Who can participate at the Y?
All individuals are welcome to attend Y programs and use our facilities as members regardless of race, ability, religion, sex, national origin, or level of income. To make our programs accessible to all, we provide Financial Assistance, which is made possible by generous donors to our Annual Campaign.
The protection of members and guests who are utilizing the YMCA is of paramount concern to the YMCA of Greater Rochester. Therefore, we reserve the right to deny access or membership to any person whose behavior is judged to be in conflict with the welfare and safety of other members and/or staff; who is a registered sexual offender; has pleaded guilty to or been convicted of any crime involving sexual abuse or a crime against persons such as child, spousal, or parental abuse or any offense relating to the sale or transportation of illegal, habit forming or dangerous drugs; or who is presently clearly under the influence of intoxicating beverages or behavior modifying drugs.
All guests, program members, and those joining the Y must bring a government issued photo I.D. with them. The I.D. is then ran through the Hall Pass software system. Hall Pass instantly compares visitor identification data against a comprehensive database of sex offender registries for every state. When a known sex offender is detected, Hall Pass sends instantaneous alerts preventing access for these predators. This zero tolerance policy helps ensure the security and safety of all our patrons.
How can I join the Y?
The YMCA of Greater Rochester is a membership organization. You may join the specific facility of your choice, which, in most cases, grants access to all YMCA of Greater Rochester facilities. This is called a Passport Membership. Our YMCA also offers a Neighborhood Membership, which grants access to the Maplewood, Monroe and Southwest Branches only.
What is the difference between a Passport Membership, a Neighborhood Membership and a Program Membership?
A Passport Membership provides access and membership privileges to all YMCA of Greater Rochester facilities. Members receive year round program access and facility use. Many programs are offered at no additional cost, and there are savings on programs where a fee is charged.
A Neighborhood Membership provides access and membership privileges to the Monroe and Southwest Branches only. Neighborhood Members receive year round program access and facility use at these two facilities.
A Program Membership provides an alternative to facility membership for those who wish to enroll in only selected classes/programs. It does not include fitness or aquatics facility privileges.
Do I have to pay extra for certain programs/benefits?
Many of our programs are member benefits, meaning there is no additional cost. A few special adult services such as personal training and massage, and some youth programs do require additional payments. Please consult the specific branch handbook for details.
I only use one part of the facility. Do you offer partial memberships?
We do not offer partial memberships. A Passport membership enables you to use all of the YMCA facilities in the Rochester area.
What is the joining fee used for?
The joining fees are accumulated in our Capital Projects Funds, which are reserved for making upgrades and improvements to the building, equipment, and grounds at YMCA locations.
Can I tour the facility before deciding to join?
The best way to learn about the YMCA is to tour one of our facilities. Tours can be given anytime the branch is open. In addition to showing you the facility, we will spend some time getting to know you and your health and wellness needs to ensure that you will get the most out of your YMCA membership.
If I travel, can I use YMCA’s in other cities?
The YMCA of Greater Rochester participates in two different programs for national membership:
NATIONWIDE Y MEMBERSHIP
We are dedicated to ensuring our facilities, programs and services are open and welcoming to all. As part of this effort, we are proud to offer our members access to YMCA facilities across the United States that participate in Nationwide Y Membership. This way, our members can use the Y as often as they like, making it easier to achieve their health and wellness goals.
Another benefits is the AWAY “Always Welcome at the Y” Program. When you travel, you can use your YMCA membership card at over 600 YMCA’s throughout the country, at either no charge or half of that YMCA’s guest fee. Please allow our Member Service Center to assist you when you are going out of town.
Can I sign up for membership or a program over the phone?
Membership signups may be done online or in person at any branch. Registration for individual programs can be done either in person at the branch or by utilizing our enroll link on the home page.
Can I make changes to my membership over the phone?
All membership changes must be done at the Member Service desk in writing. This ensures that all changes are received, recorded, and handled correctly.
Can I give you my new credit card information over the phone?
For the security of our members, only a few specific staff members are permitted to take credit card information over the phone. If you cannot come to a branch, please call any branch member service desk for assistance.
I lost my membership card. What do I have to do to replace it?
Lost cards may be replaced free of charge. Arrangements can be made by visiting the member Service desk in the lobby of any branch.
What payment options are available?
Most Y members take advantage of our convenient, automated monthly payment system, which can be done via bank draft using a credit card (American Express, VISA, MasterCard, or Discover) or a bank account. Membership dues may also be paid in one annual payment, which is renewed yearly.
Does the Y offer Financial Assistance?
Yes. Thanks to the generosity of members, small businesses, corporations and foundations, the Y is able to offer Financial Assistance to keep Y programs affordable for all, regardless of the ability to pay.
What types of insurance co-payment benefits can I use at the Y?
The YMCA of Greater Rochester recognizes reimbursement benefits with both MVP Health Care and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. These benefits include, but are not limited to:
TriVantage and Preferred Gold are plans offered by MVP Health Care:
- SilverSneakers is the nation’s leading exercise program designed exclusively for older adults and is available at no additional cost (beyond any monthly premium) to Preferred Gold members. Ask a member service representative if your health plan is eligible.
- Members of TriVantage Active Lifestyles Plan receive up to $300 per year per subscriber for healthy adult activities such as a YMCA membership, personal trainers, exercise classes or joining a healthy weight support program.
- Members of TriVantage Family Focus Plan receive up to $300 per year per subscriber for healthy activities for dependents under 18. These activities include but are not limited to a YMCA membership, swimming lessons, Lifeguard Training and summer camp.
- TriVantage Healthy Alternative EPO members can receive reimbursement for specific non-traditional therapies such as Chiropractic, Acupuncture and Message Therapy.
For more information about MVP programs and benefits, visit www.mvphealthcare.com or call (585) 325-3113.
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Benefits:
- Blue Healthy Choices subscribers with the Fit & Healthy Option are eligible for up to $300 per calendar year for a YMCA membership or toddler gym and swim programs.
- Blue Healthy Choices subscribers with the Healthy Family Option are eligible for up to $100 per calendar year for a YMCA membership or toddler gym and swim programs.
- Healthy Blue subscribers can earn HealthyRewards dividends by participating in health & wellness programs at the YMCA.
- Effective January 1, 2012: All Medicare Advantage members are eligible for a yearly YMCA membership through the Silver & Fit program. This Excellus BCBS program requires a $25 yearly annual fee paid to Silver & Fit to participate.
For more information about Excellus BlueCross BlueShield programs and benefits, visit www.excellusbcbs.com or call 1-800-671-6081.
How do you register for programs?
Y programs are scheduled into six sessions throughout the year. Members always receive priority registration, which typically begins two weeks prior to the start of the session. Most programs are available for online registration using our easy, convenient Easy to Enroll system. Members may also register for programs by visiting the member service desk. Many classes have limited enrollment, and all registrations are taken on a first come, first served basis.