What is GRACE?
GRACE stands for Global Relations and Community Engagement.
It is the YMCA's commitment to building welcoming environments where every individual has the opportunity to participate, grow, lead, and thrive.
As part of the worldwide YMCA movement spanning more than 120 countries, we know that while every community is unique, every person deserves dignity, opportunity, and connection.
GRACE helps us turn those values into action.
It influences how we welcome new members, develop programs, train staff, build partnerships, design facilities, tell our stories, and invest in the future of our communities.
Because creating a place where everyone belongs doesn't happen by chance, it happens through intentional action every day.
Welcoming Everyone
We continually evaluate how people experience the YMCA—from becoming a member to participating in programs to ensure our spaces are welcoming, accessible, and reflective of the communities we serve.
Creating Programs That Meet Community Needs
Our programs evolve alongside our neighborhoods.
By listening to community voices, partnering with local organizations, and identifying unmet needs, we're able to create programs that are relevant, accessible, and impactful for children, families, older adults, and individuals at every stage of life.
Investing In Our People
Great communities begin with great people.
Through GRACE, we're committed to developing leaders, supporting staff growth, creating meaningful career pathways, and fostering a workplace where everyone has opportunities to succeed.
The Dimensions of Diversity
Every person brings unique experiences that shape who they are.
At the YMCA, we recognize that diversity extends far beyond what we can see.
We embrace three interconnected Dimensions of Diversity:
The characteristics that often shape our identity throughout our lives.
Core Dimensions are the parts of who we are that are often deeply rooted and influence how we experience the world every day. These characteristics can affect how others perceive us, how we navigate different environments, and how we build relationships. While each person's experience is unique, recognizing and valuing these dimensions helps us create a YMCA where every individual feels seen, respected, and welcomed.
Life experiences and personal circumstances that influence our perspectives and the way we connect with others.
Secondary Dimensions reflect the experiences, choices, and circumstances that evolve throughout our lives. They shape our viewpoints, opportunities, and personal journeys, while adding depth to who we are. By recognizing these experiences, we strengthen empathy, build understanding, and create spaces where every person feels they belong and can contribute authentically.
The roles, experiences, and relationships that shape how we experience the YMCA.
Organizational Dimensions are the ways we interact within our workplace and our YMCA community. Whether through our role, department, leadership opportunities, tenure, or professional experiences, these dimensions influence how we collaborate, communicate, and grow together. By fostering a culture where every voice is valued and every team member has opportunities to succeed, we build a stronger YMCA that is better equipped to serve our community.
Our Commitment to "For All"
Everything we do begins with our mission:
To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
The words For All are more than part of our mission statement—they are our promise.
They remind us that every child deserves the opportunity to learn.
Every family deserves support.
Every older adult deserves connection.
Every individual deserves to feel welcomed and respected.
GRACE helps us live that promise every day.
HEAR FROM YOUR Y LEADERS
Join Us
Creating communities where everyone belongs isn't the work of one department or one organization.
It's the work of all of us.
Whether you're joining the Y for the first time, volunteering, partnering with us, or supporting our mission through philanthropy, you play an important role in helping create a Greater Pittsburgh where everyone belongs, grows, and thrives.
Together, we can build a YMCA and a community that is truly For All.
Become a Member • Volunteer • Partner with Us • Support Our Mission