Young Men's Christian Association (Cleveland, Ohio)

Cleveland branch of an international civic and social organization for men and boys. It was established in 1854 and quickly expanded to include numerous branches throughout the Cleveland area which offer a full range of community, recreational and educational activities.

Established in 1854 with a program of lectures, prayer meetings, a Sunday school and a lending library, the Cleveland Y.M.C.A. initially focused on missionary and religious work. By 1880 the emphasis shifted toward character development and broadened to include boys as well as men, offering educational and physical training programs. During the 20th century the Y worked with the city's social settlements and welfare agencies, conducted fundraising campaigns during World War I, and increased its efforts to work with young boys. By the 1980s there were over 20 branches in the Cleveland area.