This study reviewed the nature and exent of current Canadian Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) work with families, elicited creative ideas from selected staff personnel and laymen as to future family programs and services, examined current programs against a backdrop of societal change affecting the Canadian family, and drew implications for strengthening family work as a program emphasis. Questionnaires were sent to individual YMCAs and to members of the Executive Committee of the National Council of YMCAs. Family service received some emphasis in 55 YMCAs. No single YMCA characteristic was clearly predictive of family program involvement although most Canadian YMCA family programs were recreational. Amalgamation did not seem significant in promoting and sustaining work with families, but the majority of YMCAs did offer family programs and services. Professional and lay leader training as family life educators was seen as basic to effective YMCA family work, and respondents stressed the need to continue program planning research. Comprehensive research, cooperation with other agencies, and changes in reporting and facilities were urged. (author/ly)