YMCA of Southern Arizona

The YMCA of Southern Arizona is dedicated to improving the quality of human life and helping all people realize their fullest potential through the development of SPIRIT, MIND and BODY.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME AT THE Y
We know that lasting personal and social change comes about when we all work together. That's why, at the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

THE YMCA OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA, AS A CAUSE-DRIVEN ORGANIZATION, STRIVES TO:
-empower youth through physical activity and educational programs
-provide individuals and families with tools and programs to build a strong spirit, mind and body
-look within our community to serve

By focusing on the specific areas of Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility, our goal is to make Tucson a healthier community while building strong partnerships with local and city organizations to provide the programs and services that empower, nurture and excite!

Testimonials

Viviana took uneasy steps towards the entrance of the Lohse Family YMCA when her mom and dad first dropped her off at Emergency Childcare. The six-year old little girl was lonesome for her parents who had to report to their jobs during the pandemic. Viviana is one of 546 children of essential workers who took part in the Y's Emergency Childcare Program.

At first Viviana kept to herself but thanks to her nurturing teachers and a spunky new friend she started to open up. Today you can find Viviana painting rocks and doing cartwheels at the YMCA of Southern Arizona's Summer Enrichment Camp. The future first grader's favorite things to do are yoga, gymnastics and riding scooters. This once "shy" girl is now the "go to" friend for making her fellow campers smile. While Viviana has participated in other camp programs, her mom told our staff the YMCA of Southern Arizona's Summer Learning Enrichment Camp is her daughter's absolute favorite because she is learning new things in a friendly, interactive environment
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Nura and her family began their long history with the Y in 1994 when she was seeking a safe place for her three children, Hanad, Amina and Hassan. At the time however, the family didn't have the resources to send them all to summer camp.
Thanks to the annual fundraising campaign, the Y was able to offer scholarships for all three!

The family stayed involved with the Y for many years. Nura joined the Lighthouse board in 2005 and began her volunteer service lasting more than a decade. The Y's impact on her children and family motivated Nura to help with the annual campaign, sharing her Y story, giving generously and asking others to do the same. She believed it was a great way to give back to the Y in return for the Y's help and support.

Nura's children have continued their involvement with the Y. Today, Hassan and his twin sister Amina both work for the Y and have had many life changing experiences. Everyone at the Lighthouse Y watched as Amina grew up. She enjoys working in and around the water so her job as a Lifeguard is perfect. Hassan said, "working as a counselor at the Triangle Y Camp helped me become a positive role model and build strong relationships with other kids, just like I had growing up." Nura sums it up, "The Y is a thread that binds the community together in a healing way through spirit, mind and body!"
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Jessie and her daughter have been YMCA members since 1983 when Jessie brought six-month-old Emily to 'Mommy and Me' classes. While her children were growing up, Jessie taught swim lessons at the Ott branch and the family connection deepened. Even today, they enjoy the water and use the Y pools. They
embrace the YMCA's family friendly atmosphere and appreciate the camaraderie and support of the staff. As Jessie put it, "I wouldn't be at a gym if it wasn't for the Y, because the Y is so much more!"

But Emily's story goes well beyond the pool. She is now a regular at the Lohse Family YMCA, and happily, shares her story about how the Y helped her lose over 100 pounds. According to Emily, "the YMCA has impacted many people over the years; it provides a non-intimidating and comfortable place to workout, and creates a sense of community for all who join."