Category: News

YMCA of Reading & Berks County Raises More Than $110,000 Toward Annual Support Campaign at 2026 Breakfast of Champions for Youth

Posted on Updated on by Amber Fox

Annual event honors local leaders and organizations investing in the future of Berks County

Reading, Pa., May 14, 2026

2026 Breakfast of Champions for Youth

The YMCA of Reading & Berks County welcomed community leaders, partners, advocates, and supporters to the 2026 Breakfast of Champions for Youth on Tuesday morning at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading, raising $110,000 so far for its annual support campaign for programs and services that strengthen youth, families, and the community across Berks County. The Y is accepting donations throughout the month online atYMCArbc.org/donate.

“This morning is a reminder of what is possible when a community comes together around a common cause,” said Ken Borkey, Jr., President & CEO of the YMCA of Reading & Berks County. “Every dollar raised and every person recognized represents an investment in belonging, opportunity, mentorship, and brighter futures for the children and families we serve.”

The annual event celebrated individuals and organizations whose leadership, service, and commitment embody the YMCA’s mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. From the national anthem performed by Schuylkill Valley School District students to the performances by Reading YMCA Early Childcare Center’s Pre-K students, the event reinforced the spirit of youth confidence and achievement.

Along the lines of celebrating youth champions, Borkey recognized the Reading Y Swim Team for its record-breaking performance at the recent National Championship. Winning first place in the 200 freestyle, Owen Eisenhofer won the first national individual championship in Reading Y’s history. More victories followed throughout the meet for 16 dedicated athletes from schools across Berks, who are united by the Reading Y swim team.

Borkey and Y Volunteer Board Member Crystal Gilmore-Harris, the event emcee, gave awards to six outstanding changemakers whose work continues to positively impact the lives of local youth and strengthen the Berks County community:

  • Richard Palmer, Sr. Wealth & Wisdom Award: Wynton Butler, Reading School District
  • James Sternbergh Faith & Guidance Award: Susan Looney, Reading Area Community College
  • Jere Edwards Spirit of Youth Award: Doug Dahms, Wilson High School
  • Red Triangle Awards: Schlouch Incorporated, Barry Schlouch and Mid Penn Bank
  • Eugene Shirk Youth Leadership Award: Beloved Lenora Pair

 

Investing in Community

Throughout the morning, attendees heard powerful stories (Y Stories Video) highlighting how YMCA programs help children and families gain access to childcare, mentorship, scholarships, swim safety, summer camp experiences, educational support, and opportunities that build confidence and lifelong skills.

Funds raised through the Breakfast of Champions directly support YMCA programs and financial assistance initiatives that ensure no child or family is turned away due to inability to pay.

Thanks to the generosity of our annual support partners, table sponsors and donors, the Breakfast of Champions has already raised $110,000. This year’s Legacy Partners were:
  • Dorothy M. Haas Charitable Trust – Represented by Richard Auman and Clair Auman. (Pictured L-R: Sinking Spring YMCA Executive Director Jesse Whiteman, Richard Auman, Clair Auman, and Y President & CEO Ken Borkey, Jr.)
  • M&T Bank

To learn more about supporting the YMCA of Reading & Berks County or its mission-driven programs, visit www.YMCArbc.org.

Together, We Made This Possible

Every sponsorship helped create moments of belonging, support, confidence, and opportunity for the people we serve every day.

Thank you for investing in the future of our community through the YMCA of Reading & Berks County.

Legacy Partners

Dorothy M. Haas Charitable Trust 
M&T Bank

Visionary Partner

Precor

Mission Partners

  • Alarm Tech Systems, Inc.
  • Artsana USA, LLC Chicco
  • Customers Bank
  • East Penn
  • EHD
  • Holly Gerke
  • UGI Energy Services

Impact Partners

  • Barley Snyder Attorneys At Law
  • Blinck Studios
  • The Borkey Family
  • Burkey Construction
  • Canteen Berks
  • Cherry Bekaert
  • Fulton Bank
  • The Gulati Family Foundation
  • Kozloff Stoudt Attorneys
  • Michael & Diane Duff
  • Mid Penn Bank
  • Penske Truck Leasing Co.
  • Penn State University / Penn State Health St. Joseph’s Medical Center
  • Reading Area Community College
  • Reading Hospital – Tower Health
  • Reading Beneficial Association
  • RKL
  • Schlouch, Inc.
  • Smith | Bukowski
  • Solve IT Solutions, LLC
  • Weik Capital Management

About the YMCA of Reading & Berks County

For 167 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 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. 

