Young Mens Christian Association of Wilkes-Barre Inc

Our Cause: A Stronger Wilkes-Barre

Every day, we take on the challenges that will shape our community’s future—challenges like the academic achievement gap, childhood obesity, and the diabetes epidemic.

Grounded in our Christian heritage and guided by our timeless values, we open our doors to all, no matter who they are or where they come from.

Together with our 5,000 members, our hundreds of volunteers, and our friends and partners throughout the community, we make the Wilkes-Barre area stronger by focusing on three priorities: youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Youth Development

All kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve, under the guidance of adults who care about them and believe in their potential.  We see every interaction with young people as an opportunity for learning and development.

•Angela from Plymouth is grateful for the YMCA and its Aquatics Programming. “One of my proudest mommy moments was as I watched my son swim across the pool ALL BY HIMSELF! It brought tears to my eyes! I consider the YMCA a huge part of our family.” Every year we teach hundreds of children and adults this life saving skill.

•Tracie from Mountaintop said, “My daughter’s self-esteem has soared while attending YMCA Camp Kresge Day Camp.  She came home every day excited and gushing about what went on at camp. Sending her back to camp this summer was the best thing I could have done for her!”

These are just a few of the many ways we help young people form healthy habits, develop their skills and build strong relationships.

Healthy Living

Health and well-being are all about balance.  That’s why we help people and families build and maintain healthy habits for spirit, mind and body in their everyday lives.

•Donna from Wilkes-Barre says, “I cannot express my love for the Wilkes-Barre YMCA. Without the Y I would not have my weight loss success, or good health, nor would I have met more compassionate helpful staff.”

•LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, a FREE 12-week research-based program that supports cancer survivors, has made a tremendous impact on those recovering from cancer. “LIVESTRONG At The YMCA is a way of life, a state of mind, a place of hope, a group of friends and a place of understanding.” says cancer survivor and LIVESTRONG at the Y participant, Misho V.

By helping young people, adults, families and seniors from all backgrounds improve their health and well-being, we build a stronger community every day.

Social Responsibility

With our doors open to all, we work every day to bridge the gaps that divide people and neighborhoods to bring our cause to the people and neighborhoods that need us most. With our members, volunteers, staff and partners, we take on the most urgent needs in our community and inspire a spirit of service in everyone we touch.

•The Food n Fun @ the Parks summer program provided 429 children with 2,102 nutritious snacks and 3,193 lunches, daily supervised fun, safe activities, visits to Camp Kresge and weekly educational programs at four city parks and the Y at no charge. Partnering with the Commission on Economic Opportunity and the City of Wilkes-Barre, the Y helped keep kids nourished, fit, and focused all summer long.  Funding was provided by Wilkes-Barre City Health Department, a Walmart Foundation Year-Round Food Program grant and Y USA.

•In 2013 the after school CATCH program was able to offer dinner to all children in attendance thanks to the Walmart Year Round Food Program grant.

Together our members, volunteers, supporters and staff demonstrate the power of what we can achieve by giving back.

Give Today

We have an extraordinary opportunity to ensure a brighter future for the Wilkes-Barre community but we must take action today, and only your support will make it possible.

When you give to the Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA your generosity reaches children, families and seniors.

Your gift will help young people achieve their potential, empower people of all ages to lead healthier lives, and strengthen the bonds of community.

Together, we will take on many of the greatest challenges facing our young people, our health and our communities.

Our goal is to raise $130,000 for 2014. 

Every gift makes a difference.  Everyone has a role to play. 

Together, we can achieve so much more.  Please give today!