For over 100 years, the YMCA and YWCA have diligently served the residents of Allentown and neighboring communities. Through the YMCA’s mission to “put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all” and the YWCA’s mission to “empower women and eliminate racism,” we’ve provided access to programs that help our neighbors live better, healthier, more meaningful lives. The specifics about how we work together has shifted with the decades, but our dedication to providing quality programming that meets current community needs has never wavered.

In January 2017, after a year-long review process, two key changes occurred in the organizational structure of the Allentown Y. First, the YMCA and YWCA cordially, with full support and direction from their respective Boards of Directors, separated their administrative functions, returning to operating each organization individually. This was done at the urging of our national organizations and will allow each Y to better enact its dedicated mission. The YMCA will continue to operate the facility at 430 South 15th Street; the YWCA has added staff and offices to its “The Perfect Fit for Working Women” boutique location on the 3rd floor of 1101 West Hamilton Street.

The second change was the merging of the Allentown YMCA under the Greater Valley YMCA umbrella, joining all of the other YMCAs in the Lehigh Valley as part of that multi-branch YMCA. “Being One Y” allows the YMCA to increase its impact in each local community it serves while more efficiently managing expenses and resources.

Both changes are detailed in individual press releases, which you can find posted on www.greatervalleyymca.org. If you’d like a paper copy, they are available at the Welcome Center of the Allentown YMCA or at the YWCA. You can reach us by phone, also, if you have any questions. (Contact information below.)

The Ys will continue to partner on programs and initiatives that build a better, healthier, diverse and welcoming Allentown. Thank you for all that you do to support our missions.

Most sincerely,

– Peter Dent, President, Allentown YMCA

– Margaretha Haeussler, President, YWCA of Allentown

– Bryan Gault, Chair, Greater Valley YMCA

– David Fagerstrom, President/CEO, Greater Valley YMCA

 

Information Provided By:
Jean E Wehrle
GREATER VALLEY YMCA
1225 West Lafayette Street, Easton, PA 18042