We know that when we work together, we move individuals, families and communities forward.
Since 1844, the Y has responded to society’s most pressing needs by developing innovative, community-based solutions and uniting people from all walks of life to participate in and work for positive social change.
Whether providing job training to a newly single parent, advocating for affordable, healthy food options for under-served communities, or helping newcomers transition well into their new neighborhoods, the Y is committed to giving all people the tools and support to live healthy, connected and secure lives.
Special Olympics
Delight in the wonders of exercise and good times with your friends and peers at the YMCA in our wide variety of sports and social activities through our Special Olympics and Adaptive Programming. We embrace everyone of every ability in our programs, which have been developed with people’s special needs in mind so that more can participate in the good times. Some of our exercise programming includes Core Fitness classes, bowling, floor hockey, and Sole Training, all fun and fabulous ways to improve and maintain health and fitness. Special Olympians also unite under the banner of friendship at our YMCA, the home of the Five Valleys Area Special Olympics Program. Coaches and other participants carouse in multiple activities, and flourish with bosom buddies and associates. Investigate all the joy and jollity you can have in our Special Olympics programming! Learn more about Special Olympics offerings.
Annual Campaign—volunteers and donors
Our Y has undertaken the commitment that no one is turned away due to inability to pay. In order to fulfill this promise, we campaign each year in order to raise funds for our Financial Assistance Programs. Volunteers are trained, coached, and appreciated during this important effort to help low-income families be able to partake in all the good times at the Y. It is amazing to see the way that the funds that are raised are used for the good of the community and the good people in it. Volunteers campaign to raise funds to put kids through swim lessons, sports leagues, summer camps, music lessons, and more. Donors that give these funds are blessed with the knowledge that they gave those less fortunate the means to better their lives and their children’s lives by being able to participate in healthy programs and activities. This truly inspiring campaign warms the heart and brightens the soul with its mission of compassion and caring for all, and fulfills our focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Learn more about Ways to Give.
Sierra Leone
Aspiring as always to fulfill our core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility here at the Missoula YMCA, we also set our sights on building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. This includes our global community as well as our local community. We are all part of a community of humans here on this earth, and that means we need to let our values shine through locally as well as globally.
Our global reach expands across the ocean to Sierra Leone, where we have formed an official partnership with Sierra Leone YMCA. Since being in cahoots with the Sierra Leone YMCA in 2004, the Missoula community has donated $56,000 to support our Sierra Leone community. Civil war and government corruption has blighted and weakened this country for years. The YMCA in this foreign land focuses on teaching vocational skills to the youth and adults. They provide a safe place for the young to crack the books and learn job skills in order to become self sufficient, both as individuals and as a nation. Our Missoula Y is proud to partner with Sierra Leone to build strong kids, families, and communities across the world.
Riverbank Run
Join together with your community for in the largest footrace in Missoula! Funds from this race help empower families with access to the facilities, help disadvantaged children experience the Y, and strengthen the community with YMCA principles. From its modest commencement, with less than 300 participants, to today, with thousands, this flat and fun course will be sure to amaze the bottoms of your feet and intrigue the whole family. This joyous occasion is top ranking with Runner’s World magazine and a gratifying recreation for the stomping grounds of Missoula. Sign up for a one mile fun run, 5K, 10K, or run them all in the trifecta! Learn more about the Riverbank Run.
Volunteer coaches
Whip up frenzy in all kinds of athletes as a volunteer coach! Volunteer coaches are an integral part of sports programming, and lead athletes into glory in sports leagues or Special Olympics. Donating your time and spirit with the Y community brightens both your life and the lives of those you’re helping. Cruise on by and fill out a quick volunteer application, and let the games begin! Learn more about Volunteer Opportunities.