About Two Rivers YMCA
Mission: The Two Rivers YMCA is a family-oriented organization
committed to providing spiritual, mental
and physical development and leadership opportunities consistent with Christian values for members and constituents through excellence in programs, services
and facilities.
YMCA programs instill the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
The Two Rivers YMCA is a charitable community service organization that includes men, women and children of all ages, abilities, incomes, races and religions. We are dedicated to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities by putting Christian principles into practice through programs that promote healthy lifestyles, strong values, leadership development, community interaction and international understanding. All persons are welcome at our YMCA, regardless of their ability to pay. The Two Rivers YMCA is founded and led by volunteers from our community; volunteers also serve as coaches, mentors, fundraisers and more.
The Two Rivers YMCA builds strong kids through outreach programs that teach leadership skills, provide service learning opportunities and build assets in youth with limited opportunities. All YMCA programs, including youth sports, teach the core values of honesty, respect, responsibility and caring. Membership scholarships are available to ensure that no one is denied membership or program participation due to an inability to pay. The Two Rivers YMCA provides a unique opportunity for youth of varied social, cultural and economic backgrounds to interact with and learn from one another.
We build strong families by providing a safe environment for all ages to have fun and grow in spirit, mind and body. Families come to the YMCA to play basketball, swim, exercise, enjoy the game room or to participate in free family events underwritten by our sponsors. The older population is served not only through specifically designed classes, but through activities that provide for fellowship and relationship building. The YMCA is truly a place to find a sense of community and belonging.
The Two Rivers YMCA builds strong communities through partnership with other agencies to improve the quality of life in the Quad Cities. In light of the rising obesity rates in this country, our YMCA participates in the Activate America initiative and engages in a variety of events and activities designed to help the community develop habits and relationships that lead to more active lifestyles.
The Two Rivers YMCA was founded in 1885 as the Moline YMCA. The YMCA has a long, successful history of making a difference, both locally and internationally.
Early History:
1844 The Young Men’s Christian Association was founded in London, England.
1851 Sea Captain Thomas Sullivan formed the first YMCA in the United States to “improve the spiritual and mental condition of young men.”
1885 The first YMCA in Moline was organized February 10, 1885. Rooms were opened to provide programs on the second floor of the Deere Building in the 1600 block of Third Avenue.
1890 First Moline YMCA built next to rented rooms on Third Avenue.
1901 Reading Room and Social Room opened in the McKinley Building located at Fourth Avenue and Fifteenth Street.
1903 $5,000 raised to purchase Warr Hall in the 400 block of Sixteenth Street.
1910 Largest fund raising campaign in Moline history raised $145,000 on a goal of $125,000 to build new facility on corner of Fifth Avenue and Eighteenth Street.
1925 Successful campaign raised $35,000 for debt reduction and repairs.
1959 Forty acres (Hillcrest) purchased for outdoor activities.
Recent History:
1960 East Moline Branch opened at 910 15th Avenue, East Moline.
1967 Board of Directors formally adopted “Family” YMCA concept.
1971 Successful $1.6 million campaign built new YMCA on 53rd Street, Moline. Moline and East Moline facilities consolidated.
1975 Hillcrest sold to consolidate YMCA camping at Camp Abe Lincoln.
1981 Successful $1.5 million campaign to expand YMCA facilities and services.
1984 Energy Management System installed.
1985 Nautilus Center added to present building.
1989 Child Care program introduced.
2010 Quad City Rowing Association merged into Two Rivers YMCA.