Mattapoisett YMCA
The mission of the Mattapoisett YMCA is the improvement of the spiritual, mental, social and physical conditions of all persons. We strive to be a supportive partner in our community, providing access and programming that meets the needs and interests of families in our area.
Description:
The Mattapoisett YMCA has been providing programs and services for families for over 40 years. The Mattapoisett YMCA is the home of Shinning Tides Pre-school. We also offer safe, quality, affordable school-age child care for children kindergarten through grade 5 at the Y and at the Rochester Memorial School. Camp Massasoit provides safe, engaging outdoor activities for over 1000 children each summer at our picturesque waterfront location. We also sponsor family programs such as Halloween At the Y, Healthy Kids Day, Family Fun Nights and much more. Special fundraising events such as the Clambake by the Sea and the Frigid Friendzee ensure that our goal of providing financial assistance for all who need it is achieved.
History:
Since its founding by a group of young men at the County Street Methodist Church in 1867 to today, YMCA Southcoast has responded to the needs of the community with relevant and meaningful programs for spirit, mind and body.
Originally housed at the corner of Purchase and Union Streets, the New Bedford YMCA moved to 147 William Street in 1889 where it remained, with various improvements, until 1972. The engraved entryway stone from this structure stands in the parking lot of today’s facility. In those early years, the YMCA sponsored such courses as Repair of Horseless Carriages and Americanization, as well as health and athletic programs.
In 1963, the YMCA purchased Camp Massasoit, a 25-acre day camp in Mattapoisett. In 1992, the Mattapoisett YMCA and camp was substantially renovated for year round operation as a Youth and Family Center. It is one of the largest camps of its type in New England, with more than 500 children a day using the camp during the summer months.
By the 1960’s, the membership outgrew the William Street facility. Working closely with the New Bedford Redevelopment Authority, the YMCA purchased a three-acre downtown parcel on South Water Street. In 1972, the new facility was ready for occupancy. In 1997, the YMCA conducted a major expansion and renovation project that added a family, youth and senior center, as well as enhanced the facility and its program offerings.
In 2000, the YMCA merged with the financially struggling Children’s Museum of Dartmouth. The new facility was named the Dartmouth YMCA. After undergoing renovations, this facility began offering year-round child development and enrichment initiatives including a comprehensive summer day camp and environmental and natural history programming. In the future, the Children’s Museum component will be enhanced to allow for a wider range of exhibits and attractions.
Also in 2000, the YMCA changed its name to better reflect its growing geographical service area. What was once known as the New Bedford YMCA became YMCA of Greater New Bedford and now YMCA Southcoast with divisions in New Bedford (New Bedford YMCA), Mattapoisett (Mattapoisett YMCA) and Dartmouth (Dartmouth YMCA) and Wareham (Wareham YMCA).
In 2001, the YMCA responded once again to the needs of the community by developing a plan to build a modern, full scale family YMCA in Wareham, MA. The Gleason Family YMCA opened its doors to the public on August 30, 2004. In 2004 the Fall River YMCA joined the YMCA Southcoast family and became the 5th branch of the association. This marked yet another step forward in the growth of YMCA Southcoast, as it broadens its market area in the south coast region and continues its mission to build strong kids, strong families, strong communities.
Contact person: Dan Berry, Executive Director, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (508) 748-9889
Address:
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38 Reservation Road
PO Box 1067Mattapoisett, MA 02739(See a map) |
Web Site: http://www.ymcasouthcoast.org
Directions:
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Mattapoisett YMCA is located at the end of Reservation Road right off Route 6. From Route 195 East or West, take Exit #19A. Go right at the first traffic light onto Route 6 West. Follow through 1 set of lights. . . (more) |
| Last updated on October 1, 2009 |
