Jonathan Johnson, Branch Manager & Program Director of Mifflin YMCA, proudly displays the 2024 Neighborhood Faves placard at the entrance.
Neighbors are recognizing two branches of The YMCA of Reading Berks County as “Neighborhood Faves.” Users of the Nexdoor app selected the Mifflin and Sinking Spring YMCA branches as favorite gyms or fitness studios as part of the “2024 Nextdoor Neighborhood Faves.” This is the eighth year for the annual awards program that allows users to show some love for their favorite local businesses and organizations. The Mifflin branch was also recognized in 2023.
Both the Mifflin and Sinking Spring branches of the Y offer a robust schedule of fitness activities in updated facilities. From youth and adult sports to fitness classes that range from cardio and aquatics to yoga, dance, and Silver Sneakers, the Y offers a wide variety of fitness and recreational activities for all ages and abilities.
Every year, the Neighborhood Faves Awards highlight the local businesses that neighbors on Nextdoor love the most. These winners are chosen based on how many “Faves” and recommendations they get from people nearby. Nextdoor, used by one in three households across the U.S., has become a popular resource for neighbors, public agencies, and local businesses to connect and share information that matters in their communities.
“At the Y, our members and community are the heart of our organization. We hold their opinions in the highest regard and to receive recognition based on member feedback is an honor,” said Phillip Borup, President and CEO of the YMCA of Reading & Berks County.
The YMCA of Reading Berks County has five branches in neighborhoods throughout Berks County. In addition to fitness programs, the Y provides specialty classes, youth programs, early education opportunities, parenting programs, and housing for those experiencing homelessness and/or dual diagnosis of mental health disorders and substance use disorder.
At the Y, Jeff found small steps make a big difference.
When Jeff Seltzer first came to The YMCA of Reading & Berks County’s Adamstown branch, he had been living with a life-changing medical diagnosis. A degenerative disease had impacted his physical movement and balance. He could no longer go to work. And isolation was becoming a real threat. But in 2022, Jeff walked into the Y and took a step that would help him regain some of what he had been losing.
At first, he thought it would be beneficial to use the treadmill and walk a little each day, but the Silver Sneakers classes quickly caught his attention. He decided to join in – a decision that would become another life-changing event for Jeff.
“[The classes] are not physically taxing, but they keep me moving,” says Jeff as he joyfully demonstrates how he can touch his right foot to his left knee as he slowly crosses his leg – a movement some take for granted, but a major milestone for Jeff, who had been unable to touch his toes in over five years. “I can do this now,” he says. “And I give credit to moving.”
Jeff looks forward to taking group fitness classes offered at the Y to keep him socially engaged and his body moving. Small steps have made a big difference.
"I have to admit I wouldn’t have done this stuff on my own. It’s because of coming here and doing these classes I’m learning these things. It’s very beneficial."
Over time, Jeff discovered the simple exercises he had been doing were making a real difference. Due to his condition, he has difficulty reaching the floor because it’s too painful. “If I drop anything, I don’t even bend over and try to pick it up,” he explains. “One morning in my bedroom I knocked something down and I subconsciously bent down and picked it up and stood up – and I was like ‘What did I just do?!”
Jeff is now a regular at the Y, riding his recumbent bike to classes four times a week when it’s warm outside. He participates in the Silver Sneakers class as well as stability and stretching classes. As much as he enjoys the classes and the results, he says it’s the people that keep him coming back.
Our donors lay the groundwork for our YMCA to provide structure, expand community outreach programs, uplift Christian principles, and advance inclusion and belonging. It is through support that we can provide a firm foundation for services and evolve with the needs of our community. Be the change you wish to see.
Like any working mom, Tanieya Woodson’s days are full. In addition to caring for her daughter, she’s pursuing her bachelor’s degree and serves as the group supervisor for a toddler classroom at the YMCA of Reading & Berks childcare program. Tanieya’s full-time job at the Y is also a full-circle success story that began in 2017, when she and her 6-year-old daughter moved into the YMCA Y Haven Housing Program.
“I was ready for a new start, for something different,” Tanieya recalls of applying to the Y Haven Program to venture on her own from her mother’s house. “When I moved in, the other residents welcomed me and made sure I was comfortable.”
The Y Haven Program is designed to help women and children experiencing homelessness find stability and independence. Tanieya joined a community of women living together in a supportive, structured environment.
Tanieya Woodson on duty at YMCA childcare, where she came full circle as a participant in Y Haven and Parenting Pathways (formerly Baby University) programs.
