FOUNDING OF THE NAUGATUCK YMCA
The YMCA was first established in Naugatuck in 1895.The first meeting of record was attended by L.D. Warner, E.E. Hotchkiss, Attorney Dayton, Herbert Pratt, S.W. Johns and C.S. Berger. The founders originally met at various area churches and then on Water Street. The YMCA's earliest programs focused on providing services to address the physical, spiritual and social needs of the borough's male population

THE EARLY 20'S
In the early 1920's led by A.H. Dalton then president of the Y and supported by Mrs. Mary A. Tuttle and Mrs. Gertrude Whittemore, a group of citizens organized in an effort to build a YMCA that would be a genuine community center. Services and programs in the new facility included a 40-room men's dormitory, a cafeteria, a reading room, a billiard room bowling alleys and a swimming pool. Clubs for boys and girls of all ages were organized, as was a Ladies Auxiliary. Entertainment and socials were offered, as were sports and fitness programs

The June 1924 newsletter read "Every effort is being made to develop a program such that everyone in Naugatuck will find something of interest

EVOLUTION OF THE YMCA
The YMCA has evolved continuously over its long history. Initially new members were men who were nominated and voted in to the membership by the Board of Directors. In the 1940's an attempt was made to contact and recruit every person listed in the phone directory to YMCA membership. After World War II an effort was made to welcome returning service men into membership and in the nineteen fifties there was an emphasis on providing for teens and families. Today the YMCA serves individuals representing every segment of the population. The YMCA is a place to meet other people in the community, which is especially important to new comers to the borough, many of which are also new to this country.

The YMCA strives to attract members by providing programs that address the spirit, mind and body of it's members while meeting service needs unique to the community and the times.

At the core of the YMCA success has been its dedicated volunteers and committee structure. Each committee is charged with determining the needs of the membership
and community, setting priorities, selecting programs to meet the goals budgeting and determining policy to ensure the programs success. Volunteers also serve as Board members and contribute direct leadership to many YMCA programs.

In 1947, the Naugatuck Daily News reported " The future of any city depends on its youth, right habits of thought and action are vital in training for useful citizenship. The aim of the YMCA is help youth prepare for life by sponsoring wholesome programs with adequate facilities and leadership. The Naugatuck YMCA serves the whole family. Brother, sister, Mom and Dad.

The Board, staff and members of this Y are still committed to the original goals of the YMCA's founders in 1896 who wanted to provide a place for positive recreation and social opportunities. We continue to pursue the goals of the 1922 building committee to develop a facility and program that will serve everybody in our community and the goals of the Directors in 1947 to help youth prepare for life. We strive to build strong kids, strong families and a strong community. We truly appreciate your assistance and active participation to support the Naugatuck YMCA tradition of service.