The Outreach & Development Department, the socially visual arm of the Bombay YMCA, has touched and changed the lives of scores of people since its inception. The poor, destitute, and downtrodden of society are integral to this very important department. Every year, new activities and programs are added to reach out to new areas of need as they are discovered. YMCA’s special concern for the marginalized community in Bombay dates back to 1923 when Naigaum was identified for work among the poor and lower-middle-class Indian Christians.

This later evolved into a full-fledged community service among industrial workers of all groups. The Social Service Department was established in 1925. The welfare work started among the poor Indian Christians at Naigaum and was later expanded to include all inhabitants irrespective of caste and creed. To establish rapport with the people by breaking down barriers of suspicion and unfamiliarity, the YMCA opened a night school and also organized lantern lectures, entertainment programs, and plays.