World Service

The YMCA of Greater St. Louis began its international undertaking for world peace in 1953 when we joined YMCAs nationwide to raise funds to help rebuild YMCAs that had been destroyed during World War II. In 1964, St. Louis YMCA staff visited Bogotá, Colombia to help develop a YMCA camp. Since that time the Y has continued to provide financial support, board development, program skills and leadership training to YMCAs around the world.

Today, the YMCA of Greater St. Louis has four strategic international partnerships with YMCAs in Belize, Colombia, Ukraine and Chile/Brazil. Other international relationships extend beyond these four strategic partners in non-financial support, such as skill development and youth exchanges in response to global needs.

A United States YMCA coalition, which includes the St. Louis Y, continues to partner with the YMCA of South Africa, providing financial and technical support for that association’s work in after-school care, music and arts, sports and recreation, and in the juvenile justice system.

Annually, the Monsanto Family YMCA hosts an International Reception (Dinner and Raffle) to promote awareness and raise funds to continue the YMCA Mission of building strong kids, strong families and strong communities worldwide.

Well, it IS a small world after all, thanks to efforts by the YMCA of Greater St. Louis!