Our Mission
Here at Forest YMCA, everything we do, whether with individuals or community groups, is influenced by the YMCA’s values, which are as important to us today as they were when the organisation was founded in 1844. These values, rooted in the Christian faith, continue to be acknowledged by Forest YMCA’s continuing use of the organisation’s full title with the ‘C’ emphasising the Christian motivation of our work here in Waltham Forest.
As with many YMCA’s across the world, we seek to reflect this Christian ethos in a genuine motivation to serve others and to share the love and care shown by Jesus in His life here on earth, an ethos visibly enshrined in our work through the universal symbol of the red triangle committing us to work with young people in body, mind and spirit.
Whilst many people who work or volunteer for the YMCA share a strong Christian faith, our ethos also warmly welcomes people of other faiths (or of no faith) to participate in YMCA activities, to volunteer for the YMCA, or to seek employment with the YMCA.
The YMCA is not a church, nor is it affiliated to any particular denominational expression of Christianity. However, as with many YMCAs across England, Forest YMCA seeks to develop close working relationships with local church groups.
To assist and enable the development of the Christian ethos, Forest YMCA employs an ordained chaplain who is responsible for leading weekly management and staff prayers. The chaplain is also responsible for supporting staff in their day to day work, helping them reflect on it in terms of the Christian ethos and, where appropriate, enabling them to develop a personal faith. There is also a chapel here, open everyday, for the use of staff, residents and visitors alike.