Since their beginnings, the Allentown YMCA and the Allentown YWCA continually evolve to respond to the critical needs of the community. To this day, community leaders on Y Boards along with dedicated staff address issues that affect the quality of life in Allentown - from original roots in evangelism and women's rights to present day purposes in each intuition: YMCA - youth development, healthy lifestyles and social responsibility; YWCA - eliminating racism and empowering women.

"As the pre-war period came to close, there was also founded in 1858 in Allentown a chapter of the Young Men's Christian Association, originally established in 1841 in London Early to hold religious meetings in business firms in the center of city." 1 The YMCA paused during the Civil War and reignited with passion for Mission and services in 1878 uninterrupted to the present day. The YWCA began in 1898 with a focus on women's rights and issues.