WHAT IS THE RIVER VALLEY REGIONAL YMCA?

The River Valley Regional ('RVR') YMCA was officially formed in July of 2006.  It is a conglomeration of YMCAs here in our area that have banded together in order to better serve our communities.  We are comprised of five branches: the Williamsport Branch YMCA, the Bradford County Branch YMCA in Towanda, the Eastern Lycoming Branch YMCA in Muncy, the Jersey Shore Branch YMCA, and the Tioga County Branch YMCA in Mansfield.  In addition, we have over 25 additional program sites through collaborations.

› VISIT THE RVR YMCA WEBSITE

THE YMCA IS FOR EVERYBODY

All YMCAs adhere to a strict philosophy in which we do not turn anyone away due to inability to pay for our programs, services, or membership.  With this in mind, in 2010 the RVR YMCA was able to help local people with over $600,000 worth of discounted services (mainly preschool-age child care).  Our YMCA also acts as a 'conduit' for other agencies that help people.  In 2010, the amount of indirect aid that we gave was $1,300,000.  All combined, the RVR YMCA granted assistance to people both directly and indirectly of more than $2,000,000 in 2010.

THE YMCA IS NOT A 'GYM AND SWIM'

THE YMCA IS NOT A COMMUNITY CENTER

The YMCA is a WORLDWIDE MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE that takes direct action to make LOCAL COMMUNITIES a better place.  The majority of what we do is done through volunteer efforts and donations.  Local volunteers determine community needs, then find a way and locate resources to implement programs and services to address those needs.

MISSION & END RESULT

There is a famous YMCA saying from the 1930s: “It is better to build a strong boy today than to mend a broken man tomorrow."  Teaching children the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility remains a core part of the YMCA’s daily activities.  The end result of the Y-programs on our city’s youth is very literally “life-transforming."  We are preparing and creating tomorrow’s leaders at our Y today.

The RVR YMCA has a profound effect on the human health, welfare, and well-being of the communities in which we serve.  From empowering single parents to be a part of the workforce through child care services, to the self-esteem that participation in various youth sports brings to our youth, to the mentoring done at our after-school and teen program, to the seniors who benefit socially from Y-Active Older Adult Programs, to the youth who receive lunch through the free food program during summer time, to the anti-drug/anti-gang programs in the inner city, our YMCA has a direct positive impact on children, adults, seniors, families, and our community.

WHAT DOES THE YMCA DO?

Everything we do revolves around three things:  

• Youth Development   

• Healthy Living  

• Social Responsibility

Our YMCA is the largest provider of preschool and school-age child care in the region, providing high-quality and affordable care to more than 1,500 children each day.  We have 4 preschool child care sites, 12 before and after-school program sites, and 10 summer day camp sites throughout Lycoming, Bradford and Sullivan Counties.  Our YMCA also offers access to personal health and well-being through facility memberships, teen leadership programs, youth and adult sports leagues, senior programs, swim lessons, family camping, before and after-school programming in local schools, and much more.  In addition, the RVR YMCA has an ongoing collaborative agreement with the City of Williamsport that empowers us to run a free summer park program for inner city youth.  The full array of YMCA programs and services can be found on our websites. 

From preschool child care to senior fitness classes, the YMCA offers opportunities for individuals and families to grow in spirit, mind, and body at every stage of life.  The YMCA recognizes that a strong part of our legacy is due to the people we bring together -- Ys are for all people of all faiths, races, ages, abilities and incomes.

YOU CAN HELP

Volunteer at the YMCA.  Join the YMCA.  Make a donation to the YMCA.  Advocate for the YMCA.  Be a part of the movement.