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. 

A prototype small YMCA branch, called a “Twig,” in the tiny town of La Plant, SD (pop. 167 in the 2020 census) is the second and final phase of the initial YMCA Alumni National Service Project, conducted in partnership with the YMCA of the Seven Council Fires on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation. The Twig will be constructed from large shipping containers used for storage during the first phase of the project and is expected to be built and completed in 2026

and will serve as a headquarters for local YMCA programming. 

The first phase of the National Service Project -- a cluster of four tiny homes – was launched in 2020. It was completed by volunteer members, family, and friends in September 2025, with a ribbon-cutting at Morning Star Village on YMCA property in Dupree, SD. Families led by single mothers reside in these homes. More than $1 million was raised to complete both phases.

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