History

People Serving People for Over 100 Years!

For more than 100 years, the Cannon Memorial YMCA has provided safe and caring environments, positive role models, creative activities and opportunities to serve the needs of the people in Cabarrus County and Kannapolis. These are the essential building blocks for strong kids, strong families and strong communities. Below is an outline of important dates in our YMCA History...

• 1908: The Cannon Memorial YMCA, the original Kannapolis branch, was chartered in 1908 as a division of Cannon Mills. President and CEO of Cannon Mills, C.A. Cannon, underwrote all membership fees and expenses, giving the Cannon Memorial YMCA the largest YMCA membership base of any YMCA in the nation.
• 1909: The first YMCA in Kannapolis was constructed in 1909.
• 1919: Cannon Y boasted the largest membership of any YMCA in the nation.
• 1920s: Volleyball was introduced in Kannapolis.
• 1937: Empty Stocking Fund, our oldest running program began and still serves our community today.
• 1938: The third building is the one Kannapolis natives remember most, located in the heart of Cannon Village. This building stood from 1938 to 1987 and contained a bowling alley and barber shop. 
• 1940: The Cannon Memorial YMCA was the first YMCA to allow women by creating a women's department. Most YMCA's in the US did not admit women till 1950.
• 1942: First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt visited our YMCA.
• 1946: The John R. Mott club was chartered.
• 1987: January 18, 1987 was the offical Grand Opening of the Kannapolis YMCA as it stands today.
• 1997: We began serving Harrisburg/Concord from a white mill house off of Pitts School Road by providing programs such as soccer, swim lessons and summer day camp.
• 2003: The Grand Opening of the West Cabarrus YMCA, located in Afton Village, took place on October 5, 2003.
• 2006: On December 3, 2006 we opened the Harrisburg YMCA located on the top floor of Town Hall in Harrisburg, NC.
• 2008: On May 1, 2008 the Cannon Y hosted the 1st National Day of Prayer Breakfast.
• 2008: The Cannon Memorial YMCA hosted a gala event located at the Kannapolis YMCA in celebration of 100 years of service to Cabarrus County.
• 2009: Our partnership with Carolinas Medical System- Northeast grew with the addition of a Wellness Nurse located at the West Cabarrus YMCA branch.

"Our future is a story that's left to be told. It's going to be up to the people who are around in future generations to determine what's next. I cannot see our mission ever changing. It's who we are. It's what we were founded on. It's been that way since 1844 and locally for 100 years. The future is our mission."                -Kimberly Cousineau, Chief Operating Officer