OUR MISSION

The Westport Weston Family YMCA is a cause-driven organization that strives to be a welcoming and supportive environment for all. Our purpose is to strengthen the foundations of the community through our actions and programs. We believe that to bring about meaningful change in individuals and communities, we must be focused and accountable. At the YMCA, we measure the success of our cause by how well we engage communities in our three areas of focus:

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT | Nurturing the potential of every child and teen, by teaching our kids to be safe and confident through swim lessons, camp, school-age child care and sports & recreational programs.

HEALTHY LIVING | Improving the health & well-being of all who live and work in our community. Providing evidence-based healthy living programs, such as Livestrong At the YMCA and Parkinson’s Body & Mind through partnerships with Westport Weston Health District, YMCA of USA, Norwalk Hospital, the Riverbrook Regional YMCA, and Central Connecticut Coast YMCA.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY | Giving back and supporting our neighbors and community. Extending free memberships to patrons of various service organizations such as Gillespie Center, Homes with Hope, Westport Human Services, Weston Social Services & Project Return along with families of active-duty servicemen and women. Offering pool space to groups that have limited access to water instruction through our relationship with Greens Farms Academy and the Camp Horizons program.

OUR HISTORY

The Westport Weston Family YMCA has been an enduring presence in Westport for over a century, serving as the nexus of community life since 1923 by nurturing the potential of its youth, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility in all. The values represented by the Family YMCA today – Caring, Respect, Responsibility and Honesty – are those espoused by Edward T. Bedford, Westport businessman and philanthropist, when he founded the Family YMCA.

THE BEFORD FAMILY LEGACY

Westport Weston YMCA original building on Main Street in Westport CT. Doors opened in 1923

OUR COMMUNITY

The Westport Weston Family YMCA is a community service agency dedicated to addressing community needs through quality programs and special events. We provide volunteer opportunities that enrich families and develop youth, build self-esteem and encourage leadership. Our Y provides space and resources to many community groups and hosts a number of community-wide events that are open to all, including Family Fall Festival, Touch-A-Truck and the Indoor Triathlon. For the past 40 years, we have proudly hosted weekly swim, gym and activities for individuals with special needs served by Our Vision.

We aim to have a facility that offers a variety of programs that promote the well-being of our community and beyond. Swim lessons and water safety programs, competitive swimming, school-age child care, adaptive sports, group & community wellness, summer camps, gymnastics, adult sports & rec, community events, are just some of the offerings available.

The Westport Weston Family YMCA greatly values the safety of our members and our children and the trust that their caregivers have in us. Our staff and volunteers work hard to create an environment where our members feel welcome and safe and where our youth members can thrive and safely participate in learning, growing and playing. Below are some of the many measures we follow to create a culture of safety and prevention:

All staff are given background checks prior to working at the YMCA.
We follow the rule of 3 to ensure no adult is ever alone with one child.
Every staff member within the YMCA is trained to prevent abuse as well as to recognize, respond and report abuse. Every staff member in the YMCA is a mandated reporter.
Our staff are not allowed to babysit or transport children they meet at the YMCA, outside of YMCA or its programs.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL

Wether you here as a member, visitor, employee or volunteer, the Y is for everyone. Our programs, services and initiatives enable kids to realize their potential, prepare teens for college, offer ways for families to have fun together, empower people to be healthier in spirit, mind and body, prepare people for employment, welcome and embrace newcomers and help foster a nationwide service ethic. And that’s just the beginning.