Ken Borkey, Jr. Appointed New CEO of the YMCA of Reading & Berks County

Posted on by Chrissy Faller

YMCA of Reading & Berks County Appoints Ken Borkey, Jr. as President and CEO

Reading, Pa., March 13, 2026 – YMCA of Reading & Berks County announced the appointment of Ken Borkey, Jr. as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), promoting the longtime YMCA leader who has served the organization for nearly 15 years. Borkey will succeed Phillip Borup, who has served the Y for more than three years leading the organization.

With nearly 15 years of service to the YMCA of Reading & Berks County, Borkey has held several leadership roles during his tenure, most recently overseeing operations as chief operating officer (COO). His long-standing commitment to the YMCA’s mission and deep knowledge of its programs, staff, and community partnerships position him well to guide the organization forward.

“Ken’s dedication to the YMCA and the people we serve has been evident throughout his career,” said James Michalak, Chair of the YMCA of Reading & Berks County Board of Directors. “His leadership, institutional knowledge, and unwavering passion for strengthening our community make him the right person to lead the Y into its next chapter.”

“The Board of Directors is grateful for Phillip’s leadership and service during his tenure,” said Michalak. “We appreciate his contributions in developing leadership for Y staff to advance the mission of the YMCA.” Borup joined the YMCA of Reading & Berks County in 2022 and helped guide the organization through a period of operational growth and strategic initiatives, including unifying multiple locations under one brand, to strengthen programs, accessibility, and membership.  

“It is truly an honor to step into the role of CEO for the YMCA of Reading & Berks County,” said Borkey. “The Y has always been more than an organization to me; it’s a community that builds confidence, connection, and opportunity for people across Berks County. I’m excited to continue working alongside our incredible staff, volunteers, and members to grow programs that positively impact lives every day.”

About the YMCA of Reading & Berks County

For 167 years, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County has strengthened our local community through putting Judeo-Christian principles into practice with programs that builds healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. 

The YMCA of Reading & Berks County operates five branches in Adamstown, Mifflin, Reading, Sinking Spring and Tri Valley; two Early Learning Centers in Reading and Richmond; and seven transitional housing programs for residential care at the Reading Y and Camp Joy locations.

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 strives 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. 

Ken Borkey, Jr., President & CEO, YMCA of Reading & Berks County
Ken Borkey, Jr., President & CEO, YMCA of Reading & Berks County

Recent News

Cazden smiling in the pool during swim lessons at the YMCA of Reading and Berks County

Mission Moments: Cazden’s Y

April 30, 2026 No Comments

A young boy once afraid to go underwater is now swimming with confidence, making friends, and finding his voice. Cazden’s journey at the YMCA of Reading & Berks County shows how inclusive programs, patient instruction, and community support can transform fear into confidence—and change a child’s life forever.

Read More »

Y-USA Awards Grant to Expand Pickleball, Renovate Racquet Sports Wing at Sinking Spring YMCA- Open House Jan. 9th

Posted on Updated on by Chrissy Faller

YMCA of Reading & Berks County Awarded Y-USA Grant to Expand Pickleball and Renovate Racquet Sports Wing at Sinking Spring YMCA

Community is invited January 9th to learn, play, and get involved.


December 22, 2025, Reading, Pa. — The YMCA of Reading & Berks County has been awarded a capital grant from YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) to support the expansion and improvement of its pickleball program at the Sinking Spring YMCA in response to a growing community demand. The investment will allow the Y to create a dedicated racquet sports wing through the addition of a hybrid court comprised of one tennis court and four pickleball courts.

Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the country as interest continues to rise locally as does tennis. 

At the Sinking Spring YMCA, court time and programs are consistently full, with players of all ages seeking more opportunities to play, learn, and connect. Expanding capacity will help reduce wait times, support additional leagues and events, and create more access for new and returning players.

“This expansion will be a game-changer for accommodating our avid, competitive pickleball players and newcomers learning or improving their game,” said Jesse Whiteman, branch executive director for Sinking Spring YMCA, Sinking Spring, Pa. “It also gives us the launchpad for making additional capital improvements we need.”

Building Renovations to Enhance the Y Experience

Sinking Spring YMCA will move the speed and agility training area, which is currently located where an additional “hybrid” court will be built. The hybrid court will be outfitted with a tennis court and four pickleball courts.

Planned improvements will focus on increasing the number of playable courts and upgrading court spaces to improve play, accessibility and overall experience. The expansion will benefit both pickleball and tennis participants and allow the Y to better serve a wide range of skill levels, from beginners to experienced players.

