YMCA OF CENTRE COUNTY MISSION
YMCA of Centre County is a charitable, nonprofit organization that provides opportunities to all individuals and families in the community by putting high moral values and principles into practice through facilities, programs, services and activities that build healthy spirit, mind and body. YMCA of Centre County fully accepts diversity and promotes community development and cooperation.
THE YMCA – NATIONALLY
The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
THE Y’S IMPACT
There are more than 2,600 locations in 10,000 communities across the country.
21 million people (12 million adults and 9 million youth) of all ages, incomes, backgrounds and abilities come to the Y to learn, grow and thrive. 500,000 volunteers–kids, parents, individuals, and business and community leaders are personally vested in strengthening their communities.
By nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the nation’s health and wellbeing, and supporting and serving our neighbors, the Y ensures that everyone has the opportunity to become healthier, more confident, connected and secure.
To get a glance at our rich history and a snapshot of our many successes over the last 160 years on behalf of the individuals and communities we are privileged to serve, visit the Y USA website.
THE YMCA – LOCALLY
YMCA of Centre County was formed January 1, 2009 as a merger of the Bellefonte and State College YMCAs. The original charter of the Bellefonte YMCA, dated 1869, is still held by the organization, making it the third oldest Y in Pennsylvania. On January 1, 2012, the Moshannon Valley YMCA became the third branch of the YMCA of Centre County. In December 2015, the Penns Valley YMCA Program Center was opened in Spring Mills. We look forward to continuing our work in the communities that our Ys serve, as well as expanding opportunities here in Centre County.
YMCA of Centre County is available for all members of the community. We particularly recognize the need to be here for kids, adults and families in need by turning no one away due to inability to pay. Financial assistance provided through our Open Doors Program keeps the Y available for those who often need it the most.
In the past ten years, YMCA of Centre County has continually expanded its Anti-Hunger Program to combat food insecurity in our communities. The Y’s Anti-Hunger Program includes free summer lunches for kids, Backpack Weekend Food Program, monthly food distributions, the Travelin’ Table mobile feeding bus, and many more opportunities for people in our communities to access free, healthy food.
THE Y: OUR STORY AND YOURS
Annually, the Y gives out over $400,000 in Open Doors memberships, programs, food, and services back to the community. But the true measure of what the Y does for the community can be seen on a daily basis:
- A 5-year-old “graduate” of the Early Care and Education program starts kindergarten with self-confidence, social skills and a readiness to learn.
- A 13-year-old, after years of attending summer day camp, gets his long anticipated opportunity to be a LIT (Leader In Training) for that same camp.
- A single parent, working hard to finish their schooling, has an affordable, safe, nurturing environment for their 4 children to spend after school hours.
- A disabled veteran rediscovers a healthy lifestyle and gains a new passion for helping others.
- An active older adult gains a whole new social and support network and a feeling that there is always someone who can help.
- A whole family comes to the Y to spend quality time and give back to the community.
- A family gets a “hand-up” by receiving free food at a distribution, allowing them to use their limited resources on other needs.
This is “Our Story And Yours”. Whether you are a program participant, member, board member, donor, volunteer, staff or general supporter, YOU make all that the Y does possible for our communities. We look forward to continuing to work alongside you, to enrich the lives of our neighbors here in Centre County.
GET INVOLVED:
Scott Mitchell, President/CEO
[email protected]
814-237-7717