community Hospital, Wooster Parks and Recreation Department, and many other agencies.