STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY SINCE 1890
For more than 136 years, the Old Town-Orono YMCA has been a cornerstone of the communities we serve. Generations have grown up at our Y, built relationships with friends and neighbors here, found a helping hand and someone to lean on when they needed it, and helped shape the Y we are today.
As our communities have changed, our Y has changed with them but our commitment has remained the same: creating safe places for kids to learn and grow, supporting families with the care and resources they need to thrive, helping people of all ages invest in their health and well-being, and bringing neighbors together to celebrate both our differences and our common bonds.
Today, we continue to honor this legacy by listening and responding to our communities’ needs while investing in a Y that will continue to serve, strengthen, and bring people together for generations to come.
OUR MISSION & OUR CAUSE
OUR MISSION: OUR REASON FOR BEING
To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
For us, for all means creating a Y where everyone is welcomed, valued, and supported because we believe our communities are strongest when everyone belongs. We work every day to reduce barriers and build genuine, meaningful connections so more of our neighbors can find opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.
OUR CAUSE: OUR MISSION IN ACTION
Strengthening the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
At the Y, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to understand what our communities need, respond as those needs change, invest in and look out for each other, and work together to build A Better Us.
OUR AREAS OF FOCUS
Empowering young people to reach their full potential.
We believe every child deserves to spend their days with people who believe in them, in safe and supportive places where they can learn, play, explore their interests, take on new challenges, and discover what they’re capable of. At the Y, kids and teens build confidence, develop skills and meaningful relationships, and grow as individuals, teammates, friends, leaders, and changemakers.
Improving individual and community well-being.
At the Y, healthy living means moving more in ways you love, building strength and confidence, challenging yourself to try something new, working toward personal goals, and spending time with people who inspire you and brighten your days. We believe people of all ages and abilities deserve opportunities to feel their best, build relationships and habits that help them thrive, and find what a healthy spirit, mind, and body feels like for them.
Providing support and inspiring action in our communities.
Strong communities are built by people who look out for each other and believe we all have something to contribute. When everyone finds a way to make a difference, we’re all stronger. At the Y, our members, volunteers, donors, and community partners come together to lend a hand, share their time and talents, step up when our community needs us, and make sure our neighbors have the support they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
GUIDED BY OUR CORE VALUES
CARING
Show a sincere concern for others.
RESPECT
Treat each other as we’d all like to be treated.
RESPONSIBILITY
Be accountable for your promises and actions.
HONESTY
Be truthful in what you say and do.
OUR MISSION IN ACTION
Extraordinary change happens when ordinary people come together. Every day, our members, staff, volunteers, community partners, friends, and neighbors give their time, talents, resources, and support to bring our mission to life. Together, in 2025 we able to provide:
- 30,000+ nutritious meals and snacks to help keep children and families fueled for success
- $75,000+ in Financial Assistance to ensure more of our neighbors have access to opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive
- 300+ free swim lessons to build life-saving skills, confidence, and a lifelong connection to the water
The YMCA is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Old Town – Orono YMCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. Tax ID: 51-0201156
