And in 2002, the Reading YMCA and Wakefield YMCA joined the YMCA of the North Shore. Since 2002, the YMCA of the North Shore has been made up of seven local YMCAs that have come together to form one association. The Salem YMCA was the founding YMCA, with a history dating back to the 1850s. Over the last 15 years, the Beverly Regional YMCA, Cape Ann YMCA, Salem YMCA, Marblehead/Swampscott YMCAs, Reading YMCA, and Wakefield YMCA have all joined together to create the YMCA of the North Shore. This unique association has helped to strengthen community ties and provide a wide range of programs, services, and activities to members throughout the North Shore.