Upon completion, the Sinking Spring Y will have a total of four tennis courts and 10 pickleball courts designed to provide a professional-level environment for both sports. The equipment upgrades and improvements planned for all existing and new courts include:

  • Adding an additional tennis court which doubles as four pickleball courts.
  • New sturdy, portable nets for the pickleball courts.
  • New curtains and new benches for all courts.

As part of the grant agreement, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County will launch a fundraising effort to match the Y-USA investment and to improve the facility. Additional details about the campaign will be shared in the coming months as planning continues and renovation costs are finalized.

Open House & Racquet Sports Membership Night: Friday January 9, 2026

To celebrate the growing racquet sports community and invite the public to get involved, the YMCA will host an Open House & Racquet Sports Membership Night on Friday, January 9 from 5- 9 p.m. at the Sinking Spring YMCA. “Our open house is a perfect chance for people to try something new, meet our team, and see what’s coming for racquet sports at the Y,” said Whiteman.

The Member Night is open to anyone interested in learning to play pickleball and for junior tennis players ages 11-18 interested in improving their skills. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet staff, connect with other players, enjoy light refreshments, and take part in open play pickleball and tennis throughout the evening. Information about racquet sports programs for the second half of the season, running January through March, will be available, and discounted registrations will be offered during the event.

More information about the Y’s Open House Racquet Sports Member Night and its programs can be found at ymcarbc.org/racquet-sports.

“Pickleball is bringing people together across generations,” said Phillip Borup, president and CEO, YMCA of Reading & Berks County. “This grant from Y‑USA will let us grow that connection—more courts and better amenities mean more opportunities for families, seniors, youth and everyone in between to be active, social and healthy.” This expansion is another step toward creating inclusive spaces that support physical activity, social connection, and lifelong wellness.

About the YMCA of Reading & Berks County

For 167 years, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County has strengthened our local community through putting Judeo-Christian principles into practice with programs that builds healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The YMCA of Reading & Berks County operates five branches in Adamstown, Mifflin, Reading, Sinking Spring and Tri Valley; two Early Learning Centers in Reading and Richmond; and seven transitional housing programs for residential care at the Reading Y and Camp Joy locations.

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 strives 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. 

Mid Penn Bank Contributes $8K to Support YMCA’s Educational Initiatives for Early Learners

Posted on Updated on by Chrissy Faller

Making Local Community Impact through PA’s EITC Program

Reading, Pa., December 10, 2025 — Through Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, Mid Penn Bank has contributed $8,000 to the YMCA of Reading & Berks County in support expanding access and providing high-quality early learning education for local children.

“Expanding access is crucial, and using EITC as a tool to make local impact is smart,” said Phillip Borup, President & CEO, YMCA of Reading & Berks County. “Not only does this make a big difference for our kids and their families, but it will also have a positive impact on the entire community for years to come.”

“Children in our YMCA early learning centers in the city of Reading and in Richmond are getting a top-notch education in STAR 4-rated facilities, the highest designation recognized in the state through Pennsylvania Keystone STARS,” said Shelley Eppihimer, Vice President, Youth Development, YMCA of Reading & Berks County.

Donations made through the EITC program allow eligible businesses to direct tax credits toward proven education and youth programs. Mid Penn Bank’s gift will be used to fund scholarships and classroom resources at YMCA early learning centers, helping more families afford full-time, quality care and enabling the YMCA to maintain staff development, curriculum enhancements, and classroom supplies that directly benefit young learners.

Mid Penn Bank’s investment reinforces a shared community priority: ensuring equitable access to strong early education so all children, regardless of family income, can start school ready to learn. The partnership with the YMCA also helps stabilize working families by offering reliable childcare and learning opportunities that support parents’ ability to work and contribute to the local economy.

“Our young learners have an academic advantage, setting them up for a lifetime of success, whether their parents can afford it or not,” said Borup.

For more information on the YMCA’s preschool and childcare programs or to support the YMCA of Reading & Berks County, explore our site.

About the YMCA of Reading & Berks County

For 167 years, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County has strengthened our local community through putting Judeo-Christian principles into practice with programs that builds healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The YMCA of Reading & Berks County operates five branches in Adamstown, Mifflin, Reading, Sinking Spring and Tri Valley; two Early Learning Centers in Reading and Richmond; and seven transitional housing programs for residential care at the Reading Y and Camp Joy locations.

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 strives 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. 

