YMCA
reviews and complaints

I am a loyal customer as are my children.
I usually attend the Ridley Pennsylvania location but I decided to attend the Lansdowne location on Monday afternoon for a quick arm workout. I entered the facility and was quickly an rudley spoken to by an employee named Jenny. She procedded to tell me I could not workout because I had on boots. I explained to her that i was not getting on the machines to walk or cycle that i was only there to lift weights. She then said it was a rule, I asked her to see the sign where it stated i could not wear my boots.
She pointed to a small white paper on the wall. It said no bare feet, flip flops, sandals or jeans. But it did not say boots. I also pointed out that there were other patrons wearing jeans but she ignored that. I felt disrespected and disgusted by how i was treated. Especially since i have been going to the Y for quite some time.
Kind Regards,
Melissa

3/7/18 I took my son to play basketball at one of the back gyms A afterschool program came in 30 minutes later the staff member with them stared at me for five minutes and walked up to me and stated That Gym was for the afterschool program and that we needed to go over to the other gym with the teenagers were he had a group about 10 I see no reason why we couldn't share the gym there is no policy of this no signs posted I go to the front desk asked them if they have a paper stating the opening times in the gyms are open to everyone staff member did not know what I was talking about points to a Office and told me to go ask the lady that was in there I went into the office I asked The lady if she had a paper stating when the gym will be open she stated no I told her what happened she told me that those Gyms were for the afterschool program I stated that my son cannot go play with the teenagers he is nine I asked when we would be able to go back into the small gym simply she said they are for the after school program between two to six pm Mon-Fri she stated there is nobody ever in those gyms well that we were and maybe I wasn't the only member that was approached like that maybe the staff makes it were we don't bring our kids in there during time that why I terminated my membership that day but after I did it my entire family was upset and it not their fault I thought I should at least try to fix it that is I am reaching out is this really how a treat members should the YMCA be thoughtful of others and share please if we could share those gyms I would love to keep my family as members at the YMCA please help if not I understand thank you for your time

incident date 1/26/2018
While in the locker rooms, a couple of kids where behaving with racist behavior. I contemplated confronting the couple of kids but decided not to do so. These kids had the audacity to accuse me of filming them and told staff I left immediately left the premises when I saw them reporting me. Police was involved and a police report was issued. When I was confronted, I told the police what happened, I spoke with the director telling her my deep concerns regarding this false allegation and she informed me she would take action once the investigation is complete. Like expected, the detective inspected my phone and found there was no criminal intent and close the case. Now because this false allegation, there is a public record and the director answer is as follows
I am sorry to hear that you cancelled your membership. I do understand your frustration and I appreciate the efforts you have put forth with the Gahanna Police Department as you have been very forthcoming.

As we have discussed, it is very unfortunate that you were accused of possibly video taping the boys in the locker room. The Gahanna Police Department's investigation showed no crime occurred.

The YMCA works with children on many levels and our staff are all mandated reporters. As a result, we would want a child to come forth and tell a staff member if they thought inappropriate behavior occurred.
Again, as stated before upon further investigation by the Gahanna Police Department it was determined no crime occurred.

You brought to my attention that the boys were exhibiting racist and prejudice behavior toward you that evening. As a result, I am working with the families and the boys in the incident to make sure they understand that we do not tolerate those behaviors as the YMCA welcomes all through our doors.

I am writing in regards to my three year old son who was attending the YMCA learning Center located in Sterling, VA 20164. He as of today will no longer attend the school since I amin great belief the program is not for my son, I would like to point out my son does have a speech delay and because of the speech delay as you know may cause some frustration or aggressive behavior, I had received some complaints on the aggressive behavior and I have been working on different methods on trying to slowly reconcile. I feel like my son was being pointed out as the AGGRESSIVE toddler which does not help the situation. I believe in reprimanding any toddler who is not behaving but also praising them when they are doing well. It's a balance that I do no believe he was not receiving at the daycare.

