March 11, 2020

The YMCA of Greater Brandywine, a non-profit organization, launched its Annual Campaign on March 6 to support its financial assistance initiatives across eight YMCA locations in Chester County. The YMCA of Greater Brandywine includes the following YMCA branches: Brandywine YMCA, Jennersville YMCA, Kennett Area YMCA, Lionville Community YMCA, Octorara YMCA Program Center, Oscar Lasko YMCA and Childcare Center, Upper Main Line YMCA and West Chester Area YMCA.

With a goal of raising $1.25 million annually, the Y’s Annual Campaign raises funds to help bridge the gap between the financial assistance distributed each year and donations coming in. Through a combination of income-based membership rates and subsidized programming, the Y ensures that our neighbors in Chester County are able to avail themselves of all that we have to offer. This includes assistance for individuals or families seeking Y memberships, quality childcare, sports programming, health and wellness offerings, summer camps and other Y services.

“When you join the Y you are part of a community that takes care of each other, beyond just joining a gym,” says Jim Horn, Chair of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine’s Board of Directors. “Those receiving financial assistance are people we see every day–our neighbors, coworkers and the kids that your children or grandchildren go to school with.”

In 2019 alone, more than $3.4 million in financial assistance was granted to 11,254 local Chester County residents across all of its eight YMCA branches.

“This is all thanks to our donors who help us tackle community issues like affordable childcare, chronic disease prevention, safe places for teens, and an active environment for seniors,” said Horn. “We consistently award more assistance than we raise because we do not turn anyone away.”

The Y celebrated its 175th birthday last year and has been devoted to strengthening individuals, families, and communities across the world. The long-term success of the Y grows from the generosity of people like you in our local communities, including right here in Chester County.

While Chester County is considered the wealthiest county in the commonwealth, one in four families struggle to afford the basics of living and raising children. There are individuals, parents and families you see every day that you may not realize are receiving financial assistance.

In addition, funds raised through the Y’s Annual Campaign, support specific subsidized programs such as:

• Power Scholars, a five-week summer learning program that works to close the achievement gap and serves more than 150 kids each year at no cost to them or their families.
• Believe & Achieve, a fully subsidized program providing afterschool enrichment and summer camp for children who are from low-income households.
• Splash! Safety Around Water, which teaches more than 1,700 children in Chester County how to be safe in and around water at no cost to them or their families.
• Seventh Grade Initiative, which provides all Chester County seventh-graders with a one-year YMCA membership at no cost to them or their families.

Contributions to the YMCA’s Annual Campaign are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed under federal law and 100 percent of all donations go to the branch of the donor’s choice.

Donations can be made online at https://ymcagbw.org/donatenow and designated to a specific YMCA branch. You can also make a donation in person at the branch of your choice.

If you are interested in making a corporate donation or would like additional information on giving to the Y, contact Patti Campbell, Vice President of Mission Advancement, 610-643-9622, ext. 2153 or pcampbell@ymcagbw.org.

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