YMCA’s Lawson appointed to Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission

Bertram L. Lawson II, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine, addresses state legislators and members of the press during a press conference in January 2024, announcing the expansion of the state’s Child and Dependent Care tax credit. Bertram L. Lawson II, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW), has been appointed to serve on the Pennsylvania Early Learning...

YMCA students, members unite to fight homelessness and food insecurity

Students from the YMCA’s BASE program are pictured with the donations they collected on behalf of local organizations. Pictured with the students (left to right) are Claudia Aust of the YMCA, Ruby Abouraya of Safe Harbor of Chester County, Kecia Crowl of Kennett Area Community Service, Rachel Thomas Steadman of Bridge of Hope, Chaleena Boggs of Safe Harbor of Chester County, Patrice Stilley...

YMCA offers free introduction to mindfulness classes in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month

The YMCA of Greater Brandywine is offering a new Introduction to Mindfulness for Wellbeing class for free throughout the month of May in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. The four-week virtual class will be held on Wednesday afternoons and Thursday evenings.  “All people experience mental health on a spectrum that is influenced by their day-to-day experiences and commitments,”...

YMCA offers free membership to 7th graders

Chester County seventh graders, you’re going to want to get to the YMCA right now. The YMCA of Greater Brandywine is proud to continue its 7th Grade Initiative, which offers any seventh grader in Chester County a free one-year youth membership. Kids simply need to bring a school ID, roster or report card, along with a parent or guardian, to their local branch to register. After registering,...

YMCA plans welcoming week to support immigrants

More than 42 million foreign-born individuals call the United States home today, a number greater than any other in history, and there’s never been a more important time for them to be welcomed with open arms. At the YMCA of Greater Brandywine, they firmly believe that it’s crucial for immigrants to have access to integration methods and that receiving communities are prepared to welcome all.

HPP to offer YMCA fitness memberships for Medicaid/Medicare members

PHILADELPHIA — Health Partners Plans (HPP) is expanding its commitment to health care with a new partnership with YMCA of Greater Brandywine. For the first time, many Medicaid members will be eligible for fitness memberships – covered by HPP for a full calendar year from when they enroll — at one of seven YMCA locations in Chester County. Medicare and CHIP recipients will also have access...

Local YMCAs collecting food to feed the hungry

In the United States 14.3 percent or 15.5 million households suffer from food insecurity. Locally, in Chester County, that number is over 70,000 people. The YMCA of the Brandywine Valley and YMCA of the Upper Main Line are hoping to alleviate that problem with a canned food drive.  Drop by an area YMCA anytime between now and October 26 to drop off canned goods. They will be delivered to a local...