YMCA of Greater Rochester Membership

Frequently Asked Quetsions

Who can participate at the YMCA?
All individuals are welcome to attend YMCA programs and use our facilities as members regardless of race, ability, religion, sex, national origin, or level of income. In upholding our commitment that "Everyone is Welcome", the YMCA of Greater Rochester acknowledges and honors the wide range of religious, spiritual and philosophical beliefs that volunteers, members, staff and community participants may hold. To make our programs accessible to all, we provide a financial assistance program made possible by generous donors to our annual Invest in Youth Campaign.

How can I join the Y?
The YMCA of Greater Rochester is a membership organization. You may join the specific facility of your choice, which, in most cases, grants access to all YMCA of Greater Rochester facilities. This is called a Passport Membership. Our YMCA also offers a Neighborhood Membership, which grants access to the Maplewood, Monroe and Southwest Branches only. For more information on the various types of membership, please visit our Membership page, or visit any or our locations for personal assistance.

Why can't I enroll in a membership online?
At the YMCA, connecting with our members when they join is extremely important to us, and we believe that a face-to-face interaction is critical to ensuring that we meet your needs. To achieve this goal, we do not offer online registration for membership at this time. If you are interested in joining the YMCA, we encourage you to visit the YMCA branch nearest you or contact any of our great YMCA facilities to meet with a member service representative regarding your membership needs. Click here for a list of locations.

What is the difference between a Passport Membership, a Neighborhood Membership and a Program Membership?
A Passport Membership provides access and membership privileges to all YMCA of Greater Rochester facilities. Members receive year round program access and facility use. Many programs are offered at no additional cost, and there are savings on programs where a fee is charged.
A Neighborhood Membership provides access and membership privileges to the Maplewood, Monroe and Southwest Branches only. Neighborhood Members receive year round program access and facility use at these three facilities.
Program Membership provides an alternative to facility membership for those who wish to enroll in only selected classes/programs. It does not include fitness or aquatics facility privileges.

What payment options are available?
Most YMCA members take advantage of our convenient, automated monthly payment system, which can be done via bank draft using a credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover) or bank account. Membership dues may also be paid in one annual payment, which is renewed yearly.

Does the Y offer financial assistance?
Yes. Thanks to the generosity of members, small businesses, corporations and foundations, the YMCA is able to offer financial assistance to keep Y programs affordable for all, regardless of the ability to pay. For more information, go to Financial Assistance, on this website.

What types of insurance co-payment benefits can I use at the YMCA?
The YMCA of Greater Rochester recognizes reimbursement benefits with both MVP Health Care (formerly Preferred Care) and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. These benefits include, but are not limited to:

Preferred Gold/Gold Anywhere - SilverSneakers Program

Preferred TriVantage/Active Lifestyles - $300 per year toward YMCA membership

Preferred TriVantage/Family Focus - $300 per year toward YMCA swimming lessons or lifeguard training

Preferred - $50 in Health Dollars to spend on YMCA programs or membership

Blue Healthy Choices/Fit & Healthy - $300 per calendar year toward YMCA membership or toddler gym & swim programs

Blue Healthy Choices/Healthy Family - $100 per calendar year toward YMCA membership or toddler gym & swim programs

Healthy Blue - earn HealthyRewards dividends through YMCA participation

Medicare Blue Choice - $650 per calendar year for a YMCA membership through the GoGetters Program
(Please contact your health care provider for specific guidelines regarding benefit usage and reimbursement.)

May I volunteer my time to help the YMCA serve the community?
Volunteering is an important part of the energy and excellence of the YMCA. YMCA volunteers work at each location, they serve on committees, and some lead as members of the Board of Directors. We are grateful for all volunteer help and we need a wide range of skills and interests to meet the needs of the organization. To find out more about volunteer opportunities, please view our Volunteering page

Is the YMCA a charitable organization?
Yes, the YMCA of Greater Rochester is a non-profit organization, recognized by the IRS with a 501(c)3 charitable designation. All donations made to the YMCA of Greater Rochester are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. When you donate money, 100 percent of your donation is used to subsidize program costs or to provide financial assistance to those in need. Click here for more information about making a donation.

Why should I give to the YMCA when I am not a member?
Your support is still needed. A strong YMCA in our community provides meaningful opportunities, positive experiences and caring adult role models that help youth grow into responsible adults. That benefits every community member, regardless of YMCA involvement.

How do you register for programs?
YMCA programs are scheduled into six sessions throughout the year. YMCA members always receive priority registration, which typically begins two weeks prior to the start of the session. Most programs are available for online registration using our easy, convenient Easy to Enroll system. Click here to register for our online registration system. Members may also register for programs by visiting the member service desk or faxing a completed registration form to their YMCA. Many classes have limited enrollment, and all registrations are taken on a first come, first served basis.

What are the YMCA's hours of operation?
Hours of operation vary from branch to branch. Please check with your YMCA for details. In addition, some areas of the facility, such as the pool and gym, are restricted based on schedules. Please visit your branch's member service desk regularly for schedule changes.