The Paterson YMCA is a charitable organization that promotes the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility while building spirit, mind and body. We accomplish this through educational, recreational and residential programs for people of all ages, especially youth and families.

The roots of the Paterson YMCA are buried deep in the  history of the “Silk City”. During our nation’s tragic Civil War, several young men gathered in a local congregational church, wrote a  constitution and, according to one contemporary source, planned “an interesting course of social, intellectual and spiritual exercises”.

From its early beginning in 1863 until 1867, the Paterson YMCA seemed to alternate between periods of great popularity and community involvement and intervals of inactivity and public  appeals for membership.

The first Paterson YMCA building was located at 20-202 Market Street. The facility offered a gym, bible classes, a reading room and an “employment bureau”. In 1892 the Paterson YMCA moved into the former Cooke home on Ellison Street. Mrs. Sarah E. Cooke had donated her elegant mansion to the Paterson YMCA in memory of her late  husband John Cooke of the renowned locomotive firm Danforth & Cooke. A building containing baths, bowling alleys, a gymnasium and an assembly hall was erected behind this facility.

Paterson’s historic 1902 fire destroyed the Paterson YMCA building on Ellison street, but a new facility was soon erected at 137 Ellison Street. The new facility boasted  dormitories, a swimming pool, track and a library. Services included assistance to immigrants and fund-raising for American military forces during world War I .

Our present YMCA headquarters opened on September 14, 1930. This facility was constructed when the 137 Ellison Street location became too small to accommodate the  varied needs of the residence, youth and physical departments. The new facility was built at a cost of $1,500,000. Shortly after moving in, the Paterson YMCA initiated a relief and job referral service for victims of the Depression. During World War II, pre-induction physical training was offered to potential military recruits.

The Paterson YMCA has shifted its course from a predominantly recreational facility to a community center that offers housing to vulnerable populations, as well as social, cultural and educational services for people of all ages. The staff of the Paterson YMCA take pride in this ability to adapt our programs to meet the current needs of the community. The staff of the Paterson YMCA hails predominantly from the Paterson community and reflects the rich diversity of this city.