The Monroe Family YMCA was incorporated in 1954 by Earl C. Kull, Grattan Gray, Vernon E. Clark, Dwight H. Montz, and Robert C. Etnire; "To promote the Christian way of living among its members and constituents, to promote the physical, mental and spiritual welfare of persons and to emphasize reverence for God, responsibility for the common good, respect for personality, and the application of the Golden Rule in human relationships."

The Monroe Family YMCA began operation at 32 Washington Street and moved to 206 South Monroe in December 1955. In March of 1960, The Y moved to 40 South Macomb, followed by a move to 10 East Front Street in September of 1963.

In 1968, a capital campaign for $1,156,000 was conducted to construct a new YMCA building at 1111 West Elm Avenue. The drive raised over $1,200,000 and a cornerstone was laid in 1968. The YMCA officially changed location to the West Elm site in February 1971 having dedicated and occupied the new building in January 1970.

In March 1977, the Board of Directors took action to build an addition to the YMCA building. From this loan, four tennis courts, two raquetball courts, two health areas, and locker rooms were constructed.

In March of 1982, the River Raisin flooded the YMCA causing extensive damage. Repairs were made and the Wellness Center was added at this time.

The Y was notified in 1994 that it was one of the recipients of the Edward M. and Henrietta M. Knabusch Charitable Trust No. 1. The trust as it applies to the YMCA reads as follows: "For the YMCA of Monroe, Michigan to only be used for the reduction of debt with balance, if any, to be used for the setting up of an endowment fund."