The Y Supports Military Members
The YMCA of Greater Seattle is proud to partner with the YMCA of the Armed Forces to offer memberships and respite care for qualified military members and their families at Y's throughout the country. We also support veterans and retired military personnel with a $0 join fee and a host of programming to promote healthy living and connection to community.
The Military Outreach Initiative offers military members and their families access to vital resources that promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. These services offer extra support during deployment so families can spend quality time together, meet and relate to other military families in similar situations, and enjoy fun and healthy activities in a warm, supportive environment. With one parent away from the household, the remaining caregiver can bring their children to a safe and nurturing environment at the Y for play and fun while they take time to recharge, enabling them to better process the added responsibilities and stress that may come.
Since it's onset, the initiative:
- Has provided 87,000 Y memberships and nearly 43,000 private fitness memberships to military families
- Has benefited more than 164,000 military children
- Is supported by 1,700 YMCAs and nearly 2,500 private fitness facilities
What is the Eligibility Criteria?
Service member must be on Title 10 orders with at least six months remaining as of the signature date on the application form and meet all criteria in one of the following categories. Note, eligibility criteria is not all-inclusive.
CATEGORY 1: Active Duty Independent Duty Personnel
- I am assigned to a Service-designated Independent Duty Station that is not at or near a free or Service-provided fitness facility; AND
- I require a single-person membership, or my family resides with me and I require a family membership. Only one membership type (single or family) is authorized.
CATEGORY 2: Unaccompanied Spouse/Family of Active Duty
- Sponsor is deployed or on “unaccompanied tour” orders that require the member to reside at an assigned duty location and restricts the spouse/family from accompanying the member; AND
- Sponsor’s family resides at a Service-designated independent duty station or in an area that is not at or near a free or Service-provided fitness facility.
CATEGORY 3: Unaccompanied Spouse/Family of Joint Deployed Guard and Reserve
- Sponsor is on deployment orders that require the member to reside at an assigned duty location that restricts the spouse/family from accompanying the member; AND
- Sponsor’s family resides at a Service-designated independent duty station or in an area that is not at or near a free or Service-provided fitness facility.
CATEGORY 4: Community Based Warrior Transition Unit (CBWTU)
- My duty location is my house address; AND
- My home address is not located at or near a free or Service-provided fitness facility; AND
- I require a single-person membership or my family resides with me and I require a family membership. Only one membership type (single or family) is authorized.
How Do I Apply?
Just follow these easy steps to apply for the program.
Other Forms:
Submission Requirements:
Due to the popularity of this initiative, please allow up to 30 days for the Armed Services YMCA Coordinators to respond to your request. The best way to speed up your application is to ensure it is complete with necessary signatures. Incomplete forms will be returned and will delay your membership.
If you have not received confirmation of your request within 30 days, please contact dodymca@asymca.org for YMCA memberships or dodpf@asymca.org for Private Fitness memberships.
The Y Supports Veterans & Retired Military Personnel Too!
The Y empowers veterans to be their healthiest in spirit, mind, and body. We are a community of people of all ages and backgrounds coming together for health and wellness. Like the military, the Y is all about working together and having each others’ backs.
Our facilities are accessible to all mobility needs and fitness levels and offer a host of programming to benefit the needs of veterans including:
- Personal training and coaching to get you started on your wellness journey
- Unlimited access to all 14 Y's in the Greater Seattle area with 11 aquatics centers
- Health programs to support weight loss, Parkinson's, diabetes, and cancer management
- Affordable options for all so that membership is accessible to everyone
- No contracts and a $0 join fee (use code VAJOIN)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Please see below for answers to a few frequently asked questions about the Military Outreach Initiative.
What is my application status?
Applications are approved through the YMCA of the Armed Services and can take up to 30 days. Please contact dodymca@asymca.org for questions regarding your application.
What happens after my application is approved?
The YMCA of the Armed Services will email you your approval and membership information and a Y staff member will set up your membership. A confirmation email will follow with information needed for your first visit.
My approval period has expired. How do I get my membership benefit back?
Please resubmit your application to your Military Component Approving Official (MCAO). Once approved by the YMCA of the Armed Services, a Y staff member will confirm via email that your membership is active again.
How can I check my usage?
You can print your usage online by selecting “sign in” at the top of this page. Access your online account and select “Memberships and Usage”.
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STAY ENGAGED WITH THE Y
Know Before You Go
Learn more about what to expect, what to bring, and what actions you can take to keep our community safe before your next visit to the Y. We'll keep this information updated as our welcome back plan progresses.
Financial Assistance
The Y is committed to making membership accessible to all. To ensure equitable access, we offer affordable options through financial assistance.
Have Questions?
If you need help updating your account information, making a payment, or other FAQs, visit our support center for quick answers to many of our most common membership questions.
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