The YMCA of El Paso was organized January 31, 1886 by a handful of young men who met at the First Baptist Church. It had no gymnasium, athletic facilities, nor summer camps. It was in a bare room on San Antonio Street and their activities consisted mostly of prayer meetings. They later moved to San Francisco Street and established quarters above a livery stable. Estimated property value then was $2,500.

The “Y” moved to Oregon and Missouri Streets in 1909 in a building that was valued 20 years later at $150,000. Many a leading citizens enjoyed the many varied programs in the old building and many youth members of the “Y” back then are El Paso’s community leaders today. Young and old alike enjoyed athletics, leaders clubs, Gra-Y, Co-ed Clubs, Y’s Men’s Club, Indian Guides, and many other programs.

In 1955, the “Y” started a Capital Fund Drive to build a two million-dollar facility. In 1957, the Central YMCA moved to the new facility at 701 Montana with a half million-dollar mortgage. The mortgage was paid off in 17 years. At the time, the Montana Street “Y” was one of the finest in the country. Since then it has undergone several renovations, including the renovation of the health enhancement area, women’s girls’ locker rooms, teen center. Soon the swimming pool and gymnasium will be renovated as well.

The Robert E. and Evelyn McKee Residence Tower, a low-income facility that originally was part of the Central Y, became a separate branch in 1994. One-hundred eleven (111) rooms are home to people of all ages. In addition, the Y provides food, social/recreational, religious and many other valuable services to people who live at the Y.

The Northeast Branch was chartered in December 22, 1959 serving the northeast part of the city. Many construction projects have occurred over the years, including the most recent expansion in 1997-98, which included the addition of a new gymnasium, community room, lounge, outdoor playground and basketball courts, and renovation and expansion of the childcare facilities and health enhancement center. Soon a new skate park will be added as well to go along with the swimming pool, gym, racquetball/handball courts, and large athletic field.

The East Valley Family Branch was chartered in April of 1968. The first building was the old pro shop at the now defunct Del Norte Country Club and moved to its present location in 1972. The first facilities consisted of an olympic size swimming pool, teaching pool, and recreation room. Subsequent expansions have provided for soccer fields, racquetball/handball court, tennis courts, kitchen and banquet facilities, child care center, health enhancement area, gymnasium. More recently, the Y renovated the boys and girls locker and shower rooms and the health enhancement facilities.

The Westside Family Branch was organized in October 1979 and was first housed in a storefront at 6404 N. Mesa and then moved to the second story of Thunderbird Bowling Lanes in April 1981. It moved to it present location, 7145 N. Mesa, in November 1, 1984. The facility was a private racquetball club, which has been converted and expanded to where today members enjoy health enhancement facilities, swimming pools, racquetball/handball courts, babysitting services, and tennis/roller hockey courts. In 1997-98, the Y added a new outdoor swimming pool, climbing wall, indoor playground and renovated the health enhancement areas.

Today, there are nearly 14,000 members of the YMCA of El Paso. In addition, the Y will serve another 10,000-15,000 annually through our sports, fitness, childcare, summer camps, leaders clubs, swimming and other character-development programs and activities. While the Y has been around for over 150 years, we are as young and responsive as ever.