Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA

The Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all individuals in its community. It operates under the broader mission of the YMCA, fostering youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Mission and Focus

The organization's mission is rooted in Christian principles, aiming to build communities by investing in youth, promoting healthy living, and supporting neighbors. It focuses on three key areas:

• Youth Development: Providing opportunities for kids to discover their potential through programs designed to instill values such as caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• Healthy Living: Offering resources and programs that encourage healthy habits and improve well-being for individuals of all ages.
• Social Responsibility: Engaging the community through charitable services and activities.

Programs and Services

The Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA offers a wide array of services, including:

• Child Care Services: Operating across multiple locations, providing essential educational support for infants through school-age children.
• Swimming Programs: Offering swimming lessons and water safety education, including initiatives to teach all 3rd and 5th graders in partnered school districts.
• Health and Wellness: Providing exercise classes, chronic disease prevention programs, and support for seniors.
• Community Outreach: Organizing food distributions, scholarships, and other community-centric activities.

Expansion and Impact

In recent years, the organization has expanded its services significantly with the opening of new facilities, including the Mericle Family Center for Early Childhood Education. This expansion highlights its commitment to addressing critical community needs, such as quality childcare for working families.

Financial Support and Inclusion

The organization offers financial assistance to those who cannot afford full membership fees, ensuring inclusivity across income levels. Funding for these subsidies is provided by generous donations from individuals and local businesses.

Historical Context

With a history dating back to 1863, the YMCA has evolved over time, maintaining its core mission while adapting to community needs. Today, it operates as part of a larger network of over 2,700 Ys across the United States.

Governance and Inclusivity

The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion, striving to engage all members of the community regardless of background or socio-economic status. Its leadership promotes these values through diverse programs and services.

External Identifiers:

• EIN: 240795638

References

[^1]: Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA. (2023). 2022 YMCA Annual Report.
[^2]: Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA. About Us.
[^3]: Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA. Heritage Society.
[^4]: Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA Celebrates Grand Opening of Mericle Family Center for Early Childhood Education. (2022).

[1] https://s3.amazonaws.com/reclique-core-wilkesbarre/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/19085242/2022-YMCA-Annual-Report-for-website.pdf [2] https://wvymca.org [3] https://wvymca.org/about/ [4] https://wvymca.org/heritage-society/ [5] https://www.mericle.com/news/2022/02/gwva-ymca-celebrates-centerpoint-grand-opening/