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Mission Moments: Veyyes’ Y

Posted on Updated on by Amber Fox

At the Y, Veyyes found a promising path forward.

“I’m in college. I would have never thought that I would be doing school. That’s crazy to me,” Veyyes Sanchez laughs. His laugh is a kind of joyful astonishment as he reflects on what his life looks like now, without the daily dependence on alcohol.

“That constant gauntlet is gone,” he says. In its place is a new routine, a supportive community, creative outlets, and acts of service — all found when Veyyes took the first step and walked through the doors of the YMCA of Reading & Berks County’s Twin Peaks supportive housing program.

The Army veteran had hit what he describes as “bottom.” Drinking was his daily focus, and alcoholism had consumed his life. It cost him his home and his family. Someone at a local shelter where Veyyes had been staying suggested he try the YMCA’s Transitional Housing Program. Veyyes filled out the application and joined a local Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) group. Early on, Veyyes experienced a setback in his recovery, but within the supportive environment of the Y, he was able to push forward.

Veyyes is doing what he loves. Reading and exercising are some of the activities that help keep him centered.

“I started seeing that I definitely had some work to do on myself. After seeing the results of working a little bit — working the [AA] program — after seeing the results of that, I was like, ‘OK, this is working. I’m feeling something different,’” Veyyes recalls.

Veyyes continued to work through the AA program while finding fellowship and a home within the walls of the Y. He credits the accountability and support of his case manager, Jena Rivera, who helped reframe his addiction and, in turn, his approach to recovery.

“The person who was taking care of me was Jena,” says Veyyes. “She did a lot of shadow work with me, and she helped me understand where my mind was with my addiction. She was someone who helped me realize there was something going on.”

After nine months at the YMCA Twin Peaks, Veyyes was ready to transition out of transitional housing and reclaim more of his independence. For Veyyes, there was no question about where he wanted to be, so he moved into the Reading Y’s single room occupancy housing.

“Recovery in general has been good for me,” Veyyes says. “And that’s why I’m staying around because it actually works for me, and it’s a new life.”

“The Y gave me hope. I was feeling a little bit hopeless and I had no direction really and the Y just kind of gave me hope.”

Veyyes Sanchez

After nine months at the YMCA Twin Peaks, Veyyes was ready to transition out of transitional housing and reclaim more of his independence. For Veyyes, there was no question about where he wanted to be, so he moved into the Reading Y’s single-room occupancy housing.

“Recovery in general has been good for me,” Veyyes says. “And that’s why I’m staying around because it actually works for me, and it’s a new life.”

At the Y, I found hope.

Find Your Reason to Give.

Find Your Y.

Give Today

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.

Mission Moments: Jeff’s Y

Posted on Updated on by Amber Fox

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."

-Jeff Seltzer

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.

Find Your Reason to Give.

Find your Y.

Give Today

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.

Mission Moments: John’s Y

Posted on Updated on by Amber Fox

At the Y, John George found purpose,

belonging and a new life.

After 20 years in the U.S. Navy, John George had a much larger battle to fight as a veteran when the disease of addiction took hold of his life. What began as a way of coping with trauma eventually developed into a substance use disorder that put him at risk of losing everything and led to his arrest in 2018. John was released into the Veterans Treatment Court program, which is designed to provide specialized treatment programs with behavior modification and sober-living residences at Reading YMCA for veterans struggling with substance use disorders and underlying mental health complications. John found the structure he needed and life-changing support to get his life back on track.

While the world was in isolation during the height of the pandemic, John found connection and purpose through his volunteer work at the Y and his church, while actively working on his treatment program. He also took the initiative to volunteer two hours every day in the gym in the Reading Y, which was closed to the public during the lockdown, which allowed other residents to have a safe place to exercise, unwind, and connect with other people

Gardening is a passion of John’s. He enjoys beautifying spaces like the garden he created at Reading YMCA

Upon graduating from the Treatment Court program, he continued living at the Reading YMCA among the community of peers he had grown to know and love. His contributions and positive attitude made an impression on the staff too. The Y staff offered him a job to continue his work in the gym and assist at the front desk of the Welcome Center.

John kept thriving with friendships, volunteerism, ministry, and fulfilling his sense of purpose in his Y community.  “He always looks for ways to make things better and takes the initiative – whether that’s taking the time to mentor or listen to other residents or planting gardens and window boxes to beautify outside areas.”