Check presentation from Mid Penn Bank to YMCA of Reading & Berks County
Pictured from Left to Right: Matthew Assemes, Assistant Vice President and Financial Center Manager of Mid Penn Bank; Joseph Butto, Senior Vice President and Regional President of Mid Penn Bank; Christina (Chrissy) Faller, Vice President, Marketing & Communications of YMCA of Reading & Berks County; and Phillip Borup, President and CEO of YMCA of Reading & Berks County

Mission Moments: Roy’s Y

Posted on Updated on by Amber Fox

Roy’s Second Chance: Finding Home, Family, and Purpose at the Y

Roy, a YMCA Men’s Bridge program graduate, smiling at the YMCA of Reading and Berks County after rebuilding his life through recovery and community support.

Like so many others, Roy’s addiction began with what seemed harmless at the time, social drinking in high school and college that gradually hardened into something he could no longer control. It spiraled into years of dependence, loss and instability.

Roy built a life working as a chef, then co‑owning a successful autobody shop, and starting a family. After a workplace injury in 2010 led to back surgeries and prescriptions that eased the severe chronic pain, he was introduced to a new kind of dependence. Over the years addiction took more than his health. It cost him his business, his home, his marriage, his relationships with his children – and eventually hope. 

Achieving sobriety was only half of the battle for regaining security. Roy needed a stable job and place to live. He thought he had finally landed, but stability slipped through his grasp before he was fully back on his feet. When the paid position was replaced with a volunteer, his job and housing also vanished. 

That’s when Roy spent five weeks living alone in a tent. “All I had were the clothes on my back. Nothing. Nothing else,” he remembers.  

He wanted to rebuild his life but had cycled through treatment programs and stops and starts of sober living and the resulting life changes. A turning point for Roy was being arrested for public intoxication and related charges. With a choice between prison or a treatment court program, Roy applied to the YMCA Men’s Bridge program. 

One phone call changed everything. 

The YMCA accepted his application for the Men’s Bridge program and introduced him to his case manager, Gary. The Y didn’t just offer shelter; it offered structure, practical help, and a community that refused to give up on him. Roy moved into the Bridge House and began rebuilding one day at a time. He showed up for recovery meetings, did the step work, and leaned on recovery coaches and Y staff who helped him get an ID, Social Security, and disability benefits. Those concrete milestones, paired with daily encouragement, replaced chaos with structure and dignity.

The transformation rippled outward. Roy reconnected with his daughter. He stayed sober through his son’s deployment. He completed the Men’s Bridge program and transitioned into a Single Room Occupancy unit, paying rent and living among neighbors who practice mutual accountability in sober housing. For the first time in years, Roy had something he hadn’t felt for years: belonging. He calls the YMCA his forever home. 

The Y made me feel safe and secure, every single person here, to me, is family. Someone is giving me a second chance. The Y is letting me have a second chance.

-Roy

Roy’s story is not just about one man’s recovery. It’s a portrait of how community care, hospitals, recovery coaches, shelters, and the YMCA, can come together to rescue lives. He credits the unique network of resources across Berks County with gratitude made possible by supporters. “I’ve never seen any county that does this.” His advice to others is simple and honest: take responsibility, keep showing up, and accept help when it’s offered. Today Roy is sober, employed, connected to services, and committed to paying it forward.

This transformation is possible because donors and supporters of the Y fund the programs, staff, and housing that make second chances real. Your support gives people like Roy the tools to rebuild with the life skills, safe place to sleep, and a community that believes in their worth. When you give to the Y, you give more than services. You give a lifeline, a family, and a future.

YMCA Fall Highlights: Family Activities, Events, and Giving Season Updates

Posted on Updated on by Amber Fox

YMCA Fall Highlights: Family Activities, Events, and Giving Season Updates

Welcome to Fall at the Y

Fall is in full swing at the YMCA of Reading & Berks County, and we’re bringing the fun, fitness, and family spirit all season long! From Halloween favorites like Trunk or Treat and Dunkin’ for Pumpkins to holiday-inspired workouts including Monster Mash, Turkey Burn, and the kickoff of Run, Run, Rudolph, there’s something for every age to enjoy. Plus, our Black Friday specials make this the perfect time to plan ahead, whether you’re saving on membership, swim lessons, or summer camp registration. Stay connected with your community, celebrate the season with friends and family, and find your next favorite Y event below.

Holiday Fitness: Fun, Festive, and Full of Endorphins

This season, we’re turning up the music, turning on the lights, and getting our hearts pumping! From spooky dance-offs to post-Thanksgiving calorie burns, our holiday fitness lineup is the perfect mix of fun and motivation. Trust us, you won’t want to miss these! Click here for more info on all our seasonal fitness challenges. 

10/29 | 6-7:30 PM | Sinking Spring YMCA
Get ready to dance your heart out at our Halloween-themed fitness bash! Join us for an electrifying workout that doubles as a costume party. Enjoy light refreshments, show off your best costume for a chance to win, and bring a non-member guest to score a free smoothie.