It is an uncomfortable feeling walking into a day care facility in which you feel has though you are being put in a situation where you are being told negative things. I tried verbally and emailing suggestions on what may work with my son but if there is no follow through, as you know kids will try to test. I myself witnessed as I was walking into the classroom to pick up my son was being pulled by his arm removing him from a situation in which the teacher's aide said he did nothing wrong, so why would you pull my child in that manner is the question. I want to make clear all of my son's needs were advised from day 1, no parent likes the feeling in which a daycare or school just gives up with there child.

I only heard one head teacher say one good thing about my son, He really is a good kid. but and proceeded with the negativity.

I have to say for a parent to pull there child from a daycare which has already been paid for the month should be an eye opening on what things should be looked into. I would like to request for a refund of the partial time my son attended the Ymca for the month of March 2018.

These kids are our future, when the parent and the pre-k schools are following through in trying to work with a child but not the daycare, this can cause an issue.

There is lack of compassion which I do not agree especially for the directors who parents as well. This is what really saddens me.

Thank you for your time
(Mother)
Ingrid Villegas

I was a worker at the ymca for over two to three years. The director staff is horrible ignorant and very inconsiderate there's favoritism over other co workers and is very unfair. I have a family member I take care of and that possibly might not make it in the next few months soo family have been planning to come to see our family and they paid for a vacation for us to go .. well I just got a call saying there canceling my request because I took to many days off when I only missed about 4-5 school out days and she said that was too much I explained my situation and she seemed like she can care less. The ymca is supposed to be about family first and if something was supposed to happen to my family member or to spend my time with that person I would feel ashamed for not being there when I put my request a month before the school out days when the rule is two weeks. I made sure a month in advance.

I visited YMCA 1332 6th ST. Santa Monica CA, 90401 on a Friday night for the first time and everything was perfect until I came back the next day Saturday December 16th 2017. I walked in around 7:15 in the morning the same guest services representative from the night before was working he told me his name was Bagner and the manager said her name was Jazel. First I was told that I was to use a different scanner than the other guest then I was told my membership was denied 'in thier system'. So I called a different YMCA and they typed in my membership barcode and said it was working fine. I tried to hand Bagner my phone so that he could talk to the representative. I said "Excuse me sir" and he didn't hear me because he was busy turned around joking and laughing with Jazel. I said "Excuse me sir" again and he turned around and said I was rude and I tried to explain to him that I had another YMCA on the phone but he said "we can't let you in here like that" and I tried to use the bathroom and Jazel said she would call the cops. I just signed up for my membership less than a week ago and it has been and still is working fine at every other YMCA. I felt that I was being targeted, disrespected and lied to. I walked out of there on tears. I just couldn't believe that I was being treated that way by the staff. I paid for my membership and I keep to myself during my routine workout. Just today I used my membership and it worked fine.
Please contact me at [protected]@gmail.com
Thank you,
Unique Snowden

I've been a member of the Y since January 2005 (Vanderbilt, NYC). Every year I've had to deal with my membership fee being overcharged and this happens at least 3 or 4 times a year. Turns out, after speaking to other members, a good bunch also reported that were being overcharged (in addition to the monthly membership fee) It takes so much effort to just get this resolved that it's extremely frustrating! After calling multiple times, it's still difficult to reach a membership representative to speak on the phone. Is this the ultimate goal and mission of YMCA to rip off their members as much as possible? I'm so tired of this! The Senior managers don't give a hoot about any of this, do they? as long as they receive their pay check and pay increase!

As a member of the YMCA, I was appalled to learn that you advertise on Fox Network and in particular Hannity. I will not continue to support this so-called Christian organization that supports a network that is entertainment not news, that spreads propaganda and undermines the values of our nation. I demand that you pull advertising completely from this network.

YMCA Celina, Ohio the bathrooms the pool the showers they all smell very dirty It appears the facility supports Domestic Terror BLM .

