York College 60th Anniversary Gala
COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
Jamaica YMCA
Nearly a century of strengthening youth, families, and community in the heart of Southeast Queens.
About Our Honoree
A Cornerstone of the Jamaica Community
The Jamaica YMCA has been part of the fabric of Queens for nearly a century. Its history dates to 1927, when the organization first operated from the First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica on 164th Street.
In 1928, the YMCA moved to its permanent home on Parsons Boulevard. At a time when Queens' African American population was rapidly growing and many families were making Jamaica their home, the YMCA welcomed members of this expanding community and established itself as an important neighborhood institution.
Over the decades, the Jamaica YMCA has continued to evolve alongside the community it serves. What began primarily as a center for boys has grown into a full-service organization providing programs, resources, and opportunities for children, teens, adults, and families throughout Southeast Queens.
Community Impact
Building a Stronger Southeast Queens
1927 Roots in Jamaica | 10,000+ Children Served Annually | 8,000+ Adults Served Annually | 4 Afterschool Sites |
Rooted in Queens
Serving Communities Across Southeast Queens
The Jamaica YMCA's impact extends far beyond the walls of its Parsons Boulevard home. Its programs and services reach residents throughout Jamaica and neighboring Southeast Queens communities, including South Ozone Park, Springfield Gardens, Richmond Hill, Briarwood, St. Albans, Queens Village, and Jamaica Estates.
Through youth development, afterschool programming, wellness, aquatics, family programming, and other community resources, the Jamaica YMCA continues its longstanding mission of helping people develop in spirit, mind, and body.
A Tradition of Service
Values That Strengthen Community
Caring | Honesty | Respect | Responsibility |
Why We Honor Them
York College proudly presents the Community Impact Award to the Jamaica YMCA in recognition of nearly a century of service, its enduring investment in young people and families, and its extraordinary commitment to strengthening Jamaica and communities throughout Southeast Queens.