In 2021, the tight-knit Y community was more important than ever when John found his friend, who had passed away from natural causes, during an SRO wellness check. Friends and staff were there to support him, but over time John struggled. He experienced a brief relapse, but this time was different. Not only did he recognize old behavior patterns he started to slip into, but he also had a genuinely caring community of friends and co-workers at the Y to support him. Initially, when he sought help for relapsing, John considered programming at a different Y location because he felt ashamed and afraid of letting staff and his community down. That’s when his Y family of staff reminded him that he belonged here, and he had their love, unwavering support, and encouragement. So, he stayed at the Reading Y where he called home.

“The program and counseling gave me good tools, but my recovery is based on my faith. My case manager at the Y, Gary, was able to help me even more because of our shared background and faith. I still do outreach with my church once a week in Reading and once a month in the Kensington area.”

-John George

Since then, John has evolved in his roles at the Y. Currently, he is the third-floor manager for the Serenity Hall program at the Reading YMCA and maintains program areas of the facility.

Along John’s journey, finding the Y was a critical turning point. At the YMCA of Reading & Berks County, he found a new lease on life: renewed purpose, new friends he’d call family, new job, and true sense of community where he belongs.

“It was so important for us to show John that we are not giving up on him – ever. And that we wouldn’t let him give up on himself. That’s what friends do. He’s overcome so much, and I couldn’t be prouder of him!”

-Kris Danner

Find Your Reason to Give.

Find Your Y. 

Give Today

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.

Membership Policy Updates – Family & Association Membership Types

Posted on Updated on by Ashley Shannon
We are writing to you today to notify you of the following upcoming changes to our membership policies at the YMCA of Reading and Berks County:

Family Memberships:
Effective June 21, 2021, the YMCA of Reading and Berks County defines a family membership as consisting of up to two adults and all children under the age of 18 currently living in the household of the applicant. College students may no longer be added to a family membership under the new policy.

If you currently have a college student on your family membership, we will honor the membership through December 31, 2021. At that time, all college students will be separated from each family’s membership and will be considered non-members. While the rest of the family membership will remain active, the college student will have to renew their own membership at one of our welcome centers or online at ymcarbc.org.
At this time, we would like to remind you that we offer a discounted rate for college students at all five of our YMCA of Reading and Berks County branches and that financial assistance is available for all membership types. For more information, please visit www.ymcarbc.org/branch.
Association Memberships:
Due to the utilization of the YMCA membership reciprocity perk, which allows you to visit any participating branch in the country up to eight times per month, we have decided to eliminate the Association membership options. If you currently have an association membership, you will be receiving a call from a member of our team regarding changes to your membership. Additionally, with the recent changes in our membership management system and our future plans for increased security throughout the building, we will no longer offer the Health Center Membership option as a bundled package at our Reading YMCA branch. All members who wish to have access to the men’s or women’s health centers will be billed a base rate, with a health center access add on fee.  Rates effective June 4, 2021: Base adult membership: $43 per month Base Family membership: $64 per month Health Center Add On, per family: $13 (includes locker rental) **Please note: If you receive a corporate discount, you will receive 20% off of the monthly membership dues and health center add on.**  Active YMCA members as of June 4, 2021 will NOT see a change in their membership rates until January 1, 2022. Active Y members who pay quarterly or annually will be locked into their current rates through the end of this year. 
We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your Welcome Center. Thank you!

Reading YMCA Names New Director of Social Services and Director of Housing

Posted on by Ashley Shannon

Please join the Reading YMCA in congratulating both Ryan Herrera and Gena Pina-Garcia as they transition into their NEW roles in the Social Services Housing Division. 

Ryan has been promoted into the position of Executive Director of Social Services as of April 1, 2021.  Ryan began working part-time at the YMCA of Reading in 2009 as a Case Manager Assistant while finishing his degree in Psychology from Temple University. He was promoted in 2010 to oversee the County’s Second Offender DUI program and worked in that position until 2014.  In 2014, Ryan was given the opportunity to be part of the formation of Camp Joy; which at the time was a newly remodeled 20 bed transitional living facility serving males with substance use disorder that are also involved in the Berks County Criminal Justice System.  Since then, Ryan has overseen the development of Camp Joy’s Recovery Housing and its day to day operations while also working in a supervisory role as the Director of Social Services within the Housing Department at the YMCA of Reading. Ryan is a member of the Berks Opioid Coalition editorial board and is currently his final year of study at Millersville University where he is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology.

 Ryan holds multiple certifications from the Pennsylvania Certification Board including his CADC (Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor) and CRS (Certified Recovery Specialist) and was recognized for his work in the areas of addiction prevention and treatment at the 2018 Council on Chemical Abuse Yearly Conference.  