11/28 | 9-1 AM | Adamstown YMCA, Mifflin YMCA, Sinking Spring YMCA, & Tri Valley YMCA

Kick off your Thanksgiving weekend with an energy-packed sweat session that gives back. Bring canned goods for the Reading Y Housing and earn extra Run, Run, Rudolph points while you’re at it.

Turn your workouts into a holiday competition! From November 28 – January 9, join members across Berks County for festive challenges, prizes, and serious motivation to finish the year strong.

Halloween Events at the YMCA of Reading & Berks County

Halloween Events at the Y

Get ready for a frightfully fun time at the YMCA of Reading & Berks County! Our Halloween celebrations are packed with treats, costumes, and creative fun for every age. From family-friendly Trunk or Treats to festive pool parties and senior celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this spooky season.

Bring your little goblins and superheroes for a FREE safe, family-friendly night of trick-or-treating from car to car. Each branch will have themed trunks, treats, games, and a whole lot of Y community spirit!

Want to get involved? We’re accepting candy donations and volunteers to host trunks, it’s a fun, easy way to spread Halloween cheer and be part of the excitement.

Join the fun! Find all dates, times, and all other Trunk or Treat info here!

NEW this year, a splashy twist on Halloween fun at the Reading Y Pool! On Friday 10/24 from 6-8:30 PM, kids can jump into the pool and “dunk” for floating pumpkins then decorate their favorite to take home. Stay for games, sweet treats, and festive fun. Registration required |  $7/child

Dive in to register!

Our Mifflin Y Seniors are getting spooky, too! After class, join us for a festive potluck and costume contest, prizes, laughs, and plenty of treats (no tricks) included.

Black Friday Specials at the Y

Save big, feel great, and start your new year strong! The YMCA of Reading & Berks County’s Black Friday specials are here to help you and your family stay active, connected, and confident heading into 2026. From giving the gift of summer adventures to starting new fitness goals, these limited-time offers are too good to miss.

Fall Break, Winter Break… the Y Has Your Back!

Smiling kid playing with sidewalk chalk and having fun at the Y's before and after school programs.

When school’s closed but work isn’t, the Y is here to help! Our School’s Out Half and Full Day Y Care is offered at six YMCA locations across Berks County, giving children in kindergarten through sixth grade a safe, fun place to play, learn, and make friends. With creative activities, games, and caring staff, your kids will make the most of every day off, while you work worry-free.

Learn more or register for School’s Out.

Help Fulfill the Wish of a Child in Your Community

The holiday season is about giving  and you can make a difference right here in Berks County! The YMCA of Reading & Berks County’s Kids Gift Program helps bring joy to local children and families in need.

Here’s how to take part:
1. Select an ornament from the Kids Gift Tree in any YMCA lobby or scan the QR code to see our list of gift options.
2. Purchase one of the listed items.
3. Return your unwrapped gift with the attached ornament tag by December 5th.

It’s a small act that makes a huge impact for a child this holiday season.

Spread the joy! Learn more about the Kids Gift Program.

Headlines, Highlights & Spotlights

Community spotlights, news, and stories from our Y association. Read media features and blog posts that spotlight local impact.

Mifflin YMCA Members Mike and Karen Derr, playing pickleball

Local Y Members Mike & Karen Derr Are Living Their Best Retirement Life

Mike and Karen Derr are proof that retirement doesn’t mean slowing down. From traveling to community involvement, these local Y members are living life to the fullest, earning a spotlight in Berks County Living’s “Living Their Best Retirement Lives” feature.

Click here to read their story.

Written by Jon Fassnacht, photos by Heidi Reuter, originally published in Berks County Living, 9/29/25.

Navigating Change & Uncertainty. The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance Article on the YMCA of Reading and Berks County.

Navigating Change & Uncertainty

For 167 years, the Y has been the backdrop for countless firsts, first steps into the pool, first friendships at summer camp, first safe nights for families in crisis, and first chances at recovery. What began in 1858 as a modest reading room has evolved through countless adaptations to meet the changing needs of the times.

Click here to read the full story from the Greater Chamber Alliance.

The Y is more than a gym. It’s your place to connect, grow, and belong. Stay close, stay active, and stay part of something bigger.

