Partners and Programs
Y Retirement
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 17,500 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.
International Service Corps (ISC)
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, coaching basketball, swimming, or other sports, helping to develop staff and volunteer leadership skills, facilitating collaboration, and long-term planning, among other activities. Current opportunities to serve include Ys in the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Macedonia, Uruguay, and Mexico.
National Service Project
The final phase of the YMCA Alumni National Service Project -- a prototype small Y branch, a "Twig," is being built by YMCA Alumni volunteer members, family, and friends in August and September 2026 from large shipping containers. The outlying site is in La Plant, SD, a small rural community in So. Dakota. It is expected to be fully complete by the end of 2026.
The first phase, completed in September 2025, consisted of four tiny homes adjacent to the YMCA of the Seven Council Fires headquarters in Dupree, SD, also built by volunteers. Those homes are now occupied by families led by single mothers. More than $1 million was raised to complete both phases.
The F. William Stahl Award
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 Reece 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.
World Federation of YMCA Retirees (WFYR)
The World Fellowship of YMCA Retirees (WFYR) is an organization composed of YMCA Retiree chapters worldwide.
The organization holds a conference every four years in conjunction with the World Council of the YMCA. The most recent world conference was held July 2026 in Toronto, Canada. The current WFYR Chair is Helene Weir.
Click the button below to read the latest edition of BRIDGES, WFYR’s official publication.
Emergency Assistance Fund (EAF)
The YMCA Emergency Assistance Fund has been helping active YMCA staff and YMCA Alumni for more than 100 years. 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. Please indicate your chapter on your check.
YMCA Alumni EAF Chair is Bob Warnock
Partners and Programs
Y Retirement
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 17,500 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.
International Service Corps (ISC)
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, coaching basketball, swimming, or other sports, helping to develop staff and volunteer leadership skills, facilitating collaboration, and long-term planning, among other activities. Current opportunities to serve include Ys in the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Macedonia, Uruguay, and Mexico.
National Service Project
The final phase of the YMCA Alumni National Service Project -- a prototype small Y branch, a "Twig," is being built by YMCA Alumni volunteer members, family, and friends in August and September 2026 from large shipping containers. The outlying site is in La Plant, SD, a small rural community in So. Dakota. It is expected to be fully complete by the end of 2026.
The first phase, completed in September 2025, consisted of four tiny homes adjacent to the YMCA of the Seven Council Fires headquarters in Dupree, SD, also built by volunteers. Those homes are now occupied by families led by single mothers. More than $1 million was raised to complete both phases.
The F. William Stahl Award
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 Reece 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.
World Federation of YMCA Retirees (WFYR)
The World Fellowship of YMCA Retirees (WFYR) is an organization composed of YMCA Retiree chapters worldwide.
The organization holds a conference every four years in conjunction with the World Council of the YMCA. The most recent world conference was held July 2026 in Toronto, Canada. The current WFYR Chair is Helene Weir.
Click the button below to read the latest edition of BRIDGES, WFYR’s official publication.
Emergency Assistance Fund (EAF)
The YMCA Emergency Assistance Fund has been helping active YMCA staff and YMCA Alumni for more than 100 years. 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. Please indicate your chapter on your check.
YMCA Alumni EAF Chair is Bob Warnock