From 1851 when a sea captain and missionary created a safe "home away from home for sailors and merchants" in Boston, to 2010 when First Lady Michelle Obama chose the Y as the venue to launch her "Let's Move" campaign, communities have been strengthened thanks to the presence of YMCAs. The Mahaska Community is no different. Since 1896 the Mahaska County YMCA has touched lives in Oskaloosa and the surrounding communities by offering programs and opportunities for healthy living and youth development.

The first Mahaska County YMCA was a three-story building on the square in downtown Oskaloosa. It was dedicated by President Roosevelt who, not unlike First Lady Obama, believed in the Y‘s mission and goals. In 1969, the Mahaska County YMCA moved to its present location following an extensive building campaign led by committed community leaders. The Y, to this day, faithfully serves the community by focusing on the four core values: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

The Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) was a collaborative partner with the Y for many years and their presence is still remembered and valued. Both the YM and YW shared space and often assisted each other with programming. The YWCA began providing child care in the early 1990s. The YWCA closed in 2002.

In December 2000, a name change took place. The YMCA of Oskaloosa changed to the Mahaska County YMCA, the name it operates under today. The change was to more adequately reflect the service provided to, not only Oskaloosa residents, but to those living within the entire Mahaska Community, throughout the county. The Y's Gymnastics program operates in a building off-site and has done so since 2009. It is located on 2300 8th Ave E in University Park, in the gym on the former Vennard College grounds.

The YMCA is an active member of the local early childhood partnership providing high quality four-year-old preschool. Work with these partners continues as progress  continues toward the building of a new state-of-the-art early childhood center. This center will be located at the old Vennard College in University Park – next door to our gymnastics facilities. It is anticipated the early childhood center will be operational in early 2013. The planning and collaborative work has included efforts to improve upon the quality of child care programming. An application for accreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) will be in place soon after moving into the facility.

Through building and name changes, facility improvements, and program advancements, your YMCA continues its focus of strengthening community making sure everyone of its members and those of the community it serves has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.