Organization has been ‘an engine of community vitality’ as it supports families and community health, says CEO
Stefan Yablonski
The Oswego YMCA is celebrating 170 years this November.
Founded in 1855, it is one of the oldest YMCAs in the country. The oldest one is the Boston YMCA, which was started in 1851.
“[The Oswego YMCA] has been an engine of community vitality,” YMCA CEO Cheryl Baldwin said. “By supporting employees, their families and community health, we help businesses grow and sustain the talent that makes Oswego thrive.”
Baldwin said that the local Y has grown from a small, faith-based initiative into a cornerstone of connection, growth and transformation for thousands of individuals and families each year.
When the Oswego YMCA opened its doors, it quickly became more than a gathering space — it was a foundation for community strength, she said. For 170 years, it has nurtured youth, promoted health and served as a vital resource through Oswego’s evolving eras of industry, war and change, according to Baldwin.
Today, that legacy resonates more than ever, she said.
One of the greatest challenges to workforce retention in Oswego County is childcare, according to Baldwin. And the local Y has played a role in providing such a care.
“Many local families face significant barriers in finding reliable and affordable care. Several parts of the county remain ‘childcare deserts’ where the supply of licensed care doesn’t meet the demand from working parents,” she said. “Without solutions, many parents — especially mothers — are forced to leave the workforce or reduce their hours. The Oswego YMCA is helping to change this through expanded childcare, pre-K, afterschool programs and summer camps that give parents the security to remain employed.”
The Y fosters connections through family programs and community events such as Healthy Kids Day, Kids Night Out, Family Nights, the Pumpkin Festival and other holiday events, she added.
In stressing the need for the Oswego YMCA’s services, Baldwin explained: in 2023, Oswego County employed approximately 53,800 individuals, with a total workforce near 59,000. Yet employment declined slightly by 1.25% from 2022 to 2023 and by July 2025 unemployment had risen to 4.1% — highlighting the need for stability, workforce supports and business investment.
Wellness
The YMCA also strengthens Oswego’s workforce through its wellness and community programs. By supporting employee health, reducing stress and offering family-friendly benefits, the Y helps local businesses retain their employees and attract new ones.
This is especially critical as Oswego County positions itself within the broader Central New York economy, with the Micron project alone expected to bring up to 40,000 new jobs to the region, Baldwin added.
Area colleges and workforce agencies are working in tandem with community anchors like the YMCA, to ensure Oswego’s current and future workforce is ready. These collaborations are laying the groundwork for career readiness, apprenticeships and family support systems that businesses look for when deciding where to grow.
Engine of community vitality
As the Oswego YMCA celebrates its 170th anniversary, it is also investing in its future — expanding capacity, broadening youth and family programs and strengthening partnerships with employers and civic leaders. These efforts are designed to ensure the YMCA remains a strategic economic partner — fueling workforce readiness, community resilience and long-term business success, she added.
“Looking to the future, we are filled with excitement and hope. While the world around us evolves, the YMCA’s mission remains steadfast: to strengthen our community and improve the well-being of individuals, families and future generations,” Baldwin said. “The next chapter of the Oswego YMCA’s journey will continue to honor our rich traditions while embracing innovation and growth.
“The YMCA is thoughtfully planning the next chapter. Together with our community partners, we are preparing for future growth and innovation to ensure our Y remains a vital place where families, youth and businesses can thrive – today and for generations to come.”
For historical information on the Y movement, visit https://shorturl.at/DLq6q
