EDITORS’ NOTE: Founded in 1853, the YMCA in Brooklyn met in churches throughout Kings County before opening its first permanent home in 1885, later known as the Brooklyn Central Branch, near Fulton, Bond and Hanover Streets in 1885. That building included one of the first YMCA facilities’ swimming pools and helped establish Brooklyn as a place of athletic innovation. Today, the Dodge YMCA, which opened in 2005, continues that legacy from its home at 225 Atlantic Ave.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — The Dodge Y, successor to the original Brooklyn Central Y, which dates back to 1885, celebrated the 21st anniversary of its branch headquarters this week at its annual spring celebration fundraiser, raising more than $70,000 to support subsidized programs and services.
For the 2025 season, the Dodge Y served over 16,000 people with gym and recreation services, summer camp, afterschool programs, senior programs, swim lessons and more. The Dodge’s annual fundraising efforts aim to keep the gym affordable for all and fund financial assistance for those who would otherwise be unable to access its facilities and programs. The annual fundraiser furthers this mission.
Dancers from P.S. 307. Photo: Louis Chan/Alphabet City Production LLC
Jennifer McCarthy, deputy secretary at Parliamentarians for Global Action and a board member of the Dodge Y, said that she appreciates being part of civic engagement for community members around her in Brooklyn.
Stephen Dietz, a lawyer in Brooklyn and board member of the Dodge Y, said that for him, supporting those in need is the most important mission. “Why I do this is to support these kids that may not have a safe place to stay,” Dietz said.
Brendan Coburn, a board member, fellow of the American Institute of Architects, and founder and partner at The Brooklyn Studio, said that being part of the Y and donating to the organization to support the community is a “no-brainer.”