The LeMars Area Family YMCA is a young YMCA. The LeMars YMCA was Chartered in 1993 by a group of LeMars citizens devolted to the idea of establishing a YMCA in their community. Early in 1995, the first executive director, Lance Lasher, was hired by The Board Of Directors, and by fall two new employees were added.

Operating out of a small area behind City Hall, The LeMars YMCA began to grow. Programs were run at local elementary schools, and the LeMars Community middle school and high school.

In 1998, the YMCA moved from the small space downtown to the Life Sports building on the campus of Westmar University.