Meet Our Leadership Team > Strategic Plan > Annual Report > Diversity & Inclusion > Join the Y > Give to the Y > Frequently Asked Questions >
Who We Are
We are an organization like no other. The YMCA is the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by empowering young people, improving the health and well-being of people of all ages and inspiring action in and across communities.
Our Purpose Defines Us
We strengthen communities by connecting people to their potential, purpose and each other. In 10,000 communities across the country, we have the presence and partnerships not only to promise but to deliver positive change.
Our Mission and Our Values
The Y is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Guided by our core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, the Y is dedicated to giving people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity.
For Youth Development
Nurturing the potential of every child to meet their full potential.
For Healthy Living
Improving individual and community well-being.
For Social Responsibility
Giving back and Providing support to our neighbors.
I am passionate about the good work of the Y and proud of what we do each and every day. I invite you to join us as we strengthen the foundations of our community.
Nat Auten
CEO of the YMCA of Catawba Valley
To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy mind, body and spirit for all.
The Y is a values-based, character building, nonprofit, membership organization that plays a vital role in contributing to the community. Our values of respect, responsibility, honesty and caring are in everything we do. We plan our high-quality programs around essential elements to help kids grow up caring and responsible. Our staff is caring, competent and experienced.
The Y is a diverse organization of men, women and children joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility.
Our membership is 25,000 strong, and spread across our five facility locations. While our programs and facilities are always based on the unique needs and interests of our communities, every Y has one thing in common: our people. The volunteers, staff, members and donors of the Y are all united by a deep commitment to strengthening our communities. Join us -- we could use someone like you.
In 1969, when the YMCA was celebrating 125 years of service, the Catawba County YMCA was chartered in Conover. In 1994, to mark the establishment of the Hickory Foundation YMCA and to reflect its regional emphasis, the name was changed to the YMCA of Catawba Valley. The YMCA of Catawba Valley is locally autonomous and is a volunteer organization dedicated to meeting the needs of its own community.
From the early days in the old Conover School, to the present time, our commitment to the YMCA mission has never wavered. Today, perpetuating the vision of the founders of the Catawba County YMCA, we seek to build "everybody's Y" - a 21st century organization to serve as many people and as many needs as possible.
The YMCA of Catawba Valley makes a significant contribution to the quality of life in Burke, Catawba, and Lincoln counties, helping to maintain our vision of communities built on strong principles and Christian values.
We have helped our community grow by having:
- 154 children receive full-day childcare
- 2,500 youth participate annually in youth sports
- 450 youth attend summer day camps
- 1,500 children participate in swimming lessons
- 500 students attend after school care
- 2,300 citizens receive hospital/YMCA health screenings