Ryan states, “I have always strived to serve anyone struggling to overcome a substance use disorder with compassion, empathy, and the inherent dignity that all human relationships are founded upon and I am very thankful for all of the opportunities that working at the YMCA has afforded me.”

Gena was promoted to the Director of Housing and Baby University effective May 1, 2021. Gena began her career at the YMCA in 2008 as a Parent Educator/Home visitor with Baby University and was then promoted into that program’s Director.  In addition, 5 years ago she was also asked to lead the Y Haven program.  After successful oversight of both programs, it was an easy decision to offer her this new overall Housing Director position. Gena holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Services with a certification in Addiction Studies, as well as an Associates in Psychology from Phoenix University.  She is also a certified parent educator through Rutgers University.

When asked what her “Y” is, Gena told us that it was “inspiring others to live their best life, encouraging those that are down, and spreading a little kindness wherever I go.”

She also wanted to share a bit of wisdom with all individuals pursuing a similar career path:  “People must connect with you before they can trust you; Always be you and never give up.”

Reading YMCA to Offer Entrepreneurship Program for Area Youths

Posted on by Ashley Shannon

Reading, PA – This summer, the Reading YMCA seeks to foster an entrepreneurial spirit among local youth through a collaboration with fellow nonprofit agency Young Entrepreneurz Solutions (YES).

The Reading YMCA will be a site of the Summer 2021 YES Business Plan Challenge for Reading School District students in grades 6-8. Throughout the summer, participants will attend a series of workshops designed to teach the basics of business planning, economics, marketing, and financial analysis. These results will be achieved through a combination of classroom-style lessons and hands-on learning experiences. 

At the conclusion of the program, participants will work in teams to create the best possible business plan and present to a panel of local judges from August 16-20.

The winning team will be awarded $200 per team member and will have the opportunity to compete nationally in the U.S. Virgin Islands for a grand prize of $1,000 per team member, plus $2,500 for business licenses, LLC formations, trademarks, copyrights, and other necessary expenses to turn their proposals into real businesses.

YES was founded by an award-winning adjunct professor at Rutgers University, Ernest Ruffin, Jr to teach young men and women in urban areas nationwide about business and economic development. Over 1,800 students have participated in the YES Business Plan Challenge since 2014.

This program will be offered at no cost to participants thanks to generous donations from the Dorothy Haas Charitable Trust and Visions Federal Credit Union. Visions will also provide the instructional workshops to program participants.

“The YMCA is excited to work with Ernest and local community leaders to offer this program, which will allow students an opportunity to build teamwork skills while providing the unique insight into creating your own business,” says William Folk, III, Branch Executive at the Reading YMCA

Applications to this program will be accepted from May 3 until May 15, 2021. For more information regarding the YES Business Plan Challenge, or to apply, please contact William Folk, III at 610-378-4763 or email [email protected]. More information about Young Entrepreneurz Solutions is available at www.yngentrepreneurz.org.

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The mission of the YMCA of Reading & Berks County is to put Judeo-Christian principles into practice    through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. For over 160 years, we have been  
the heart of the community we serve. The Y is a cause-driven organization that is for youth development, for healthy living and for social responsibility. That is because a strong community can
only be achieved when we invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors. The Y so much more.

Reading YMCA Housing Program Receives Generous Donation from Penske

Posted on Updated on by Ashley Shannon

Reading, PA – The Reading YMCA’s Y Haven Program is getting women and children experiencing homelessness back on their feet thanks to a generous donation from the Penske Women’s Network.

Penske donated several items including bedding, towels, hygiene and feminine hygiene products, diapers, and wipes to create welcome kits for incoming residents.  Other items donated include home goods such as cribs, toddler beds, lamps, silverware, and board games, which will help improve their quality of life while at the Y. All donations were collected from Penske employees through a donation drive at their Green Hills location.

The Y Haven program provides a safe place for women with up to two children who are experiencing chronic homelessness. Women may stay in the program for up to two years and, during this time, work to become self-sufficient, find stable employment, develop a healthy

lifestyle, and ultimately find a permanent living arrangement. The program is funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

“Some women in this program come in with very little,” said Gena Pena Garcia, Director of Y Haven, “so we give them some essentials to get started until they are able to supply their own. We very blessed to have received such a kind donation from Penske and our women will be very happy.”

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The mission of the YMCA of Reading & Berks County is to put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. For over 160 years, we have been the heart of the community we serve. The Y is a cause-driven organization that is for youth development, for healthy living and for social responsibility. That is because a strong community can only be achieved when we invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors. The Y so much more. 

