Gateway Region YMCA

You see someone on a treadmill, and we see a cancer survivor getting their life back.

At the Y, we believe health is more than fitness—it’s about helping people thrive at every stage of life. From increasing physical activity to supporting mental well-being and better nutrition, we offer programs that meet people where they are and help them build healthier habits that last.

THE NEED BY THE NUMBERS: 

- Research for the St. Louis Region has shown that life expectancy can vary up to 18 years,  based on communities less than 10 miles apart.

- 6 in 10 adults in the U.S. live with a chronic disease. Chronic disease is the leading cause of death and disability in the United States.

- 1 in 4 cancer survivors report a decreased quality of life due to physical problems. 

COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELL-BEING AT THE GATEWAY REGION YMCA

Each year, we’re reaching thousands of individuals and families with life-changing programs that fight chronic disease, reduce stress, and promote long-term wellness, while investing more than $589,000 to ensure more people can live their best lives. Supporting and meeting people where they are helps to support each journey. Our Y provides evidence-based programs that support people in changing their lifestyles, fighting chronic diseases, managing stress levels, and adopting fitness and nutrition behaviors. When you support the Y, you help individuals who need access to these programs have the ability to participate at zero cost. 

OUR IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS: 

- 150 individuals participated in a 12-month, group-based program to encourage behavioral change to reduce their risk for diabetes.

- 62 individuals participated in an evidence-based program combining blood pressure self-monitoring, nutrition education seminars, and personalized support.

- 167 survivors participated in a free 12-week wellness program for adult cancer survivors. 

- 202 individuals with Parkinson's disease participated in regular exercise to help extend mobility and quality of life. 

Learn More About Our Programs

While membership dollars support the day-to-day operations of the YMCA, gifts to the YMCA make it possible to provide vital programs that improve the health of our community. With your support, a parent can find the resources to better manage a chronic illness, and a cancer survivor can rebuild strength and confidence. Every gift matters!

THE IMPACT YOUR GIFT CAN MAKE: 

$3,600 funds 1 year of Exercise for Parkinson's programming at a branch. 

$2,500 allows up to 20 cancer survivors to participate in LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA for 6 months at a branch

$1,800 funds 6 months of Exercise for Parkinson’s programming at a branch

$1,000 provides 12 months of YMCA Membership to a family of in our community that could not otherwise afford a membership.

$650 allows one adult at risk of developing diabetes to participate in YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program.

Thanks to you, the journey to wellness doesn’t have to be walked alone.