Nationally and internationally, YMCA's are more than day camp, child care, sports, fitness and youth programs.  They are a worldwide network of over 120 autonomous national movements committed to building a positive future for youth and families.  YMCA currently serves over 40 million youth and families worldwide.  In countries throughout the world, YMCA programs respond to local needs identified by each national YMCA movement. The YMCA is open to all faiths, races, abilities, ages and incomes.

CASA YMCA's
Each year more than 500 million people cross the border into the United States, some 330 million of whom are non-citizens, many of them children and youth.  Mopre than a decade ago, YMCAs in Mexico and the United States joined together in a bi-lateral partnership to open shelters along the border  in cities like Tijuana, Juarez, Piedras Negras and Agua Prieta that experience the greatest flow of migrant traffic. 

Tucson's YMCAs are working with Ys in Arizona and New Mexico to sponsor a Casa YMCA in Agua Prieta, Sonora in Mexico.  The Casa YMCA is a safe, protected place for youth to stay until they can be reunited with their families in Mexico.  The Agua Prieta Casa YMCA was dedicated in January 2003.  Since its opening more than 1,000 young people have found safe shelter there.