YMCA Statewide Advocacy Days: February 8 to 9, 2027, Albany
35 YMCA associations. All 62 counties.
Where policy meets people.
New York’s YMCAs care for children while parents work, teach kids to swim, feed families and help older adults stay strong. The Alliance brings them together to speak with one voice in Albany and to help every Y do more.
Looking for a membership, swim lessons or child care? Find your local YMCA.
From the 2025 Community Benefit Report
Every county. Every day.
890,636
YMCA members
35,035
licensed child care slots
1,418,658
meals for New Yorkers facing food insecurity
56,446
young people who took swim lessons
341
schools with Y before and after school programs
2,259
partner organizations
Source: Alliance of New York State YMCAs, 2025 Community Benefit Report.
What we build together
Three ways the Y strengthens New York
For youth development
Children learn, grow and stay safe
Ys are the largest provider of school age child care in New York, as stated in Alliance testimony to the Legislature. They work with 210 school districts so parents can work and kids keep learning.
- Before and after school care in 341 schools
- Free NY SWIMS lessons at 26 Ys in 2026
- Youth and Government® since 1936
For healthy living
People stay active at every age
Proven programs help New Yorkers prevent and manage chronic disease, including the National Diabetes Prevention Program.
- About 10,000 people in evidence-based health programs
- Walk With Ease, EnhanceFitness, blood pressure self-monitoring
- Find a health program near you
For social responsibility
Neighbors get what they need
25 associations served more than 1.4 million meals. Ys run food markets, teaching kitchens and community hubs where families need them most.
- Food, housing help and family support
- Mental health first aid for adults and teens
I am a…
Find what you need
For legislators and staff
- Recent results from state investment in New York’s Ys
- Our 2027 priorities and Advocacy Day, February 8 to 9
- Talk with Maggie Collins, Director of Public Policy
For funders and partners
- One partner that reaches all 62 counties
- Proven programs in child care, swim safety, healthy aging and food
- Talk with Kyle Stewart, Executive Director
For YMCA leaders
- Peer networks for youth development, aquatics, health, membership and HR
- Healthy living grants and child protection help
- Board resources and Board Connections
For families and neighbors
- Find your local Y
- Free NY SWIMS lessons for children up to age 12 at participating Ys. Ask your local Y.
- Youth and Government for middle and high school students
News from New York’s Ys
Stories from every region
Statewide
Free swim lessons at 26 Ys
In July 2026, 26 YMCAs joined the state’s NY SWIMS program to offer free learn to swim lessons for children up to age 12. Governor’s office, July 21, 2026.
Western NY
Buffalo reinvests in its neighborhoods
YMCA Buffalo Niagara’s $10 million plan adds senior space, food distribution, financial education and after school space, and Camp Swan is set to open in 2027. YMCA Buffalo Niagara.
Southern Tier
A stronger home in Johnson City
The West End Family YMCA received $1.4 million from the state’s NY BRICKS program for a new roof, heating and cooling, and outdoor space for all ages. WBNG, March 3, 2026.
North Country
A new pool for Plattsburgh
State funding of $4.5 million helps build a new $19 million Plattsburgh YMCA that will double swim lesson capacity. Mountain Lake PBS.
New York City
Free groceries where families live
YMCA of Greater New York runs free Y Community Markets at four Ys and a free Teaching Kitchen in the Northeast Bronx. YMCA of Greater New York, 2026 to 2028 plan.
Finger Lakes
More child care in Penfield
YMCA of Greater Rochester is building a $9.5 million child care center, supported by $1.9 million in state grants. WXXI, January 23, 2025.
Coming up
Statewide calendar
- Feb 8 to 9, 2027: YMCA Statewide Advocacy Days, Albany
- Mar 1 to 3, 2027: YMCA National Advocacy Days
- Apr 2 to 4, 2027: Youth and Government High School State Conference, Albany
- Nov 21 to 23, 2027: Middle School Youth and Government, Albany
For funders and partners
One partner, every county
Working with the Alliance reaches the YMCAs that serve all 62 counties at once. Talk with Kyle Stewart, Executive Director, about statewide partnerships.
