Mission, Values, Impact - Greater Burlington YMCA

For a Better Us

We are an inclusive, nonprofit organization joined together by a shared commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility. Strengthening community is our cause.

Together we work to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, income, race, sex, or sexual orientation has the opportunity to reach their full potential. We value an environment that fosters dignity, respect, fairness, and appreciation for all aspects and dimensions of diversity.

As a nonprofit, we rely on the support of donors to meet our mission goals. Please donate today.

Our Core Values

The Y Core Values represent the shared beliefs and essential principles that guide our behavior, interactions with each other, and decision-making. YMCA Staff, Members, and Visitors are expected to abide by our Code of Conduct that reflects these values.

Caring

Show a sincere concern for others.

Honesty

Be truthful in what you say and do.

Respect

Treat others as you would like to be treated.

Responsibility

Be accountable for your promises and actions.

Impact in Action

There are many ways one can try to capture what happens at the Y each day, none of which quite seems complete. Yet, each fact, each message shared by a member or child care family, each glimpse into a life impacted, tells a story.

A child nurtured in a Y early child care program today becomes a confident, caring, and connected community member. A student-teacher mentored at the Y through our Lab School partnership with UVM is a future role model. A child who took a water safety class or swim lesson will enjoy, not fear, Vermont’s beautiful lakes, river, and streams. A member who has found a fitness routine today sets themselves up for a more active, vibrant, and connected life.

The skills that my children are developing now are going to serve them for the rest of their lives — important things like empathy, sharing, self-awareness, independence, teamwork, and resiliency (and so much more of course). I’m grateful that I have child care I can trust.

– Y Child Care Parent

I am a widowed mom of a kindergartener and a caregiver for an individual with disabilities who lives with us. [I]t has been challenging to find things we can do together in accessible spaces. When we toured the Y I found a place that was designed with accessibility in mind. All the staff have been kind, helpful, and inclusive. This space and all of you gave our family something we’d been needing for a long time. We are so grateful.

– Y Member

You make it possible

Of course, we wouldn’t be able to do any of this without financial support from our generous donors and community partners. Click on the Stronger Together newsletters, or watch the videos below, to see how your generosity helps so many to learn, grow, and thrive—today and tomorrow.

Top 10 Photos of 2024

Fun at Kids Fest

At Kids Fest, it’s all smiles as this little one gets helmet-ready for action! With her serious game face on, a friendly helper makes sure her helmet fits just right, prepping her for fun and safety. It’s a day full of activities, laughter, and healthy vibes—because who said safety can’t be fun?

Y Partnership with Share Winter

Thanks to an awesome partnership between the Y and the Share Winter Foundation, these two young skiers are gearing up for a day of snowy adventure. With smiles, goggles, and ski poles at the ready, they’re part of a program that’s getting over 48,000 kids across the country on snow each winter, learning to ski and snowboard. Together, the Y and Share Winter are creating unforgettable mountain experiences and giving young people the chance to shred the slopes like pros!

Strength and Smiles on the Wellness Floor

This Y member proves that fitness has no age limit as he enjoys a workout on the overhead press machine, with a smile and plenty of energy to spare. Age is just a number when you’re committed to staying active and healthy!

Family Pool Party

These little swimmers are having the time of their lives during family swim, jumping, kicking, and playing with pool noodles. Fun, laughter, and water adventures for everyone!

Creative Minds at Work

Kids in a Y afterschool program are turning simple boxes into extraordinary creations, all while building problem-solving and STEM skills. The possibilities are endless when imagination leads the way!

Making a Splash at Camp Splash

A young swimmer learns life-saving water safety skills, building confidence while having fun in the pool. Whether they’re beginners or already comfortable in the water, every child gets the chance to learn essential skills that will last a lifetime!

Spooky, Cute, and Full of Fun

Our Early Childhood Program Halloween Parade brought out the most creative costumes—from little firefighters to a box of mac and cheese! These tiny trick-or-treaters had a blast showing off their outfits. Who can resist this parade of pint-sized cuteness?

Celebrating Staff at the Y

Check out these proud Y team members sporting their exclusive t-shirts, a special thank you for participating in our Staff Giving Campaign! Through their daily work, Y staff make a meaningful difference in our community. By donating to support the Y’s mission, staff went above and beyond and earned this stylish tee as a thank you. What a great way to show team spirit!

Black Youth in Action (BYA) is Back at It

This awesome group of young people comes together regularly to volunteer in their community. From sprucing up gardens to tackling other community projects, they’re always ready to roll up their sleeves and make a positive impact. This time, they brought their A-game to the Y garden, but who knows what they’ll conquer next?

Summer at Camp Abnaki

This past summer, campers enjoyed an unforgettable time by the lake. Under the watchful eye of a lifeguard, a group of excited kids jumped into the water with big smiles, giving enthusiastic thumbs-ups as they embrace the fun of camp.

The Y’s community partner: