YMCA calls on community to spread holiday cheer to help 800 families

Staff from the YMCA of Greater Brandywine received 3,500 brand new winter coats from the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation on October 22, 2024. Coats will be distributed to children across Chester County. Despite being a county with tremendous wealth, nearly 73,914 residents are living at or near the poverty level, according to data from Chester County Planning Commission. During the holiday...

YMCA encourages parents to have an uncomfortable conversation

YGBW teacher engages a group of children in STEM activities, demonstrating the Rule of Three, which ensures that staff are never left one-on-one with a single child, thus reducing the likelihood of abuse. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) is taking steps to educate parents and caregivers, by participating in the Five Days of Action campaign. Five Days...

Comitta, YMCA to celebrate Earth Day

State Senator Carolyn Comitta plants a tree at the 2023 Earth Day Festival at the Upper Main Line YMCA in Berwyn. Pictured (L to R): Commissioner Todd Pride, PA Game Commission; State Senator Carolyn Comitta; Oliver Bass, President of Natural Lands and Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). State Senator Carolyn Comitta and the YMCA of Greater Brandywine...

YMCA of Greater Brandywine celebrates staff at annual Celebration of Excellence

Bertram L. Lawson II, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine, presents the E.A.G.L.E. award to Dawn Bennett, Payroll and Benefits Administrator. Employees of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) gathered recently to celebrate their collective achievements and to recognize those with longstanding commitment to the Y’s mission. The organization’s annual Celebration of Excellence was...

YMCA names Wilson Chief Strategy and Growth Officer

Heather W. Wilson The YMCA of Greater Brandywine announced the appointment of Heather W. Wilson as Chief Strategy and Growth Officer. Wilson brings with her 12 years of leadership experience within the YMCA movement and a passion for public health and health equity. Most recently, Wilson served as the Senior Vice President of Membership and Health Innovation for the YMCA of Central New York, leading...

Bertram L. Lawson II Joins the YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) as President & CEO

President & CEO of YGBW, Bertram L. Lawson II (left) is welcomed to the Kennett Area YMCA by District Executive Director, Nic Legere (right). Bertram L. Lawson II joined the YMCA of Greater Brandywine this summer as President & CEO. A Lincoln University graduate, Lawson returns to Chester County bringing 26 years of experience in Nonprofit Leadership, Education, Business Development, Community...

Lawson named new President of Brandywine YMCA

Bertram L. Lawson II The board of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine announced Monday the appointment of Bertram L. Lawson II as President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine. Lawson will take office on Monday, July 10. Lawson is a seasoned 24-year YMCA professional who most recently served as the President and CEO of the YMCA of Central New York, which boasts nine branches and more than thirty...

YMCA offering $5K signing bonus for childcare workers

YMCA Childcare staff cares for Chester County children In an effort to onboard additional qualified childcare professionals, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) is hosting hiring open houses at YMCA locations throughout Chester County. Events will be hosted between March 1 – 21, 2023 to connect qualified candidates with open positions in early childhood education and school-age enrichment programs.  “Over...

WCU, YMCA team up to challenges families to adopt healthier habits

Local families using the wellness amenities at the West Chester Area YMCA. As new year’s resolutions become old news, faculty from West Chester University (WCU) and instructors from the YMCA encourage families to keep fitness at the forefront through a series of weekly health lessons and challenges that begin on February 22. During the family-friendly Whole Health Challenge, eight lessons will be...

YMCA doubles down on family-friendly fun

YMCA staff welcomes members and guests to the West Chester Area YMCA, one of seven branches hosting free open houses this month. During the cold month of January, when winter blues are likely to set in, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) invites area families to leave the house for a dose of good, old-fashioned family fun. Between January 21 and 28, YMCA branches across Chester County will open...