Old Colony YMCA

Founded in 1887, Old Colony Y is one of the oldest YMCA’s in the United States, the second largest YMCA association in Massachusetts, and one of the top 20 YMCA’s in the country.  Committed to the development of strong spirit, mind, and body, Old Colony Y remains responsive to community needs and is fully committed to strengthening the foundations of the communities we serve by teaching, exhibiting, and reinforcing positive and healthy character traits such as caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. With a total operating budget of $71,785,260, Old Colony Y serves communities throughout Southeastern Massachusetts from seven traditional branches and from program sites stretching as far west as Pittsfield, as far north as Lowell and to as far southeast as Hyannis on the Cape.

Belief Statement – We believe that our mission is to assist all people to develop to their fullest potential and to respond to ever-changing community needs with a focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

A sampling of our most recent accomplishments:

• We are celebrating our 132^ndP year of serving the community, continuing our history of helping those who need our services the most.
• In December 2019, we received a three-year accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for our social service programs.
• OCY Mental Health Clinic operations serviced 366 individuals in FY 2019 with over 40 clinicians that speak multiple languages and offer specialized therapy.
• Our summer education and leadership program served over 220 scholarships to local schools and 211 youth participated in academic achievement gap programs.
• Our childcare programs served over 3,300 youth and 61% of those families received financial aid.
• OCY Mentoring services and leadership programs were provided to 382 youth. Through traditional one-to-one matching, Old Colony Y Mentoring provides guidance and support to children ages 9-17, living in Brockton and 28 surrounding communities. Current mentoring programs include: traditional community based one-to-one mentoring, group and site-based mentoring, and monthly "While on Waitlist" activities for youth waiting for mentors.
• OCY camps served 2,720 youth and 55% of those received financial assistance.
• OCY children and families enjoyed more than 17,416 program sessions in FY 2019.
• Our commitment to safety around water programming was strengthened as a result of the 6,437 swimming lessons offered in FY 2019.
• Inclusive programs for all were delivered to youth and families with disabilities through 275 sessions our of Y-Ability fitness, swimming, music and drumming programs.
• Our Family Services programs served 724 children and families experiencing homelessness.
• In July 2019, we were selected as a premier YMCA for Opportunity Youth and highlighted at the YMCA General Assembly and national conference in California.
• In October 2019, we opened a full-serve Family Resource Center in partnership with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) that serves the Taunton and Attleboro communities.
• In March 2020, we were selected by Governor Baker’s office and the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) to provide emergency child care programming to first responders, healthcare workers, and other essential personnel during the ongoing COVID-19 shutdown.

Services provided by the Old Colony YMCA include health and fitness programs, nutrition counseling, competitive sports programs, swimming instruction, youth asset building activities, leadership and character development training, childcare, after-school programs, tutoring, mentoring, kid zone, vacation camp, and comprehensive summer camping programs. Our 45 childcare sites across our 31-town service area provide services to all age groups, including infant/toddler/pre-school care, kindergarten programs, and comprehensive after school care. 

Social service programs include detention, treatment facilities, and services for court-involved youth and adults, funded primarily by state and municipal contracted agencies. We also provide support and treatment to adolescents and families through:

• transition to independent living programs and group homes
• community development and outreach programs including street outreach services and services for gang-involved youth
• workforce development and employability skills
• licensed mental health clinic offering individual and group counseling and substance abuse treatment services
• family stabilization and advocacy services for adolescents
• mentoring services
• leadership programs for youth
• housing and wraparound services for families experiencing homelessness through the Family Life Center, David Jon Louison Center and Bolton Place Family Center.
• YouthBuild programs located in Brockton and Fall River

Old Colony YMCA is committed to working collaboratively with businesses, public and private human service agencies, and coalitions that share the goal of strengthening children and families. Through the strengths of the Y’s longstanding history, hundreds of strong community partnerships, dedicated and visionary board of directors, 1,950 member staff, and dedication to effective, outcome driven programming, the Y has the resources needed to provide effective services that strengthen and stabilize youth, their families, and the community in which they live.