Christian Principles            
At the root of our 150 year old organization is our mission statement to put the Christian principles of love, respect, honesty, responsibility and service into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. These values are reflected in our programs, activities and staff.

Christian Principles Colors
These values are also reflected in the colors in our web site. Red, yellow, blue, green and black are the colors of our values. Red represents love, as in a "red heart." Yellow represents respect as in the "golden rule." Blue represents honesty, as in "true blue." Green represents responsibility, as in our environment. And, black represents service.

Mission-based Programs
At your YMCA there are always opportunities to participate in mission-based programs. For more information, visit Mission-based Programs.

Chaplain's Office
In 2005 the YMCA created the Chaplain's Office to strengthen, encourage and comfort YMCA staff, members and volunteers as they put Christian principles into practice.

Bob Reichen joined the Y in 2007 in the capacity of VP of Mission Advancement and Chaplain, the second individual to be in this position for more than 50 years.

Chaplain Reichen provides Christian principles training for all staff and offers inspirational thoughts at events as well as one-on-one with staff.

The Chaplain's Office is supported by the Christian Principles Committee, which is composed of trustees, branch board members and volunteers. The committee focuses on assisting the YMCA in the fulfillment of our mission. The committee does this in a variety of ways including reaching out to the faith-based community to build relationships and by raising funds to sustain ministry activities.

Christian Principles News
YMCA Praised for Emphasis on Spiritual Health
Nationally known expert, Dr. Wayne Westcott, commended the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette for promoting spirituality to improve life balance.

Regional YMCA seeks to 'Illuminate the C'
Amid the hoop and child care, there's renewal of the Association's Christian values.

Christian Principles in Business and Life Annual Dinner
Thursday, November 12th, 2009
The YMCA would like to thank everyone who attended the Christian Principles Dinner. The Christian Principles Division raised nearly $30,000 that evening. Thank you! Our 4th annual fundraising dinner was at the Beaverton Hoop YMCA on Thursday, November 12th, 2009. The dinner brought together business and religious leaders in the community to introduce the YMCA, discuss Christian principles in business and life and raise funds to support the Y ministry. Dr. Wayne Westcott, renowned Health and Wellness expert, was the keynote speaker.

Christian Leadership Conference 
Fall 2010
The YMCA of Columbia Willamette and the Walker Foundation hosts the annual Christian Leadership Conference at Camp Collins in Gresham, Oregon. For more information visit Christian Leadership Conference. If you have any questions, please contact Bob Reichen at breichen@ymca-portland.org or 503.221.5336.

Chaplain's Office
The YMCA has a Chaplain's office to reach out to the faith-based community and to provide comfort and support for YMCA staff. To read the story, view The Y Puts Increased Emphasis on C.

Portland City Fest
The YMCA of Columbia-Willamette joined with the faith-based community as a sponsor of Portland City Fest in 2008. To learn about the festival, visit Portland City Fest Luis Palau. Our YMCA continues to work with the faith-based community established by Luis Palau's Season of Service. 

Contact Information
To support the Chaplain's office you can volunteer to serve or support us financially. For more information please contact Bob Reichen at breichen@ymca-portland.org or 503.221.5336.