Our story began in the spring of 2000 with the birth of a child and a desire to honor a grandparent who found his way within the walls of a YMCA six decades earlier. Inspired by both, co-founders Bratton and Kelly DuBose reached out to the YMCA National Headquarters in Chicago to inquire about starting a YMCA in the Gallatin Valley. These importanat details demonstrate the foundation of our mission--to provide a community center where people of all ages can grow and play together.

Upon receiving the hefty manila envelope packed with paperwork, the first community meetings were held, leaders were interviewed, and a core group of luminaries formed the first executive committee. In 2003 we launched a Founder's Campaign, raising $250,000. This enabled us to develop simple, collaborative programs including sandlot baseball, flag football, Easter egg hunts, and a 4-H partnership. We brought our first CEO on board and were granted our official charter from Y-USA in 2006.

Through negotiations spearheaded by Mr. DuBose, we received a 60-year lease of 17 acres nestled between schools within a 100 acre park in Bozeman. In 2008, Mr. DuBose secured an anonymous donation of 1 million dollars which allowed us to purchase seven acres adjacent to the leased land and created the momentum needed to hire our new CEO, Jerry Schilling. With Jerry's help, the efforts of the Board and many talented volunteers, we are expanding our services and will be breaking ground within the next few years.

The Gallantin Valley YMCA currently serves the youth in communities reaching as far as Livingston and Three Forks through a variety of character-building programs including flag football, basketball, volleyball, summer day camp, residential summer camp, CIT, Youth in Government and other family events throughout the year. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are proud to provide scholarships to families in need, ensuring that no one is turned away due to an inability to pay. In addition, we are honored to provide low cost, discounted programs during these tough economical times and will continue to be a part of the solution in the Valley.

The great responsibility to provide a safe place for families to build relationships and connect is what has fueled the passion of the Gallatin Valley YMCA for the last decade. We are having a lot of fun--come join us!