Have you or your spouse recently deployed? Or, maybe you’ve moved to a location away from a duty station with gym access and activities for children.
The YMCA understands and appreciates the many sacrifices military families make.
That’s why the organization started its Military Outreach Initiative. The Y provides eligible military families and personnel with extra support during deployments and changes of duty stations through this program.
Who is Eligible for Free YMCA Memberships?
Those eligible for the free YMCA memberships for military are Title 10 personnel, including:
- Deployed National Guard/Reservist family members.
- Active Duty personnel and their family members.
- Spouses or dependents who have relocated away from an installation while the active duty member is deployed — under the following criteria:
- The military member is on active duty
- The military member is deployed on unaccompanied deployment orders for at least six months
- The spouse or dependent has relocated away from the duty station the service member is assigned
How Do I Find out if My YMCA Participates in the Military Outreach Initiative?
Over 1,700 YMCAs across the United States participate in the Military Outreach Initiative. If you are unsure where your local YMCA is located or if that location participates in this program, use this “Find Your Y” tool, contact your local Y, and ask if they are involved in the YMCA Military Outreach Initiative.
This form is also a great tool to help you see if you qualify for the program.
What Do I Need To Do to Receive a Free YMCA Membership?
If you believe you or your family qualify for the free YMCA membership, you will need to fill out an application — the application may vary from location to location, be sure to ask your YMCA if this is the form that they require.
Once the form is completed, bring your MIlitary ID, said form, and the other required documentation — deployment orders/Military Service Headquarters Approval letters etc. — to your participating YMCA.
Due to the program’s popularity, approval can take up to 30 days. Make sure to include all required documentation with your application to ensure there are no additional delays in approval.
Military Outreach Program — Respite Child Care
Aside from the free YMCA membership, the Military Outreach Initiative also offers eligible military families free respite child care. This program is available for dependents ages 0-3 months up to 12 years of age.
Eligible personnel includes:
- Deployed National Guard/Reservist Family members
- Active Duty personnel
- The spouse or dependent has relocated away from the duty station the service member is assigned
The program allows for up to 16 hours of care each month. For more information on respite child care eligibility and the application process, you can fill out the form here.
Don’t live near a YMCA or prefer another gym?
Many other gym locations offer military discounts.