Garrettsville Family YMCA

👔 Did you know Father’s Day started at the Y?

The very first Father’s Day celebration took place at the Spokane YMCA in 1910, inspired by Sonora Smart Dodd to honor her father, who raised six children on his own. More than 100 years later, we’re still celebrating the dads, grandfathers, mentors, and father figures who help shape stronger families and communities. 💙

Happy Father’s Day from all of us at the Y!

Today, we honor freedom, resilience, and the continued pursuit of equity as we celebrate Juneteenth.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865 — the day the last enslaved African Americans in the United States learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It is a day to reflect, celebrate Black history and culture, and recommit to building stronger, more inclusive communities for all.

At the Y, we believe in creating spaces where everyone belongs. ❤️🖤💚

🎉 THANK YOU, Cleveland! 🎉

We’re honored to be voted “Best Place for Family Fitness” in the 2026 NEO Parent Choice Awards! 💙

Thank you to everyone who voted for the YMCA of Greater Cleveland and to the families who make our Y community so special every day. From family swim nights and youth programs to group exercise and wellness opportunities for all ages, we’re proud to be a place where families grow stronger together.

This recognition belongs to YOU! Our members, staff, volunteers, and community... thank you for choosing the Y to support your family’s health, wellness, and connection.

Unplugged summer fun starts at the Y! ☀️

School may be out, but the adventure is just beginning. At YMCA Summer Camp, kids can trade screen time for swim time, outdoor adventures, friendships, games, creative activities, and memories that last all summer long.

Camps are starting, but there’s still time to join the fun this summer! Register today at clevelandymca.org/camps 💙

☀️ Take on summer your way at the Y! Whether you're building strength, finding your routine, or prioritizing wellness, your membership comes with more than a workout. From fitness classes and pools to supportive spaces for every age and stage, the Y is here to help you make this your strongest summer yet.

Join today and discover all the benefits waiting for you: clevelandymca.org/join

Today, the YMCA of Greater Cleveland Board of Directors welcomed new Board Chair Justin Binns and recognized the outstanding leadership of outgoing Chair LaRese Purnell.

LaRese's service as board chair helped guide our YMCA through both challenges and opportunities, leaving our organization stronger and better positioned for the future. As we celebrated his contributions, LaRese reflected on his own YMCA journey, sharing that he was once a "Y kid" who found positive role models, safe spaces and life-changing opportunities through the YMCA. He remarked that the YMCA was one of the organizations that helped save his life and shaped many of the decisions he made during his formative years.

Today, his story has come full circle. From a young person impacted by the Y to the leader of our Board of Directors, LaRese's journey is a powerful reminder of the lasting difference the YMCA can make in a person's life.

Thank you, LaRese, for your leadership, your passion and your continued commitment to strengthening our community. 💜

Why the Y? Because kids thrive when they have space to learn, play, and grow. 💙
With youth programs, Child Watch, and supportive staff, the YMCA of Greater Cleveland gives families peace of mind while children build confidence, friendships, and lifelong skills. It’s a place where kids can just be kids—and grow into their best selves.

Join the Y this May and invest in their future: https://bit.ly/490Rycf

Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. 🇺🇸
As we gather with family and friends this Memorial Day, we reflect with gratitude on their sacrifice and dedication.