Ymca at 150 A History of the Ymca of Greater New York 1852-2002

In 1852, a group of young men met in the neighborhood now known as SoHo and formed an association to help newcomers adapt to the bustling metropolis of New York. They formed the Young MenÆs Christian Association of New York. A year later, another YMCA took root across the East River in the sister city of Brooklyn. In150 years, the YMCA has grown from its initial evangelical orientation to serve New Yorkers of all faiths, races, and classes, men and women alike. Today, in its many branches and in many more programs in neighborhoods and schools, the YMCA offers everything from health and educational courses to employment programs, child care, and residential accommodations in all corners of the city. This richly illustrated book is not only the definitive history of New YorkÆs YMCA. It is also a larger story of social change and organizational response to waves of immigrants, to war and depression, to struggles for opportunity and for racial, gender, and civil rights. From the eve of the Civil War to the aftermath September 11, 2002, the YMCA has been an essential part of the cityÆs fabric. This book is the record of that achievement.Bayless, Pamela is the author of 'Ymca at 150 A History of the Ymca of Greater New York 1852-2002', published 2002 under ISBN 9780971785700 and ISBN 0971785708.