Find your connection. Find your Y.
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Table of Contents

Save the Date

10/24 

Trunk or Treat at Richmond Program Center

10/24

Dunkin' for Pumpkins at Reading Y

10/26

Racquet Sports Open House at Sinking Spring Y

10/27

Trunk or Treat at Adamstown Y

10/29

Trunk or Treat at Mifflin Y

10/29 

Monster Mash Fitness Dance Party at Sinking Spring Y

10/30

Mifflin Y Senior's Spooky Soiree

11/1

Trunk or Treat at Sinking Spring Y

11/7

Kids' Night Out at Mifflin Y

11/14

Kids' Night Out at Sinking Spring Y

11/21

Kids' Night Out at Tri Valley

11/28

Turkey Burn at Sinking Spring Y

11/30

Run, Run, Rudolph Fitness Challenge Begins

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National Nonprofit Day

Posted on Updated on by Amber Fox

This is what your YMCA does for you, and why your gift matters

When a neighbor needs child care so they can keep a job, when a teen needs a safe place after school, when a senior needs community to fight loneliness, nonprofits show up. Today we celebrate National Nonprofit Day, which makes it the perfect moment to talk plainly about why nonprofits matter in Berks County and how your gift to the YMCA of Reading & Berks County turns into real help for real people.

YMCA teacher and preschooler coloring a picture together in a cheerful classroom as part of affordable early learning in Berks County.

Why this day is on the calendar?

National Nonprofit Day is observed every year on August 17 to spotlight the impact of organizations that serve the public good. The date nods to an early federal policy that recognized the value of charitable work and helped set the stage for modern nonprofit service. Advocates have championed this observance to raise awareness, thank volunteers and donors, and encourage communities to give, serve, and speak up for the causes they love. It is a reminder to invest in the places and people that make home feel like home.

Why nonprofits matter here at home

Nonprofits are built for community problem-solving. We step into the gaps that for-profit markets do not fill and public funding cannot fully cover. At the Y, that looks like financial assistance in child care so parents can work, youth development so kids grow with confidence, social services that steady families in crisis, and health and wellness that keep people moving and connected.

Every program the Y runs exists because a neighbor needed it. Every one of those programs is sustained by a mix of earned revenue and philanthropy. Our Annual Giving Campaign is the engine that makes sure a child is never turned away for inability to pay, that a family in transition still has support, and that community health is not just a slogan.

What your YMCA does in Berks County

Here is a snapshot of how support becomes impact right here at home:

  • Child care and early learning. Working parents rely on our Early Learning Centers and Before and After School programs to keep kids safe, learning, and loved. Scholarships from Annual Giving close the gap for families who need help.

  • Youth programs and summer camp. From camp activities to robotics tables, kids test courage, creativity, and leadership. One great day at camp can change the whole arc of a summer.

  • Safety around water and the swim team. The pool is a classroom for confidence and life-saving skills. It is also where local athletes shine. Our swim team’s strong performance at recent state and national championships shows what happens when coaching meets grit.

  • Healthy living for all ages. Group fitness, personal training, Les Mills GRIT, and wellness coaching help adults build habits that last. The membership scholarship fund keeps the doors open to neighbors who need the Y most.

  • Social services and stability. When life gets tough, our Social Services team closes the gap with free Parenting Pathways classes for  parents/guardians/role models; housing programs for men, women, and women with children; and practical care and support. Community initiatives like the member-led garden show what happens when people are given space and support to rebuild.

A YMCA swim instructor teaching a child to swim at the Reading YMCA

Real people. Real change.

Stories move us because they remind us who we are together. Here are a few moments from our community you can explore in more detail on our site.

  • Amy’s journey began in crisis. After struggling with addiction and surviving an abusive marriage, Amy was welcomed into the housing program at the YMCA of Reading & Berks County. In retrospect, it was Amy’s first real step toward a better life. Each stage of her life has involved the Y and has been as positive for Amy as her impact is for those around her.  
  • When Ariyah started school, she would cry uncontrollably, cling to her mom, and sometimes even try to run back out of the classroom. Now, after programming at the Y, she’s comfortable and confident, and can hug her mom and say goodbye. Her mom said the transformation has been incredible.
  • With Jeff’s medical condition, reaching toward the floor was too painful. After coming to the Y for movement exercises (and socializing with his new friends), he found that his physical limitations were decreasing. After not being able to touch his toes for years, he’d knocked something down and without thinking about it, reactively bent down and picked it up. It wasn’t until he stood back up that he thought, “What did I just do?!”

These are not one-time wins. They are the day-in and day-out outcomes your support creates.

Where your gift goes?

Transparency matters. Here is the short version of how giving fuels impact:

  • Scholarships lower the cost of child care, programs, and memberships for families who qualify. All children deserve the YMCA resources. Thanks to donations, they have access.

  • Program support keeps classes staffed, supplies stocked, and facilities safe and clean.

