Dunmore YMCA awarded grant from YMCA of the USA

Posted on July 2, 2024 by The Dunmorean

In June, the Greater Scranton YMCA was awarded a $7,000 Youth Sports Access Grant from YMCA of the USA. Grant funding will be utilized to provide 125 children with one free session (one month) of youth sports programming.

Funding will also support the purchase of much-needed youth sports equipment, including equipment for youth basketball, youth soccer and youth pickleball.

Through this project, the Greater Scranton YMCA’s goal is to increase access and equity in youth sports. Thus, scholarships for low-income and/or underserved youth 14 and under will be prioritized.

“Here at the Y, we believe all children should have equal access to youth sports,” said Rich Surridge, Interim CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “For many families, though, the financial resources are not available. Thanks to grant funding from YMCA of the USA, we are so proud to provide children in our community with the resources needed to participate in youth sports programming at our YMCA.”

The Greater Scranton YMCA has created a form that families who are interested in participating in youth sports can complete. After 125 responses have been received, the YMCA will close the form. For more information about this scholarship opportunity and youth sports at the Greater Scranton YMCA, contact Brandon Whipple, Senior Program Director, at bwhipple@gsymca.org.

Grant to help with projects at YMCA’s new Olyphant location

Posted on June 5, 2024 by The Dunmorean

The Greater Scranton YMCA recently was awarded a $3,300 grant from Women in Philanthropy. The grant will support the purchase of outdoor playground equipment at the Y’s new Early Learning Center in Olyphant which opened in April.

Through the opening of the new center, the Greater Scranton YMCA’s goal is to offer our community much-needed child care services, allowing parents to work knowing their children are in a safe and nurturing environment.

Shown from left: Ellen Burkey, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Chair and Women in Philanthropy supporter; Tressa Parker, Senior Education Director, Greater Scranton YMCA; Meghan Carnevale, Mission Advancement & Marketing Director, Greater Scranton YMCA; Rich Surridge, CFO/COO, Greater Scranton YMCA, and Amy Betts, Scranton Area Community Foundation Community Impact Manager and Women in Philanthropy Supporter

Healthy Kids Day set for May 11th at Dunmore YMCA

Posted on April 30, 2024 by The Dunmorean

The Greater Scranton YMCA, 706 N. Blakely St., Dummore, is hosting its annual Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, May 11, from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m. This free, annual event features a variety of family-friendly activities to encourage healthy kids, healthy families and a healthy start to the summer season.

Sponsored nationally by Peanuts, Healthy Kids Day’s mission is to turn fun and play into lifelong memories. Some featured activities include a Kids Fun Run, vendor fair, bounce houses, face painting, entertainment, refreshments and more. The event is open to the community and registration is not required.

“It is so important for kids to stay active over the summer, both physically and mentally,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “At the Y, we believe in providing resources for families to create healthy habits, no matter the time of year. Healthy Kids Day is a fun, free community wide event that encourages families to take advantage of all the great summer activities the Y has to offer.”

Locally, Healthy Kids Day is sponsored by Community Bank, Rainey & Rainey, NET Credit Union, Topp Business Solutions, Matrix, Cal Mal Vending Services and Brucelli Advertising.

Kids Fun Run schedule (free and registration is not required!): 10:30-10:40 a.m. – Ages 3-5;
10:45-10:55 a.m. – Ages 6-9, and 11-11:10 a.m. – Ages 10-14. *Located outside in the back of the facility.

For more information about Healthy Kids Day, including reserving a table at the vendor fair or for sponsorship opportunities, contact Brandon Whipple, Senior Program Director, at (570) 828-3116 or bwhipple@gsymca.org.