YMCA Announces Virtual Wellness Platform Through A Regional Collaboration

Posted on Updated on by Ashley Shannon

Reading, PA – The YMCA of Reading and Berks County is proud to announce a new online wellness platform to benefit their members and the community. On January 20, the YMCA of Reading and Berks County launched Y Wellness 24/7, providing live and on-demand group exercise, and sports and play programs online, free to their members. Over 150 live classes and 100s of new on-demand classes led by over 120 nurturing and motivating YMCA instructors will be available weekly. The platform also provides access to 1000s of additional on-demand classes from leaders in the fitness industry nationwide.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in mandated closures and strict safety protocols, the need for outstanding virtual wellness offerings has been on the rise.

Recognizing this need in our communities, Y Wellness 24/7 is the result of a collaboration among 29 YMCA associations from throughout the northeast United States. Involved in the partnership are many Pennsylvania YMCAs including those in Bloomsburg, Bucks County, Lancaster, Lebanon Valley, York and York County as well YMCA of the North Shore and YMCA of the Twin Tiers in Massachusetts and New York respectively.

Y Wellness 24/7 provides live and on-demand classes in training, mindfulness, nutrition, and stress management. With the collaboration, YMCAs are able to serve youth, adults and seniors through a variety of class formats such as strength training, cardio, kickboxing, cycling, Tai Chi, yoga, dance, bootcamp, balance, core and more.    

“We are so pleased to partner with YMCAs from across the northeast region,” said Alyssa Bushkie, Director of Operations of the YMCA of Reading and Berks County. “By working together we are able to meet the needs of our members across the region by offering more classes and a greater variety of classes.”

Since the March pandemic shut down, the Y has made it their mission to meet community needs in new ways. The creation of this virtual wellness platform is another step toward serving YMCA members from across the region.

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The mission of the YMCA of Reading & Berks County is to put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. For over 160 years we have been the heart of the community we serve. The Y is a cause-driven organization that is for youth development, for healthy living and for social responsibility. That’s because a strong community can only be achieved when we invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors. The Y so much more.

BB&T Lighthouse Project Donates to Reading YMCA Housing Programs

Posted on Updated on by Ashley Shannon

Reading, PA – The residents of the Reading YMCA will have a very happy holiday season thanks to BB&T, now Truist.

The BB&T Lighthouse Project has donated a variety of goods to the Reading YMCA Transitional Housing and Recovery Programs, including winter clothing, personal hygiene products, housewares, toys for children, and even a refrigerator and freezer. The donations total over $9,000 and were compiled by BB&T employees and sent to the Reading YMCA the week of December 1.

“We do all kinds of projects for nonprofits,” says Eric Crawford, Branch Leader and Vice President of the Kutztown Branch “from planting flower beds to full construction projects. You name it, we’ve done it… this is just our way of giving back and staying in the communities we serve.”

The BB&T Lighthouse Project was founded in 2009. Over the past ten years, they have completed more than 12,000 community service projects and have served over 18 million people in need in our communities. 

“We are very grateful to the BB&T Lighthouse Project for selecting the YMCA as this years’ service project.  The donation of personal items will have an immediate impact for those individuals who need a little extra support this time of year and the larger appliances will add to the overall program quality for our residents,” said Ken Borkey, Jr., Vice-President of the YMCA of Reading & Berks County. “The YMCA is appreciative for businesses like BB&T that support local non-profits and give back to the communities they serve.”

“We appreciate this so much and we know our residents will, too,” added Jami Geist, Executive Director of Social Services for the Reading YMCA. “This year has been really hard for everyone, but especially so for our residents.”

The Reading YMCA houses men, women, and women with children who are struggling with homelessness, substance abuse, or mental health disorders. All individuals in these programs work towards achieving self-sufficiency, financial stability, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The facility has over 150 beds and provides over 49,380 bed nights per year.

“‘We at BB&T, now Truist, are proud to be able to support such a worthy organization as the YMCA which does so much for our community and the people it serves,” said David C. Roland, Market President for Truist. “Truist has as its purpose to ‘Inspire and build better lives and communities’ and we hope this donation is a small representation of that purpose.”

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The mission of the YMCA of Reading & Berks County is to put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. For over 160 years, we have been the heart of the community we serve. The Y is a cause-driven organization that is for youth development, for healthy living and for social responsibility. That is because a strong community can only be achieved when we invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors. The Y so much more.