Currently, we operate three facilities: our main branch and association headquarters, the YMCA OF MIDDLETOWN in Middletown NY, the South Orange Family YMCA , or SOFY, in Monroe NY, and The Center For Youth Programs in Middletown NY, home of our First Step Preschool, summer day camp in Middletown and other youth programs.
The YMCA is a community-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to putting Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Our YMCA began its service in 1882, and over the years, expanded to serve all of Orange County and Southern Sullivan County. Scroll down to read more about our history!
Thomas Olley, P.E., Board President
Kelly Dolson, Board Vice President
Dr. Randolph Katz, Board Assistant Vice President
Damiane Doyle, Board Treasurer
Mark Jacobs, Board Secretary
Jennifer Echevarria, Esq.
Stacey Evans
Michael J. Flynn
Tim Hluchan
Frank Lentino
Melissa Mineau
John Naumchik
Kevin Preston, Esq.
Chloe Schuyler
Kaytlin Simmons, Esq.
Dr. Kenneth Steier
Misael Ulanday
1882: YMCA OF MIDDLETOWN opens first site in a private home serving just male population with a religious emphasis.
1882: YMCA OF MIDDLETOWN is incorporated on March 6, 1882.
1900: The Y moves to Gothic Hall on North Street in Middletown.
1900: YMCAs across the nation introduce physical fitness, basketball, gym class, small business club.
1902: YMCA adds a track team.
1906: Women and young girls are admitted, with limitations.
• The Y continues to serve the community through programs that build a healthy “body, mind and spirit.”
• Camp Orange summer camp is opened in Scotchtown.
• 1st large Youth Conference for boys and girls held.
• Ladies Auxiliary the 1st leadership roles for women is established.
• The Y’s first preschool opens.
1931: The YMCA has a record 193 Members.
1933: First permanent home for the Y is at 62 West Main Street, bequeathed by Mrs. Sarah Bailey.
1945: The Clemson family donates the “Clemson Mansion” to the Y, bringing the Y to its home on Highland Avenue.
1950s: Physical activities, dances, socials and Community Leaders clubs flourish at the new YMCA.
1950s: The central purpose of the YMCA is the development of Christian Personality and a Christian Society.
1954: Ground broken in February for a new addition to Highland Ave location. Facility is dedicated in December.
1954: The addition adds a swimming pool, cafeteria, High-Y Clubs, dancing and a dormitory with 18 resident beds.
1972: In June of 1972, a preliminary proposal was submitted to raze Clemson Mansion and build an addition to the Middletown YMCA.
1974: The Building Campaign begins.
1976: Construction of new addition is complete.
1982: The YMCA OF MIDDLETOWN celebrates its 100 Year Anniversary.
1998: Addition and construction of a new Wellness Center, Administrative Offices, Welcome Center, and front façade.
2007: In September, Basement-level of new addition is built with an Exercise studio, Weight Room, and Base Camp.
2007: In November, YMCA of Sullivan County opens as a satellite Wellness Center in the Monticello High School.
2008: YMCA begins operating Town of Thompson Summer Day Camp.
2008: The Y launches Beat the Streets program targeting local Teens.
2009: Y beings operating ‘YMCA at Nana’s House’ daycare center in Rock Hill, NY.
2009: Camp Discovery opens in Harriman State Park.
2010: YMCA begins Family program push: creates family locker room, Family Fun Nights, new Youth Fitness Center.
2011: In February, The Y’s newest branch South Orange Family YMCA also known as SOFY, opens in Monroe, NY.
2011: The Y reinstates a Youth and Government program at Middletown High School.
2011: The Y presents the first “Red Triangle” award to Frank Schuerholz.
2012: In November, The Y acquires the Barracudas Swim Team from the Middletown Parks and Recreation Department.
2013: In February, the Liberty Street School Building is purchased from the City of Middletown and renovated by the Y.
2013: In May, the Y officially opens “The Center” for Youth Programs at Liberty Street.
2014: The Y expands its services management agreement with the YMCA of Greater Newburgh, now serving all of Orange County.
2014: The Y begins “Save the Last Lap” capital campaign to replace the aging pool.
2015: In May, YMCA OF MIDDLETOWN purchases Camp Robbins.
2015: In August, the Pool Campaign reaches $1.5 Million in pledges.
2015: In September, Grand Opening of The YMCA of Sullivan County branch in Rock Hill, NY.
2015: In December, The Y begins addition and construction of a new pool at the Highland Avenue location.
2016: In May, purchased building South Orange Family YMCA was leasing and began Capital Campaign to expand facility.
2016: In September, The YMCA OF MIDDLETOWN unveils the new Porto Family swimming pool.
2016: In December, the First YMCA Holiday Extravaganza takes place at the Paramount Theatre becoming a season tradition for the community.
2017: Grand opening of the Lyons Sports and Fitness Center, a new youth recreation area.
2017: The YMCA OF MIDDLETOWN receives Proclamation from the City of Middletown for 135 years of service throughout Orange and Southern Sullivan County.
2017: The Y kicks off the Adding More Pieces Capital Campaign to raise $600,000 for the expansion of the South Orange Family YMCA in Monroe, NY.
2018: Before & after school program, Club Kid, expands to Plattekill Elementary bringing us to 24 sites throughout Orange County.
2020: The Y breaks ground to expand the South Orange Family YMCA, to include a pool, gymnasium, turf area, an additional group exercise studio and locker rooms, as well as a multipurpose room.
The Covid-19 Pandemic causes a nationwide shut down of all schools and businesses, the Y laid off hundreds of employees. In April, The Y ran an emergency childcare program for essential employees of the local work force, and offered fitness tips, workouts, story time, art classes, and children’s music classes via social media and the website. In June, the Y hosts a drive-thru graduation for YMCA First Step Preschool and opens five of six summer camps and the swimming pool in Middletown under extremely strict covid-19 guidelines. The YMCA OF MIDDLETOWN hosts a Peaceful Gathering to bring the community together in support of the Black Lives Matter Movement and conducts the Middletown Clean Up Day event. In July, the Y begins offering outdoor fitness classes. In September, the Y offers remote learning program in Middletown, Monroe and Valley Central and is able to reopen the Middletown and Monroe branches for indoor activities following strict CDC/State and local health guidelines. In October, the Y hosts a Drive-Thru Trick-or-Treat event at SOFY, and a Halloween Ice Cream Drive-Thru event at the YMCA OF MIDDLETOWN.
2021: Ribbon cutting ceremony is held at South Orange Family YMCA for the new pool, gymnasium, turf area, additional group exercise studio and locker rooms, as well as a multipurpose room.
2022: Masks are no longer required indoors for individuals who are fully vaccinated. The Y returns to more normal pre-COVID operations.