“We went to school, went to work, did our chores, and cooked for each other. We worked as a group to take care of each other,” Tanieya says. “I learned how to cook for myself at the Y. I learned how to make money properly and in a healthy way. I learned how to save. I learned how to budget.”
Tanieya also participated in Parenting Pathways, a program formerly called Baby University that was created to help parents of young children support development in the crucial first five years of life. The program covers key skills like discipline, wellness and sick care, and purposeful play.
Tanieya and her daughter spent two and a half years at Y Haven. In that time, they built a strong foundation that allowed them to achieve meaningful successes – like earning her associate’s degree from Reading Area Community College, advancing in her career path, moving from the Y to her first apartment, and most recently, buying her first house!
In almost every memory of her time there, Tanieya fondly mentions “Ms. Gena.” Gena Pina-Garcia, executive director of social services at the Y, is much more than her title. For the women of Y Haven, she’s an accountability coach, a guiding north star, and often the first person they call with news, good or bad. “I try to make myself available to them, so they have that support,” Gena explains. “Some come from dysfunctional homes, have trauma, or lack family.”
"The Y helped me grow and brought me out of my shell. I learned how to take care of me and my child and how to be self-sufficient. I learned a lot.”
While Gena fits well as a caretaker and confidant, she’s also versed in truth and tough love—providing guidance but insisting that growth comes from within. Tanieya speaks highly of the encouragement that led her to make positive changes for herself and her daughter. She smiles as she mentions the butterfly decorations at Y Haven, now understanding their significance.
“A lot of people would ask, ‘What’s up with all these butterflies?’” Gena laughs. “And I’d say, ‘This is your cocoon, and when you leave, I want you to have the wings to fly.’”
Our donors lay the groundwork for our YMCA to provide structure, expand community outreach programs, uplift Christian principles, and advance inclusion and belonging. It is through support that we can provide a firm foundation for services and evolve with the needs of our community. Be the change you wish to see.
In the latest issue of Berks County Living, Phil Borup, President and CEO of the YMCA of Reading and Berks County, shared his journey and unique leadership style that’s transforming the organization.
Known for kicking off meetings with light-hearted dad jokes, Borup explained how he has created a relaxed yet empowering environment for YMCA staff, encouraging openness and collaboration. The article underscores how Borup has united the YMCA’s five branches and community programs under one cohesive vision, all while ensuring every employee feels valued and trusted.
Having joined the YMCA nearly two years ago after relocating from Montana, Borup brings a fresh perspective and a hands-on approach to leadership. Whether dressing as Santa for community events or participating in charity challenges, he’s a leader who isn’t afraid to dive in alongside his team.
With a healthcare and physical therapy career background, Borup’s path to the YMCA may be unconventional, but it’s driven by his passion for helping others and building strong communities. His commitment to both the organization and the people it serves has already made a significant impact across Berks County.
To learn more about Phil Borup’s story and some of the exciting changes happening at the YMCA of Reading and Berks County, click the link to read the full article in the September 2024 issue of Berks County Living (page 33).
Pictured left to right: COO Ken Borkey, Reading Y Childcare Floor Manager, Monae Williams, VP of Youth Development Shelley Eppihimer, and Reading Y Childcare Center Director Ashley Price
On June 13, 2024, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County leadership celebrated at the accomplishments of the recent graduates of the Blueprint for Leadership Program, including their own Monae Williams, lead floor manager for childcare, Reading YMCA.
The graduation was held at a luncheon at the Doubletree in Reading, Pa. for the United Way’s Blueprint for Leadership and the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance’s Leadership Berks programs.
Graduates of the leadership program advance their development and serve in leadership roles in nonprofits and community organizations across the county.
To learn more information about the program and 2024 graduates and their organizations, visit United Way’s Blueprint for Leadership page.
Rebranding Brings Renewed Energy, New Leaders, and New Fitness Equipment & Renovations
Under the leadership of President & CEO Phillip Borup, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County has made significant investments to create better experiences for members, staff and the greater community it serves. After updating its business model to operate as an association in December 2023, the Y has installed new state-of-the-art equipment, grown its leadership team, continues to make facility renovations, and has begun rebranding.
“The positive changes we’ve started have already created a new vibrant energy in each of our locations. It’s also powering momentum as we continue evolving our Ys to fit the specific needs of the communities we serve, which includes being a community hub where they can enjoy leisure activities with their friends and families, meet new friends, and explore new activities that interest them,” said Borup. “We’re seeing tremendous response and it’s only the beginning.”
