YMCA
The YMCA, has long been known as the Young Men’s Christian Association, and is internationally known, with a worldwide movement of 45 million members.
Founded in London, England in 1844, by George Williams, the aim of the organization was to allow it’s members to put principles into practice, by attaining development in a healthy spirit, mind and body.
These days, the YMCA’s are open to all faith’s social class, ages or gender.
The organization, has even had a hit song written and performed about it, with the Village People releasing it in 1978, and gaining a Number One in the UK, and a Number Two in the US with the single.
The clubs around the USA have been dealing with some dramatic events of late, with the YMCA in Mountain Lakes, being hit by fire recently, the Downtown Albany closing, and a sexual assault rocking the Litchfield chapter, when a Torrington man was charged with raping a woman back in 2009.
The clubs which are normally a staple in ever big city, have had their ups and downs over the years, but have normally come out on top.
This could well be just a sign of the times, but hopefully the clubs will continue on in strength, as they have always been a great thing for anyone in need of a safe, inexpensive place to stay.