A building with a sign on the front of it

Our Mission

The mission of the Dryades YMCA is to help people develop character, competence, and commitment.  Our mission comes alive through programs that help people to: (i) develop marketable skills through effective education; (ii) grow personally and learn values such as honesty, responsibility, respect, care, and diversity; (iii) become better leaders, supporters, and volunteers through community service and having fun.

A Commitment to Community: A Note from Dryades YMCA

For over a century, Dryades YMCA, a pillar of New Orleans and the wider metropolitan area has engaged thousands of young people and their families with significant learning, growth, and development opportunities.

As we unveil our renewed image, rest assured our mission remains steadfast. We are devoted to character development, competence enhancement, and fostering commitment. We believe in building strong children, resilient families, and robust communities.

Our focus at Dryades YMCA is youth development. We treasure the potential of every child and teenager joining us in our Afterschool, Charter School, Teen Leadership, and Summer Enrichment programs.

Health & Wellness are at the heart of our mission. Through partnerships with school districts and recreation agencies across the parishes, we advocate for physical activity, nutrition, and overall well-being for all ages.

Social responsibility is another key pillar of our mission. With our partner organizations, we offer opportunities for giving back and supporting our neighbors, helping them acquire skills for self-sufficiency and pathways out of poverty.

Dryades YMCA is committed to cultivating healthy, confident, connected, and secure individuals, families, and communities in New Orleans and the Metro region. Our impact echoes every day, in every healthy choice made, every child inspired by a mentor, and every time our community unites for the greater good.

Dryades YMCA 2023 Impact Report:

Pages from Dryades community impact 2023 Final (1).pdf