Y Retirement, a much-valued partner of YMCA Alumni, was created more than a decade before Social Security, at a time when private pensions were rare. More than 17,000 people are receiving a lifetime annuity today. 

The mission: To partner with YMCAs to help those who serve others build a foundation for financial security in retirement. The vision: Generations of YMCA employees approach the future with anticipation and confidence.

The International Service Corps (ISC), a program initiative of YMCA Alumni, provides short-term opportunities for YMCA Alumni members to use their expertise and critical skills to benefit YMCAs in foreign countries. Types of services may include teaching English language skills, teaching basketball, swimming, or other sports, helping to develop staff and volunteer leadership skills, collaboration, long-term planning, and much more. Current opportunities to serve include Ys in the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Macedonia, Uruguay, and Mexico.

YMCA Alumni’s initial National Service Project (NSP) celebrated the completion of Morning Star Village, four tiny homes to serve families led by single women on the Cheyenne Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. More than 200 members, family, and friends built the homes, with members raising over a million dollars to fund the effort. 

The celebration and ribbon-cutting were held Sept. 21, 2005, and were livestreamed for all members and friends to watch. The second phase of the NSP is building a “twig” (small YMCA branch) in the outlying community of La Plant. It is expected to be built and completed in 2026. 

Lou Falk of the New England Chapter is project chair, while George Painter of the McBurney-Morse Chapter is construction manager.

The F. William Stahl Award – our most prestigious honor – is presented in Bill's memory by YMCA Alumni. The award is given in recognition of Bill's dedication and commitment to the YMCA, the YMCA profession, and the art of written communications. 

The 2025 Stahl Award was presented to Nancy Reese of the Weatherford Chapter on the YMCA Alumni Reunion cruise by Len Wilson, past recipient and member of the YMCA Hall of Fame. 

Click the button below to see those honored in the past.

WFYR, as it is known, is a group of YMCA retirees who are members of local in countries across the globe. YMCA Alumni is a proud member of the organization. Members meet in person locally and periodically internationally via Zoom video. 

A WFYR conference is held every four years in conjunction with the World YMCA Council meeting. The next session will be held in July 2026 in Toronto, Canada. Current WYFR President is Kohei Yamada. 

Click the button below to read the latest edition of BRIDGES, WFYR’s official publication.

EAF has been here for us for more than a century. YMCA Actives and YMCA Alumni have given generously each year. EAF is a partner of YMCA Alumni, offering a significant benefit for our members. 

You may contribute online by clicking the button below. Or, mail a check to: Emergency Assistance Fund - Y USA, 101 N. Wacker Drive. 16th Fl., Chicago, IL 60606 using the form accessed by the button below for "Mail-In" donations.

YMCA Alumni EAF Chair is Bob Warnock