  • Community outreach brings programs to neighborhoods that need them most.

  • Emergency assistance helps families bridge short-term crises without losing hard-won stability.

If you have ever wondered whether a gift makes a difference, the answer at the Y is yes, every single time.

Why give today?

National Nonprofit Day is about more than awareness. It is about action. When you give to the YMCA of Reading & Berks County, you are investing in the health, safety, and potential of your neighbors. You are saying that every child deserves a strong start, every teen deserves a mentor, every adult deserves a community, and every senior deserves to be seen. You are saying you believe in the power of connection and making it happen.

Your gift to our Annual Giving Campaign stays local. It is stewarded carefully. It is matched to real needs. It gets to work immediately.

Three simple ways to help right now

  1. Give today. Make a one-time gift or set up a monthly donation that fits your budget. Small monthly gifts add up to big change.

  2. Tell your story. Share why you support the Y on social media and tag #ymcarbc. Your voice encourages the next donor.

  3. Bring a friend. Invite someone to tour a program, try a class, or volunteer at an event. Seeing impact up close makes all the difference.

A note of gratitude

If you have already given, volunteered, or cheered us on, thank you. Your generosity fuels kids who raise their hands in class because they finally feel confident. It fuels parents who can breathe a little easier on the night shift. It fuels seniors who find purpose and friends again. It fuels athletes who discover what they are capable of. It fuels gardens and graduations and the kind of ordinary magic that makes a community strong.

Ready to be part of the story?

Giving is not about fixing everything at once. It is about moving one life forward today. That is what nonprofits do best. That is what the Y does every day in Berks County. Join us.

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Residents Revive the Reading YMCA Greenhouse

Posted on Updated on by Amber Fox

From Overgrown to Growing Strong:

Residents Revive the Reading YMCA Greenhouse

Residents from Reading YMCA organize and prep the YMCA greenhouse for planting.
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A few years ago, our greenhouse began as a collaboration between Childcare and Housing. Over time, the space grew quiet, and the beds sat unattended, needing a refresh.

This summer, our Social Services clients and residents changed that story.

Participants from Hacia, Men’s Bridge House, and our SRO programs rolled up their sleeves to clear debris, organize supplies, and restore the greenhouse. Shelves are tidy, tools are in place, and the beds are ready for planting. What started as a simple clean-up became a proud moment of teamwork and ownership.

There are no outside partners on this project. It is homegrown, led by the people who live here and use these spaces every day. Their work brings fresh purpose to a resource that serves health, learning, and community.

Next up is planting. The group is planning easy starter crops and simple care routines so the garden can grow through the season.

About the YMCA of Reading & Berks County

For 167 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.

Mission Moments: Amy’s Y

Posted on by Amber Fox

At the Y, Amy found healing, belonging, and the strength to lift others. 

The path to healing isn’t always a straight line. Sometimes it’s a winding, uphill climb filled with second chances, painful detours, and moments that break you, before they begin to build you back up again. For Amy, that path started with the YMCA. 

Amy confidently telling her Y story at the Breakfast of Champions

Her journey began in crisis. After struggling with addiction and surviving an abusive marriage, Amy was welcomed into the housing program at the YMCA of Reading & Berks County. In retrospect, it was Amy’s first real step toward a better life. 

The YMCA was the beginning of my story. Even though I didn’t stay long, it planted a seed. It was the first time I started to believe that a different life was possible.

-Amy

That belief, however small, was enough.

By 2012, Amy began to transform her life as the changes she had made gave her new footing and she found support in community programs, recovery meetings, and sober events. Finally, she “started living instead of just surviving” and her world shifted for the best. She regained full custody of her daughter, and married the love of her life, and created a new beautifully blended family with four children.  

Amy’s journey with the Y took on a new, incredible life, this time as a parent. All four kids attended before-and-after school “Y-Care” at Brecknock Elementary and summer camp at the Mifflin YMCA. They loved the fun experiences and making/playing with friends. Amy and her husband loved even more than that. They found support, comfort and strength in the inclusion and sense of true belonging that their son, who is on the autism spectrum, found at the Y.

They welcomed him with open arms. So many places wouldn’t ‘deal’ with him. But the Y staff never made him feel like a burden. They made him feel like he belonged.

-Amy

Fast forward to 2018. Life threw another devastating blow when Amy’s mother was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and passed away within months. Grief and depression hit like a tidal wave. That’s when someone encouraged her to go to the gym. “I thought it was a joke,” she laughs softly, “but I went.”

And something clicked. 

Group fitness didn’t just become a routine; it became her anchor. A space to breathe. A place to cry, sweat, connect, and feel something other than grief.  “Group fitness became my saving grace,” Amy says. 