I was in the weight Room facility 11/09/2017 9:30 a.m. when in african walk from one in of the facility to my position the opposit side and threaten to do bodily injury it was obvious the problem was that I was white he stated for unknown reasons that he was stronger than me and he would kick my butt and slit my throat, His aggression was clearly seen by others .
I was physically forced with violence towards me to leave the facility by Lowell Nees, CEO. without cause for explanation as I was leaving he began pushing and handling me .He said if I would not leave he would call the sheriff I called the sheriff the african stated that he saw my lips move and called him a Monkey later the sheriff told me he was a Muslim my membership suspended and A verbal warning of trespassing.

I have been a member of the YMCA in Cleveland Co, in Norman Oklahoma off and on since 1986. I have continually witnessed the disrespect and somewhat flippant attitude the staff at this location has towards its members and it has gotten substantially worse over the years. The last time I renewed my membership the Y charged me double to sign up because I had been using my sisters account for approximately a month. (ENTIRELY MY FAULT) Today Monday October 30th I called the Earlywine YMCA of south Oklahoma City to sign up and try their location. The assistant director Janet Robinson simply told me after an explanation if I could get an email sent to her from Cleveland Co. stating that "I had left in good standing" she would waive the initial sign up fee and just charge me the monthly individual rate. I called the Cleveland Co Y and asked they send the email and they seemed happy to do so. After approximately 3 hours I called Mrs. Robinson and she said she had not received the email. I then called the Cleveland Co. Y again and asked they send the email and I spoke with a different lady. She began lecturing me on what policy states regarding membership[ renewals and I explained I have been over all that with the Earlywine Y and they just need the email. The lady at the Cleveland Co. Y then asked if she could just call the Earlywine Y? I assumed that was between her and Mrs. Robinson. I then received a call from Mrs Robinson that this particular woman had called her and even began giving her the run down of what the policy states. (am I out of line assuming the Y in any area should be more concerned with creating stronger community relationships rather than running them off?) I am deeply concerned with the way the Cleveland Co. Y continues to treat their members. I am 35 years old now and I will not ever refer anyone to that YMCA and I will be sure and pass on all of the unpleasant experiences I have encountered to anyone I know. I will give you another example, One day I politely knocked on Kendra Wilkinsons door (why this lady has an office I have no idea) She simply smiled and put up her finger at me as if I was interrupting her. I notified the current director of this situation and as usual I never heard back. I hope moving forward the Y staff can be less proud of themselves and more invested in treating the membership with a greater deal of respect. I apologize for not remembering the names of the ladies I spoke with at Cleveland Co. that answered the phones however, I am sure you can look that up. I would like to commend Mrs. Robinson and Wendy the lady that helped me sign up at Earlywine for their great attitudes and professionalism. Thank you for your time and patience in this matter.

