Greater Missoula Family Ymca
About Greater Missoula Family Ymca
At the Greater Missoula Family YMCA, the everyday stuff that helps a family get through the week is right at the center, child care, after-school care, summer camps, swim lessons, sports, and fitness classes. What makes it especially worth caring about is that those programs are paired with financial assistance and subsidies, so participation is not reserved for the families who can pay full price. In 2024 alone, that meant more than $1,247,082 in direct financial assistance and program subsidies, plus meals, camp days, swim lessons, and youth sports that reached thousands of people in Missoula.
This is a local YMCA with a very wide reach, from licensed early child care and school-age care to aquatics, youth sports, adult fitness, and programs for people with disabilities. It also puts real weight behind access, with Active 6 for Missoula County 6th graders, a Life Jacket Loaner Program, and long-standing financial assistance built into how the Y serves the community.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Early child care and preschool
Licensed child care for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years at the Learning Center and the Phyllis Washington Early Child Care Center, both accepting Best Beginnings scholarships.
School-age care and after-school
Before-school, after-school, and full-day care on no-school days for students in grades K-6.
Child Watch and YMCA Treehouse
Short-term drop-off child care for Y members and guests using the facility, for children ages 6 weeks to 11 years.
Camps
Summer day camps, school's out day camp, winter break camps, and other camp options that include activities, swimming, STEAM, and leadership experiences.
Swim lessons
Seasonal, group, private, and parent-tot swim lessons for children and adults.
Swim team
Competitive swim programming for swimmers ages 5 to 18.
Fitness classes
Group fitness classes including yoga, barre, cycling, BODYPUMP, Zumba, and other formats.
Health and wellness center
Access to cardio equipment, weight machines, free weights, functional training spaces, and wellness activities.
Adaptive programs
Healthy programs for adults ages 18+ with disabilities.
Personal training
Individual and group personal training options.
Water fitness and masters swimming
Instructor-led aquatic workouts and coached masters swim sessions for adults.
Youth sports and clinics
Youth soccer, basketball, volleyball, climbing, lacrosse, flag football, homeschool PE, rookie sports, and other seasonal sports clinics and programs.
Adult sports
Basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and masters swimming for adults.
Youth and family programs
Family Fun Time, Parents Night Out, teen programs, birthday parties, and rentals.
Active 6
Free YMCA membership and after-school activities for Missoula County 6th graders.
Life Jacket Loaner Program
Free loaner life jackets for infants, children, and adults.
Financial assistance
Sliding-scale assistance for memberships and programs, including subsidies that help people participate regardless of ability to pay.
Certifications
First aid, CPR, and lifeguard certification courses.
Virtual Y
Online group fitness classes included with Y membership.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
Who they serve
Families and individuals of all ages, abilities, incomes, races, and religions in Missoula, including children, teens, adults, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Their impact
- The organization serves nearly 15,000 individuals each year.
- In 2024, 530 youth were served in licensed childcare programming.
- In 2024, 883 youth attended summer camp programming.
- In 2024, 2,642 swim lessons were provided.
- In 2024, 2,673 youth developed leadership skills through youth sports programs.
- In 2024, more than 100,000 healthy meals and snacks were served.
- In 2024, more than $1,247,082 in direct financial assistance and program subsidies was provided.
- During the 2023-24 school year, 361 students signed up for Active 6 and made 1,653 visits to the Y.
How your donation helps
- Financial assistance for memberships and programs
- Program subsidies so no one is turned away because of inability to pay
- Youth programs
- Senior health programs
- Active 6
- Critical programs and activities that keep kids safe
- Community health programs
- Strong family programs
- Capital improvements to the Russell Street campus
- Child care expansion
Our story
The Greater Missoula Family YMCA began serving the greater Missoula community in 1967. Since then, it has grown into a community-based nonprofit focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility for people across Missoula.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Greater Missoula Family Ymca’s services.
Families can apply for financial assistance based on household size and income. Program assistance can be approved for up to six months, and membership assistance can be approved for up to one year. Best Beginnings scholarships are accepted at the Learning Center, Development Center, Y After School, and Camp Imagination, and questions can be directed to 406-721-9622 or financialassistance@ymcamissoula.org.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
"It's just such a friendly environment that I really enjoyed being a part of. I wanted other people to be able to enjoy it, too," Andrea says.
"For my wife and I, the Y is our social life," Mike says.
"The partnership between Washington Middle School and the Y has been really beneficial for our students," said Alec.
"The Y helps me feel good physically and that makes me feel young and vibrant, which makes me want to make music," Cindy says.
Events
Annual Support Campaign
annualA community-wide giving opportunity held January through March.
The Riverbank Run
annualA long-running YMCA run event.
Community Block Party & Grand Reopening
date-specificA community celebration and reopening event.
YMCA Community Celebration & Capital Campaign Kickoff
date-specificA community event tied to the capital campaign.
Summer Camps
seasonalSeasonal camp programming for children.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Greater Missoula Family Ymca has shared.
Current needs
- Volunteer campaigners for the Annual Support Campaign
- Youth basketball coaches
- Youth soccer coaches
- Support for financial assistance and program subsidies
- Support for the Here for Good capital campaign
Volunteer opportunities
- Active 6 volunteer
- Annual Support Campaign volunteer campaigner
- Youth basketball coach
- Youth soccer coach
- Coach youth sports leagues
- Lead 6th graders in healthy after-school activities
- Cheer runners across the Riverbank Run finish line
Partners & funders
In the news
Articles featuring Greater Missoula Family Ymca from the Love What You Fund newsroom.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
How does financial assistance work at the Missoula Y?
Financial assistance is based on household size and income. Program assistance can be approved for up to six months, and membership assistance can be approved for up to one year.
Which child care programs accept Best Beginnings scholarships?
Best Beginnings scholarships are accepted at the Learning Center, Development Center, Y After School, and Camp Imagination.
What is Child Watch?
Child Watch is short-term drop-off child care for Y members and guests while they use the facility. It serves children ages 6 weeks to 11 years.
Similar nonprofits
Other young mens or womens associations nonprofits in MT.