98 Years & Still Counting:

Celebrating the Santa Monica Family YMCA’s 98th Anniversary of Community-Centered Service

June 13th, 2025 marks the 98th anniversary of the Santa Monica Family YMCA! Over the last 98 years, our YMCA has had many iterations and innovations, but at the center of it all has been the community. Beginning at the first official meeting in the Santa Monica High School Cafeteria on June 13th, 1927, our Y’s foundation was laid to meet the community’s needs at every turn.

In minutes from one of the early meetings of the Santa Monica Family YMCA, the secretary A.N. Moody reported, “All in all, a feeling of friendship and faith that our city had a new movement underway seemed to prevail.”

In 98 years, our Y has served thousands upon thousands of children, families, individuals, and seniors through an ever-evolving menu of programs and services. From the Hi-Y clubs in local high schools and Toast Masters, programs on the beach and Camp Big Bear, to today’s Makers Space and Junior Lakers Youth Basketball League, the Santa Monica Family YMCA has aligned its programs to align with the community’s needs. Founded by a group of local, invested volunteers, our YMCA carries the spirit of community-driven leadership and volunteerism to this day. The work of The Y would not be possible without incredible volunteers who dedicate their time, treasure, and talent to ensure our organization is the best it can be. 

Looking back, we are proud of this incredible legacy of dedication, hard work, innovation, and above all else, service to the people of Santa Monica and Venice. Community has always been our cause, and we are eager to continue this proud legacy as we look toward a bright future!