In 1890, a group of men from local churches in Sumter organized a YMCA, holding religious services in Armory Hall. By 1910, they purchased a lot at Liberty and Sumter Streets, and the first YMCA building was constructed in 1911. Key figures in this effort included Dr. S. H. Edmunds, H. L. Scarborough, and others. The YMCA was chartered in November 1912. For 49 years, the YMCA building hosted various activities like ping-pong, swimming, basketball, and boxing.
In the 1960s, the YMCA in Sumter needed a new facility due to the increase in participation and diverse community needs. It was in 1963 that the Board of Directors acquired 13 acres between Willow Drive and what is now Miller Road for the new building. The new YMCA opened on December 15, 1965, with 750 members. On October 6, 1966, it was renamed the “Sumter Family YMCA”. By June 1969, plans were made to add a gymnasium, running track, racquetball courts, and fitness centers. New York Yankees, Second basemen, Bobby Richardson and friend Mickey Mantle helped raise $300,000 for these expansions.
In February 1985, the Sumter Family YMCA launched the “New Horizon” campaign to raise $400,000 for paying off debt on the new additions and expanding the facility. By 1990, membership was exceeding 3,000 so the YMCA took action and planned the “Shaping the Future” Building Program, raising $1.5 million for new and renovated facilities including Aerobics center, expanded weight room, upgraded Men and Women’s Fitness Centers, expanded parking space, and administrative office spaces. In 1995, The Long Range Planning Committee recognized the need for youth-focused facilities, the YMCA raised $1.4 million to build the Meddie Mitchell Barwick Youth Enrichment Center, creating a place for children to come and interact in a safe environment. The latest addition, funded by a $300,000 Kresge Foundation challenge grant, enabled the completion of an Aqua-Therapy pool, making this the largest gift ever given to our YMCA.
Who Are We?
The YMCA of Sumter is a community-based organization dedicated to enhancing our community. Each day, we support children, adults, seniors, and families through programs designed to connect, educate, safeguard, heal, and inspire. We collaborate closely with our neighbors to ensure that everyone—regardless of age, income, or background—has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
Our Mission
To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
Our Vision
To impact life successes of all individuals, strengthen family bonds, develop youth, promote healthy living, and foster a strong sense of belonging and community connectivity through social responsibility.
Our Cause
The Y is a powerful association of men, women and children of all ages, and from all walks of life, joined together by a shared passion: to strengthen the foundations of community.
