E M Downer Family YMCA has been serving local communities since 1918. We started out as the Richmond YMCA and were part of the Berkeley YMCA. We gained our independence in 1931 and took the name West Contra Costa YMCA. In 1990, we merged with the YMCA of Alameda County to create the YMCA of the East Bay Association.

From our humble beginnings in a small building on MacDonald Avenue, West Contra Costa YMCA is today the largest and most diverse branch in the East Bay Association. Our $13 million dollar operation offers child and youth development centers, citywide youth sports programs, school-based mental health counseling services, community services and much more.

The number of communities we serve has grown, too. It includes the families, youth and adults who make up the diverse communities of Richmond, North Richmond, Hercules, Pinole, El Cerrito, San Pablo, Tara Hills, Montalvin, El Sobrante and Rodeo.