Every week my boyfriend and I come to the local YMCA multiple times. Overall it's an excellent facility. I've always had pleasant interactions with the staff. But this past week, I feel the ball was dropped. I really enjoy playing basketball to get my cardio in, so my boyfriend and I typically use a full or half court, depending on what's available. There is a main gymnasium with multiple goal posts, and two additional basketball courts with multiple goal posts just around the corner from the main gym. Typically all three are vacant, but occasionally there is an event or league that occupies an area. This is absolutely fine because even if it's not listed on their calendar there are signs letting other members know the date and times the specific gym should be occupied. I try to check online schedules and calendars frequently just to be sure we can use an area for exercise.
Last week, as we usually do, we headed to the Y to play basketball. It was Fall Break for the local school system (the week of Oct 9-13). As expected, there were youth programs going on while the kids were out of school. About 20 minutes into our workout a large group of children came in to occupy the second basketball court in that space. It all started out completely fine. Very young kids were in the same group as teenagers and there were maybe two supervisors for a group of about 30-40 kids. Pretty soon after they came in the floodgates opened and kids were coming onto the court we were playing on. It was absolute chaos. It was so loud, it sounded like there were 100 kids in the gym. There were no structured games or activities, there were balls going everywhere and kids darting every which way. I was honestly concerned that if we continued our basketball game, that we might accidentally run into and possibly hurt a child. We tried to see if there was another area that we could continue our game, so we checked the main gym. Those goals were occupied by children on Fall Break as well. Even the pool was completely occupied. There was no where to go except for the room where the gym machines and weights are located. When my boyfriend went to the front desk to see what the schedule was with the gymnasiums he actually spoke the the program's director and was met with total indifference. She shrugged and told him that there was no set schedule. Needless to say, we left and were very close to cancelling our membership because of that one absolutely chaotic incident. But I wanted to try to reach out to see if this could be resolved.
I'd like to make very clear that my complaint is not about the children or the children's programs. I think it's an amazing thing that the YMCA provides for local families. And as for the volume, balls flying everywhere, and children darting-- that's what children do, I'm not upset with them for that. But there was little supervision, no one was keeping the children in a specific area. Had we been informed that Fall Break was going on and all available space would be needed, we would have gladly made other plans for our workout.
My complaint is about the lack of structure, the limited supervision, the neglect to put any signs up or anything on the calendar (I checked before we went and even double-checked as I was writing this), and the indifference that was shown to us when we inquired about a schedule.
Along with these children's families, we are also paying members. The space should be shared. An accurate calendar needs to be created and updated. If there is no 'set schedule' like we were told, there needs to be one so that we can successfully share the space. From what I can see, there is not a gymnasium schedule/calendar on the website. Like I said before, we're happy to make other plans if the children's programs have a need for the space. But It's unfair that our only option was the gym machine/weight facility. What will happen during Winter Break when it's too cold to go outside? Something has to be worked out so that not every area is occupied by children. The main reason we come is because of the many options the YMCA provides.
I decided to come to this forum because the Director of the children's programs had been spoken to and nothing was resolved. Thank you for your time.

Last weekend I met my wife and son at the Jim and Heather gills ymac for toddler swimming lessons. Upon arrival I attached for the pool and asked a staff member at the desk for directions to the pool. She directed me to the men's locker room. As soon as I change and meet up with my wife and son a young lady comes running after me yelling "sir, sir, sir, sir! Are you a member here?!". My wife turned around to say he is with us before she walked away disappointed. I was also extremely disappointed that she caused a scene and attempted to embarrass me. As much as I wanted to give her a verbal lashing I remained calm. The young lady definitely needs to work on her people skills and perception of black men.

I had signed up for a 1 month free here at the Chester, Va location. It was the middle of the month and was told the next month would be prorated. My account would be drafted for 38.00 dollars.
My first visit was horrible. I came there to have my daughter attend the kid pump class. When I found the room it was located in, children were running around, and there was no class going on. I went to the front and asked what happened.
I was told the schedule that was given to me the day before was wrong and was told to go to the website to find the times for classes (which I was never told). then I was told the website had that same schedule, but it was wrong. Then was told that I should get the app, it is more accurate.
I told them to cancel my membership. I told them I am a single mom and rely on schedules. This is time I get to spend with my daughter and so she can meet other children. The YMCA worker told me that is not a good reason to cancel. She was rude and unprofessional.
On 10/06/17, my account was drafted 78.00. When I called to get my money back, I was told that she had no idea what I was talking about and foward me to the director. I left a voicemail and that was it.
I was lied to, treated badly, tricked, and ignored. I will never go to another YMCA, particularly, the YMCA in Chester, Va.
My first experience was horrible.

Since September 16th, the exercise pool (smaller) has been unusable! I have complained to you as well as several times to the staff. The staff is very polite, but every time they have the same answer. The pool was drained and ever since it has been green. I went there today, Oct 5, the water did not look green, however, the pool is rusty! Come ON! Please fix this. Someone evidently called health department concerning this and they have been out a couple times. I am not the only one concerned. I love the Y but am about to turn in membership and join another gym with a pool. Please answer me!

