Puerto Rico Strong

The YMCAs of San Juan and Ponce were founded in 1913 and 1953 respectively, and today, they serve more than 6,000 members and program participants. The YMCAs of Puerto Rico are recognized for their strong youth development programs through sports, including basketball and swimming, and for their childcare programs.

 

Puerto Rico Strong

A Coalition of Mutual Support

In 2017, in response to the devastation created by Hurricane Maria, the Hispanic Latino Leadership Network launched a campaign in support of the two YMCAs that raised more than $700,000 and provided services to the community. Kids at a Puerto Rico YMCA

Based on this positive experience, the YMCAs of Ponce and San Juan, in partnership with HLLN, Y-USA and YMCAs from the mainland, launched the Puerto Rico Coalition of YMCAs in 2019. This network strives to strengthen the ties between the YMCAs on the island with our national YMCA movement, provide opportunities for staff and volunteers to learn from each other, and work together to advance global social equity. 

Support raised through the Puerto Rico Strong Campaign provides vital summer camp scholarships, staff training, and infrastructure repairs after hurricanes and earthquakes. Please consider supporting the work of the YMCAs of Ponce and San Juan through the YMCA World Service Campaign.

 

About The YMCAs of San Juan and Ponce, Puerto Rico

YMCA Puerto Rico staff with five preschool-age kids outsideThe YMCAs of San Juan and Ponce serve more than 5,000 people every year, with a focus on children and the elderly. Thanks to the Y, children and teens develop essential life skills through camp, sports, swim lessons and recreation. In addition, preschoolers thrive in the Y educational centers while their parents advance their education or work. Older adults access high-quality health and wellness programs while they develop relationships that also contribute to their wellness. 

Read more about YMCA World Service.

 

Coalition Members

  • Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA
  • Kentucky YMCA Youth Association
  • YMCA of Central Massachusetts
  • Yonkers Family YMCA
  • Greater Somerset County YMCA
  • YMCA of Greater Cincinnati
  • YMCA of Montclair
  • Central Connecticut Coast YMCA
  • YMCA of Central Florida
  • YMCA of the Triangle (Regional Hub)
  • YMCA Ponce
  • YMCA San Juan
  • Hispanic Latino Leadership Network (HLLN)
  • Y-USA/Puerto Rico Alliance