Since its inception in 1844, the YMCA has been a beacon of hope for children and adults alike.

The organization was founded to help and provide refuge for the street children of the industrial age. Throughout the years, volunteers and employees have reached out to children of all backgrounds.

In 1986 local businessman Ron Manson started the process of establishing a YMCA branch in Covington.
A year later, thanks to the city's lease of the Rotary's Teen Can building, the Y started serving the Newton County community.

Since that time thousands of children and adults have been served by our local Y, regardless of their racial or economic demographic.

Because of the generosity of the people of Covington and Newton County, a new facility on Newton Drive in Covington opened in 2000. In addition to ongoing programs, the Y staff then began to offer swimming lessons and summer day camp.

Also at that time, the popular wellness center opened offering state-of-the-art exercise equipment to members.

In 2005, the Y started offering afterschool care for Newton County elementary-school age children.

In 2007, the Y was blessed with a donation of 28 acres for the purpose of a new outdoor center. This piece of property is located at the corner of Ga. Highway 142 and Stone Road. The land is being put to good use, which is evident in the smiling faces you can see when driving by it.

We are proud of the YMCA in our community. Through the efforts of the local staff and the many volunteers who help serve it, the Y has acted as a nurturing influence on many of our young people. For many of these young people the Y has been the positive focal point in their life and for some was a path to success and confidence when they otherwise might have been led down a more harmful route.

All of the Y's influence and success would not be possible without donations of time and money from members of our community.

The Y is the middle of its annual fundraising campaign to support the numerous programs it runs.

If you would like to participate as a volunteer or would like to give a donation to keep these programs going, stop by the Y located at 2140 Newton Drive in Covington or send a note to Acting Director, Louly Hay Kapp at LoulyH@ymcaatlanta.org

The Y will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Newton Drive facility this year. We encourage all of you who are unfamiliar with its building or programs, to take a tour. We are sure you will be welcomed with a friendly smile.