Our History
For more than a century, many men and women of great foresight, imagination and dedication have led the YMCA of Greater Whittier. Our Y is poised to continue to meet the needs of Whittier and the surrounding communities in the 21st century.
Our Story: Over a Century of Strengthening Community
A Legacy Built on Purpose
The YMCA of Greater Whittier began its journey in April 1914, when our first secretary was appointed with an operating budget of just $2,861.50 and an office above a hardware store. From these humble beginnings, the Whittier Y was officially incorporated on July 21, 1915 — marking the start of a mission-driven legacy that continues today.
Our Homes Through the Years
- 1914–1916: Early meetings were held in the Whittier National Bank Building.
- 1918–1923: The Y convened at the Knights of Pythias Club.
- 1923: An old barn — formerly the Whittier College gym — was dismantled, moved, and rebuilt on Washington Avenue. This “barn” served as YMCA headquarters for 24 years.
- 1948: A brand-new YMCA opened at Hadley & Milton, reflecting a growing community and growing needs.
- 1964: The East Whittier YMCA opened in a refurbished firehouse on Colima Road.
- 1970: A new East Whittier YMCA facility was completed on Starbuck Street.
- 1987–1993: After the Whittier Earthquake, the community boldly chose to rebuild. A new Uptown facility opened on Hadley Street in 1993.
Today, our Hadley Street and Starbuck Street locations proudly house our two family centers and the majority of our programs.
Growing Programs, Growing Impact
For generations, the YMCA of Greater Whittier has been a place where children, teens, adults, and families come together to learn, grow, and thrive.
- Swim Instruction: Our first swim programs took place at the Whittier College pool — beginning a tradition of teaching life-saving water skills that continues today.
- Youth Leadership: The popular Hi-Y program held activities at Friends Church, nurturing leadership and service among local teens.
- Camping & Outdoor Adventures:
- YMCA camping started in the Big Tujunga area and later moved to Barton Flats in 1920.
- In 1925, YMCA Camp Arbolado was established in the beautiful San Gorgonio Wilderness, where it still proudly serves as our home for residential camp programs.
Part of a National Movement
The YMCA is the largest nonprofit community service organization in the United States, with over 2,600 YMCAs serving 20.2 million people in 10,000 communities. Nearly every household in America is within a short distance of a Y — proof of the movement’s reach and relevance.
While YMCA stands for Young Men’s Christian Association, the Y has always welcomed people of all ages, backgrounds, faiths, abilities, and incomes. Founded more than 150 years ago by George Williams as a safe alternative for young men in industrial London, the YMCA quickly became known for breaking barriers and bringing communities together.
This legacy of inclusion continues today. With our financial assistance policies, no one is ever turned away due to an inability to pay.
Our Leadership
The YMCA of Greater Whittier is strengthened by dedicated volunteers and staff who share a passion for serving our community. Our association and branch boards of directors, along with our leadership team, work side-by-side to ensure that the Y remains a vital resource for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Together, we continue to build a stronger, healthier, more connected Whittier area — one person, one family, one story at a time.