Yesterday, I requested refund because when I register the membership in late July, I wanted to pay just one month, and the employee accept it. She said that I could pay just one time, so my membership would be valid until on 9/1, but my money was spent last month and this month even if I have never used YMCA services during 2 months. So yesterday and today I visited YMCA in Korea town (Western Ave./3rd St.), and I explained the situation to an employee who is a Korean woman. She said that they can't refund to me because I didn't cancel the membership, so I said that I didn't know because when I register membership, the employee didn't tell me. Also, on my application, she didn't check monthly; she filled out the date on the other instead of checking monthly. However, the Korean employee said that she can't find my file, so they can't refund to me. And she said "you should for get it." After then, she ignored everything I said and walked to pass by me. I was so mortified by her attitude. Also, I felt so victimized that I couldn't receive a refund.

My 14 year son has been apart of the YMCA since he was 5. With in the last year new staff have been brought in. There have been ongoing issues within the last year with some employees. Each compliant was brought to the Director Liz Lord. Tonight I picked my son up at 8:45 and he stated that he was put out by a young white male. He asked of he could get his ball and a staff member named Shannon said no someone else would have to get it. My son said him and some of his friends were sitting in the lobby. Well someone said a curse word about something and told this guy name Taylor it was a mistake. Taylor immediately threw him out. My son said to his friends that was so wrong. They are racist here. They never say anything to the white people. Taylor looked at my 14yr old son and told him to get out too. I am a Social Worker with Child Protective Services and my son was outside unsupervised for 45 min scared in the dark. He could not use their phone because they would not allow him to even get his ball. I am in the process of filing a complaint with the Naacp as well as hire a Civil Attorney. This is how children get missing every day. In the area of the way reside child molesters, murders and so on. Again I work for the Government and have access to information. I have 2 creditable witnesses that stated that was all my son said to Taylor. I ended his membership today and will take this higher.

My family(3 members) registered for YMCA membership with Aetna insurance on 07SEP2017. In addition, I signed up for 3 activities. On 19SEP2017, while I was there to attend one of the activities for 3rd week, my membership card was declined and the reason was the "cancellation of membership".

When I spoke to a Front desk employee, I was informed that my membership was declined because "YMCA is not working with Aetna" from last year. This was a total shocker! How come the employee who signed me up was not aware of this information (training issue!) and in addition, how come system accepted the Aetna and provided the membership for my family for almost 2 weeks (system issue!)?

On 21SEP2017, I met the same person at front desk who signed me up and asked her to check this whole mess and she did not even realize that YMCA is not working with Aetna insurance. She called her manager and confirmed me the same news that they are not accepting Aetna anymore and she was frustrated too, as she was not aware of this information before. Moreover, how many were signed up and back fired like this because of her lack of information? I am not fighting against any individual but I am questioning the mechanisms and systems that are in place that caused this whole issue.

This whole experience caused me and my family a great deal of inconvenience and hoping to see if this will be resolved as soon as possible. Email me at reddy.[protected]@gmail.com for more details.

This one worker Celeste at the Tybee Island, GA YMCA gym is so rude and horrible. She made my son cry. Whenever she is there she pesters my sister and I and we always end up leaving because she kills the mood. Celeste is not fit to work there at all. She does not do anything there like oversee any groups or clubs and she obviously does not use the gym herself unlike every other worker there. Haley Hill, the branch director, needs to fire her!

i called this company several times and my name suddenly appeared in their systems. i have never worked there. paperwork and paychecks may have been processed as well. this was on 11/01/2016. someone was employed there in the past using my information as well. paperwork and paychecks may have been processed then as well. their phone number is [protected].

The director of the Elwood Indiana YMCA is very unprofessional. He openly swears, he is never at the facility, the staff openly complains about how he handles anything related to the staff (always saying that he's "working from home"), he rarely answers any texts, calls, or emails from his staff, puts all (things he should be doing or involved in)responsibility onto an employee that is paid minimum wage, does not allow air conditioning into the gym during the summer, will not provide cleaning supplies when needed, and so much more. This is the worst director this facility has seen so far.