The Y is throwing a party. On Jan. 5, the Ventura Family YMCA will celebrate its 121st birthday by holding an open house from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A lot of people are amazed to find out just how long the YMCA has been in Ventura. For more than 100 years, the Y has been growing and changing, just like the city of Ventura and our country.

In 1887, while the Wild West was still in full throttle for our neighboring states, the Ventura YMCA founders (it was considered the YMCA of Ventura County in its early years) bought a house at Santa Clara and Oak streets. In 1919, the Y moved to the Occidental Hotel and soon thereafter changed its location to a room above the high school auditorium off Catalina and Main streets.

The 1940s were a crucial time of growth and solidarity in the country, and the Ventura YMCA reflected that. By moving into a new location (a log cabin across from the old Mound School), the Y also was able to open the Pine Valley camp in 1946, and both the Youth and Government program and the Y's Men's Club launched in 1949.

Many veterans from World War II returned and joined with their new families, helping to define the Y's importance within the community. The Y grew and prospered over the next 30 years at that location, but with the city's massive growth in the 1980s, it was decided that the Y was ready for a long overdue relocation and expansion.

The Ventura YMCA purchased its current property at 3760 Telegraph Road, and the space allowed the Y to compete as a top-notch community center, along with expanding its fitness and wellness programs for all ages.

Today, the Ventura Family YMCA has grown to 6,000 members and provides child care to more than 200 children in its after-school programs. A 3,000-square-foot natatorium is home to two heated indoor pools, which have allowed the aquatics program to flourish — serving 4,500 children annually and close to 100 seniors in monthly arthritis classes.

Unlike most for-profit area gyms, we're proud to say that no member of our community is turned away because of the inability to pay. As our membership director, Kate Bucey, explains, "We want to ensure that no one is turned away due to their inability to pay. In some cases, families can qualify to pay as little as $22 a month for an entire family membership and as little as $6 for swim lessons, gymnastics and many other classes for children and adults. The Y is a place for everyone."

To thank the community for its ongoing support over the years, the Ventura YMCA welcomes everyone to come and enjoy our open house on Jan. 5 and learn more about the services, programs and fitness opportunities the Y has to offer. We'll be waiving the join fee during the open house and offering 50 percent off for the remainder of the month.

The Ventura Family YMCA has been growing and building strong kids, strong families and strong communities since the turn of the century. Times may have changed (most of our members now arrive in cars, though covered wagons are still welcome), but our mission statement remains the same, "to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all."

Come see what we've been doing for our community since 1887, and join us in a new generation of health, family and friendship at the YMCA.