Our History
The YMCA was founded in 1844 in London, when George Williams at a time of despair and poverty. The first meeting with 12 of George’s peers was held with a clear goal to support each other and others in body, mind, and spirit. In just 10 years, the movement had spread to countries across the world including Western European nations, Australia, New Zealand and India. In 1855 delegates from across the world met in Paris to form a centralised international committee, forming the basis for governing the World YMCA today.
In 1850, just six years after the founding of the YMCA in London, Adelaide became the first YMCA formed outside of Europe. The organisation became a place for learning, recreation and moral support. Over the years, YMCA South Australia adapted to meet the changing needs of the community, including providing comfort and support to soldiers in both World Wars, training and education for the community, recreational facilities and services, camping, and children’s programs. Over the years the YMCA has extended to locations across regional and metropolitan South Australia serving communities across the state. Throughout all this time there has been one thing that has remained constant, the mission to strengthen people in body, mind and spirit.