About the YMCA

Our Mission

The purpose of the YMCA of Greater Charleston is to improve the lives of all in the Greater Charleston area by connecting individuals, family, and communities with opportunities based on Christian Values that strengthen spirit, mind, and body.

Our History</h3

The Cannon Street YMCA of Charleston, South Carolina is national historic treasure, since it is the oldest, continuously operating YMCA developed for African-Americans. Established just after the Civil War in 1866 and the Emancipation Proclamation, The Cannon Street YMCA will celebrate its 147th Anniversary in 2013.

The Cannon Street YMCA is governed by a board of directors and has as its core mission to Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility for all members of the community.

The Cannon Street YMCA has impacted the lives of many famous Americans including Harvey Gantt, the 1st African American mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina and seated Congressman, James Clyburn. We are also the proud home of the famous Cannon Street YMCA Little League All-Stars of 1955.

The Cannon Street YMCA currently provides critical care services to a primarily low income demographic in the city of Charleston, South Carolina. It also provides health and wellness opportunities, literacy training, teen development programs, Senior Citizens services, Day Camp and Educational Training in the Charleston area. In conjunction with the Lowcountry Food Bank the Cannon Street YMCA feeds over 10,000 children each year.

Other collaborative partnerships include Boeing, sponsor of the 2013 Y Achievers program, Rotary Club of Charleston, the Medical University of South Carolina, the College of Charleston, South Carolina State Ports Authority, Roper St. Francis Hospital system and a variety of other supporters.

The Berkeley County Family YMCA is a non-profit human service agency serving the citizens of Berkeley County. The Berkeley County Family YMCA opened in 1994 and since then it has strived to provide low cost programs for families. The Berkeley County YMCA serves over 3,000 members and program participants in Berkeley County. This facility provides a variety of Health and Wellness services for infants to senior citizens. With the indoor swimming pool in Berkeley County, this YMCA provides educational lifeguard courses and training, senior citizens water aerobics, Learn to Swim programs for local elementary schools and a variety of other services which promote the health and wellness of the entire community.

In 2009, the Board of Directors of the Cannon Street YMCA and the Berkeley County YMCA considered the possibility of a merger between the two organizations as a means of furthering the financial stability of both organizations. In 2012 this merger became official under the charter of the Cannon Street YMCA and as a result formed the YMCA of Greater Charleston which now serves the Tri-County area of Berkeley, Dorchester, and Charleston counties.