Y Retirement, a much-valued partner of YMCA Alumni, was created more than a decade before Social Security, at a time when private pensions were rare. More than 17,000 people are receiving a lifetime annuity today. 

The mission: To partner with YMCAs to help those who serve others build a foundation for financial security in retirement. The vision: Generations of YMCA employees approach the future with anticipation and confidence.

The International Service Corps (ISC), a program initiative of YMCA Alumni, provides short-term opportunities for YMCA Alumni members to use their expertise and critical skills to benefit YMCAs in foreign countries. Types of services may include teaching English language skills, coaching basketball, swimming, or other sports, helping to develop staff and volunteer leadership skills, facilitating collaboration, and long-term planning, among other activities. Current opportunities to serve include Ys in the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Macedonia, Uruguay, and Mexico. 

What began in 2020 as YMCA Alumni’s first National Service Project completed its first phase in September 2025 with a celebration and ribbon-cutting at Morning Star Village, a cluster of four tiny homes. The homes are occupied by families led by single mothers.

The project, designed to help alleviate acute housing issues on the Cheyenne River Reservation, was conducted in partnership with the YMCA of the Seven Council Fires in Dupree, SD. Volunteer builders included members of YMCA Alumni, family, and friends, as well as Habitat for Humanity builders and church groups.. More than one million dollars was raised.

The second phase, constructing a prototype small YMCA branch (called a Twig) in the tiny town of La Plant is expected to be built and completed in 2026. The YMCA Alumni National Board plans to follow with a second major service project in the coming years.

Lou Falk of the New England Chapter chaired the project, while George Painter of the McBurney-Morse Chapter was the volunteer Construction Manager. Gary Graham of the Central Atlantic Chapter chaired the fundraising drive. A Standing Committee, made up of representatives from all 17 chapters managed the project throughout.

Click the button to watch a short video created by videographer Zack Filkoff telling the story.

The F. William Stahl Award – our most prestigious honor – is presented in Bill's memory by YMCA Alumni. The award is given in recognition of Bill's dedication and commitment to the YMCA, the YMCA profession, and the art of written communications. 

The 2025 Stahl Award was presented to Nancy Reese of the Weatherford Chapter on the YMCA Alumni Reunion cruise by Len Wilson, past recipient and member of the YMCA Hall of Fame. 

Click the button below to see those honored in the past.

WFYR, as it is known, is a group of YMCA retirees who are members of local in countries across the globe. YMCA Alumni is a proud member of the organization. Members meet in person locally and periodically internationally via Zoom video. 

A WFYR conference is held every four years in conjunction with the World YMCA Council meeting. The next session will be held in July 2026 in Toronto, Canada. Current WYFR President is Kohei Yamada. 

Click the button below to read the latest edition of BRIDGES, WFYR’s official publication.

The YMCA Emergency Assistance Fund has been helping active YMCA staff and YMCA Alumni for more than 100 years. You may contribute online by clicking the button below. Or, mail a check to: Emergency Assistance Fund - Y USA, 101 N. Wacker Drive. 16th Fl., Chicago, IL 60606. Please indicate your chapter on your check.

YMCA Alumni EAF Chair is Bob Warnock