The YMCA of Reading & Berks County is comprised of five branches located in Adamstown, Mifflin, Reading, Sinking Spring, and Tri Valley. Each location has installed top-of-the-line Precor® fitness equipment for strength training, weightlifting, and cardio that have touchscreen consoles that allow members to track their activities and workout goals as well as keep them entertained through media they can stream from their devices.
Rebranding
Over the next year, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County will undergo enhancements inside and out – from fresh paint to exterior signage – to create a visual consistency among its branches using the blue and purple Y logo and primary color palette. Rebranding with a unified ‘family look’ helps reinforce the business model it adopted in December 2023 to operate as a unified association rather than as each branch operating individually. “We are stronger by operating in a more unified manner. It positions us to provide more benefits to our members and make a greater impact on our community,” said Borup.
Borup reinforced the importance of the role nonprofits play in the community and their inherent responsibility to carry out their mission, which is why the YMCA is prioritizing growing membership revenue that it reinvests in directly in building programming and accessibility to impact people in our community socially, financially, and physically. For those who cannot afford memberships, the Y offers scholarships and financial assistance for families who qualify to have access to programs regardless of their ability to pay.
“Your participation brings about meaningful change not just within yourself, but also in your community. You are supporting a nonprofit that exists solely to help the community thrive and to nurture individuals and families to be stronger in body, mind, and spirit,” said Borup.
Finding meaning and empowerment to discover, learn and grow is the foundation of this year’s brand campaign, “Find Your Y”. The messaging is intended to remind people to see what the Y has to offer and to encourage them to find purpose and fulfillment in their lives.
New Leaders & Staff Appointments
Reinvesting in internal talent and resources is also a focus for CEO Phillip Borup and COO Kenneth Borkey, Jr. who have worked diligently in creating key roles, developing career paths and providing coaching for leadership. Two new faces joined the leadership team, Vice President of Marketing and Communications Christina (Chrissy) Faller and Sinking Spring Branch Executive Director Jesse Whiteman.
Christina (Chrissy) Faller, vice president of marketing and communications, is responsible for brand marketing and communications strategy, advertising, social media, web, and public relations for the association. She will also build an infrastructure for traditional and digital marketing and communications at the association-level to increase visibility for the Y, drive interest and traffic for programming, and engage members and the community at large. Faller’s key initiatives include rebranding the five branches as one unified association sharing the same visual brand identity.
Prior to the Y, Faller managed content strategy for Caron Treatment Centers spanning advertising, PR, social media, web, and search engine optimization to optimize exposure, promote educational resources and thought leaders, and support access to treatment throughout the pandemic. Previously, for a combined 15 years, she served as public relations director and senior account manager in full-service agencies, The Anderson Group based in Sinking Spring, Pa., and Reese Integrated Marketing formerly in Wyomissing, Pa., where she developed and executed national, regional, and local campaigns. She served in marketing positions at Santander Bank, Wyomissing, Pa., and Schreiber Pediatric Rehab Center, Lancaster, Pa. as well as volunteer roles for several community organizations including the Vision Resource Center of Berks County.
Jesse Whiteman, executive director of Sinking Spring YMCA, is responsible for the management and operations of the facility. His proven background and knack for program development, systems improvement, and human-centered design are an asset to the Y’s operations.
Prior to joining the Y, Whiteman was the MBA Program Director and Director of Operations for Eastern University’s College of Business and Leadership, St. Davids, Pa. In these roles, he worked to redevelop the MBA program through coordination of university departments, which resulted in nearly a ten-fold increase in enrollment over the first two years of the program’s launch. With passion for community, Whiteman is committed to developing the atmosphere and space where members of any background know they belong and can thrive.
Additionally, the following leaders have been elevated to new positions:
Brandy Sterner, chief financial officer
Brandon Shurr, vice president of branch operations
Shelley Eppihimer, vice president of youth development
Sarah Beissel, executive director of human resources
Kris Danner, executive director of administration
Gena Pina Garcia, executive director of social services
Angela Harrison, executive director of member engagement
Jonathan Johnson, youth development program director & center manager of Mifflin YMCA
Alec Heckman, youth development program director & center manager of Tri Valley YMCA
Amber Fox, digital media engagement director
About the YMCA of Reading & Berks County
For 165 years, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County has been a cornerstone in the community, putting Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Driven by its founding mission, the Y is a nonprofit committed to strengthening the community and empowering individuals by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y’s goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections among 2,700 Ys in 10,000 communities across the United States. The YMCA of Reading & Berks County operates branches in Adamstown, Mifflin, Reading, Sinking Spring and Tri Valley.
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