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.

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
Christian Leadership Conference 
May 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, check out the 2009 Christian Leadership Conference Brochure or contact Chris Stubblefield at cstubblefield@ymca-portland.org or 503.946.5007.

Christian Principles and Ethics in Business and Religion
Our annual fundraising dinner, which brings together business and religious leaders in the community at a dinner to introduce the YMCA, discuss Christian principles and ethics in business and religion and raise funds to support the Y ministry was held October 22, 2008 at The Governor Hotel. Keynote speakers were Mike Donahue of KOIN News and Karen Fox of The Medical Resource Center. Check back next year for more informaton or contact Chris Stubblefield at cstubblefield@ymca-portland.org or 503.946.5007. To read the 2008 news coverage, choose YMCA Focuses on Christian Roots.

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.