Amy teaching a group fitness class at Sinking Spring YMCA

Soon, she wasn’t just taking classes. She was leading them. Giving back the same encouragement that once saved her. 

Today, Amy teaches group fitness at the YMCA, pouring strength into every movement, every message. She’s become the light for others still navigating dark places, the way the Y once was for her. For the young mother battling addiction. For her stepson, who just wanted to feel accepted. For the grieving daughter trying to survive one more day. “The Y helped me grow. It helped my family grow,” Amy says. “And now I get to be part of the change that helped me.” 

Because of the Y, Amy’s life is proof that hope can be rebuilt and shared. 

Be the reason someone like Amy finds their first step toward healing. Donate today and support the programs that give our community strength, one story at a time. 

Why Parents Choose YMCA Summer Camp (And Why It Might Be Perfect for You, Too)

Posted on by Amber Fox

You’re Not the Only One Wondering If Camp Is Worth It 

If you’re staring at a dozen browser tabs titled “Best summer camp near me” or “Affordable day camps for kids,” know this: you’re not alone. Every summer, parents across Berks County hit the same wall of anxiety, questions, and decision fatigue. You want your child to be safe, engaged, and growing, but without taking out a second mortgage. 

Campers having a blast playing in foam at the YMCA summer day camp

Does This Sound Like Your Summer Reality?

Between work schedules, rising costs, and endless kid energy, summer can feel less like a break and more like a puzzle you can’t quite solve. You may be wondering: Will they be safe? Will they make friends? Will it be worth the cost? And most of all, will they love it?

The YMCA gets it. That’s why we’ve designed our Summer Day Camp & Playground programs to support real families like yours with programming that’s safe, affordable, and full of unforgettable fun.  

Why Families Are Choosing the Y This Summer 

Here are some of the top reasons YMCA Summer Camp might be exactly what you need:

1. Safety First: 

Certified staff, low camper-to-staff ratios, and secure facilities give parents peace of mind from the moment of drop-off. 

2. All-Inclusive Pricing:

One weekly camp rate covers transportation and entry to weekly field trips and pool trips, camp activities and supplies, and a full day of care. Upon enrollment, there is a one-time registration fee for the summer and a weekly cost for camp that covers everything else. No hidden surprises! 

3. Theme Weeks:

From music and gameshow fest to science explorers to nature’s wonders, every week brings something new and exciting for kids to look forward to. We want to keep them busy and curious all summer long. 

4. Wrap-Around Care:

Our early morning and late afternoon options provide the flexibility working parents need to make camp work for their schedules. 

5. Accessible for All:

Through financial assistance and scholarships, we make camp possible for more families in our community.

6. Built-in Social Growth: 

Camp helps kids build confidence, learn cooperation, practice social skills, and make lifelong friendships through shared games and group play. 

7. Screen-Free Fun:

 Y camp means a variety of activities like enjoying arts and crafts, playing games and sports, and swimming and exploring new interests. This means no screens, just hands-on experiences and real-world connections. They stay sharp all summer long through STEAM activities including the Y camp challenge of the summer: the Can Structure Challenge! Each branch submits one can structure, built collectively by all the campers at that location.  

8. Trusted Legacy:

The YMCA has been serving children and families in Berks County since 1858. That legacy of care, support, and community is part of every camp day. 

Campers getting ready to play a game at summer camp

9. Parent Communication: 

 We make it easy to stay informed. You’ll get updates and photos and have a direct line of communication with our camp team with the Class Dojo app. 

10. It Feels Like Home: 

The biggest thing parents say? “My kid felt safe and seen.” Our staff teaches through example the critical core values, including respect, honesty, responsibility, and caring, that we encourage them to practice at home too.  

All 10 reasons above connect back to one goal: making summer easier, safer, and more joyful for families. It’s not just camp. It’s a community. 

Ready to Learn More? 

Visit ymcarbc.org/summer-day-camp to explore programs, scholarships, and registration options, or call us. We’re here to help. 

FAQs from Families Like Yours

What age is the YMCA summer camp for?

Camp serves children entering grades 1 through 6 (or ages 6-12) in full-day summer camps at each of our branches and half-day playground programs throughout Berks County at partnering parks. Generally speaking, if kids enjoy our summer camps, they’ll do well in our Before & After-school and School’s Out programs we offer throughout the school year.

What if I can't afford the full cost?

The YMCA of Reading & Berks County has options for financial assistance, scholarships, and flexible payments so we can be affordable and accessible to give all kids fun and opportunity. Don’t rule us out before talking to us.