YMCA of the Shoals

Specialties

The YMCA of the Shoals offers a complete lineup of activities and programs for the whole family. Members have many options including our Wellness Center, Aquatics Center, Youth Sports, Active Older Adult programming, Child Care, Youth Fitness offerings, Group Exercise classes in the water and on land, Personal Training, Reformer Training and a host of other activities! The Shoals community may benefit from our CPR classes, health seminars and workshops, massage therapy, Scale Back Alabama weigh-​in, SPLASH Swim Lessons and a myriad of other services. Check out our pages and come see for yourself!

History

Established in 1844.

In 1844, George Williams, along with about a dozen of his friends, founded the first Young Men’s Christian Association in London, England. They saw a need for young men to find God. The Y was and has always been non-​sectarian: it accepts people of all faiths.

The first YMCA in the US started in 1851 in Boston, Massachusetts. Today, we are the largest not-​for-​profit community service organization in America. Each Y is a charitable not-​for-​profit, qualifying under Section 501 © (3) of the United States Tax Code. Although each Y is recognized as a Member Association of the Young Men’s Christian Association of the United States, each is independent.