You may know the YMCA of Reading & Berks County for fitness and wellness programs, or maybe for the support the organization provides to local families in need, but did you know it is the oldest nonprofit in Berks? Long before any of us were here to witness it, the Y was serving the Greater Reading area. Current president and CEO of the Reading-Berks locations, Kim Johnson, has seen first-hand how the organization has remained relevant and continues to “match the time and needs” of our community.
Spirit, Mind, and Body
In 1844, founder George Williams saw the need for a safe place for working people in London. When the Young Men’s Christian Association was established, it was paired with a mission, “To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.” Johnson expresses that the YMCA has been, and will continue to be, an open and welcome place for everyone.
Meetings in Reading began taking place in 1858, just six years after the first US location was established in Boston, making our local Y one of the oldest in the country. In 1914, their first official headquarters on 6th and Penn streets moved to its current residence on Washington and Reed. In 1963, the Y opened its services to women and girls. After a tragic fire in 1985, then-chairman Richard M. Palmer, Jr., led the “Save our Y” campaign, which gave the building its current layout.
The YMCA has adapted through the years, as any organization must in order to meet the changing needs of its community. Through its development, the underlying idea has remained the same: to provide a safe haven for individuals to engage with and grow into a positive lifestyle.
Our Local Branches
The five Reading-Berks YMCA branches (there is also a sixth in Tamaqua, Schuylkill County) offer services in three core areas: youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
While all locations feature fitness centers, interactive youth centers and conference rooms, other aspects vary. Sinking Spring’s location boasts a 32-foot climbing wall, as well as a dance studio. The Mifflin Area and Tamaqua Ys have gymnasiums and child watch areas, and the Tri Valley location collaborates with Fleetwood School District to enhance the Fleetwood education system.
In downtown Reading, guests can enjoy an 8-lane aquatic center, aerobics studios and an indoor walking track. All members have full privileges to all branches, as the nonprofit participates in a Nationwide Membership reciprocity agreement allowing members to use other participating Ys when on vacation or traveling.
The Reading location houses the office headquarters for Berks, as well as transitional housing units for those in need. On average, 150 men, women and children call the YMCA home through the housing programs at the Reading branch.
Another Milestone
With its 160th anniversary underway this year, the YMCA will celebrate at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading on June 22 with a rooftop luau, welcoming all supporters and friends to join in the celebration. The summer season will see the 2nd Annual Night Under the Stars, an evening to enjoy views of the city and the Pagoda from the DoubleTree rooftop. For additional information on events and how to support the YMCA, visit their Facebook page under Reading YMCA or ymca-berkscounty.org.
