For 75 years, the Hamilton Area YMCA has sought to be a place where community comes to life.
From first swim lessons and before- and after-school care to wellness programs and inclusive recreation, the Y has supported generations of families and continually evolved to meet today’s needs.
Founded in 1951, the Hamilton Area YMCA has grown alongside the community it serves. What began as a small, grassroots effort is now a nonprofit organization that reaches thousands of people each year across Mercer County through its two branches — the JKR Branch in Hamilton Township and the Sawmill Branch in Yardville — and through programs delivered throughout the region.
This local milestone coincides with a national one. In 2026, YMCA of the USA celebrates 175 years of service nationwide, reinforcing the Y’s role as one of the country’s most trusted and impactful nonprofit organizations. Together, those anniversaries look to underscore both deep local roots and the strength of a movement that has stood the test of time.
Driven by its mission to strengthen community, the Y has also been a community resource where children build confidence, families access reliable care and support, older adults remain connected, and neighbors come together. By offering programs such as child care, summer camp, swimming lessons, youth development initiatives, and community wellness education, the Y seeks to play a critical role in strengthening individuals and families and in responding to the community’s evolving needs.
The Hamilton Area YMCA is positioned as an inclusive organization where people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can interact, grow, learn and engage in a welcoming, harmonious environment. Through programs such as Community Camp and Sports and Diverse Abilities programming, the Y looks to create spaces where everyone feels valued and supported.
“Seventy-five years later, our purpose remains clear: to bring people together and help them live healthier, more connected lives,” said Diana Zita, CEO of the Hamilton Area YMCA. “This anniversary honors our past while investing boldly in what our community needs next. Our future is shaped by the families, members, partners, and supporters who believe in building a stronger community for all.”
To mark the milestone, the Hamilton Area YMCA will host a yearlong 75th-anniversary celebration focused on storytelling, community engagement, and impact. The Y invites members, alumni, volunteers, and partners to share how the Y has shaped their lives, whether through learning to swim, finding a sense of belonging, or adopting a healthier routine.
As part of the celebration, the Y is launching a “Give $75 for 75 Years” campaign, inviting supporters to make a $75 gift to honor the Y’s legacy and expand access to programs that strengthen youth, support families, and improve community well-being.
As a nonprofit organization, the Hamilton Area YMCA relies on community support to ensure its programs remain accessible to all. The YMCA also says that anniversary celebrations will also highlight opportunities to give back, helping ensure that financial assistance and mission-driven programs continue to remove barriers and open doors for generations.
More information about anniversary events and supporting the Y’s mission is available at hamiltonymca.org.
YMCA to switch some programs to ongoing registration
Beginning Feb. 11, select Youth Development programs at the Hamilton Area YMCA will shift to an ongoing registration model, allowing families to enroll on a rolling basis throughout the year.
More information is available at hamiltonymca.org.
Jack Rafferty, center, and members of the Hamilton Area YMCA break ground on new center on Whitehorse Mercerville Road.,
