YMCA encourages families to try more, save more this fall

Youth actors participate in a table reading of Mean Girls Jr. – the 2023 fall youth theater production of the Jennersville Performing Arts Company at the Jennersville YMCA. With children back in school, fall sports and activities are ramping up across the region. As families consider their options, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) invites them to try something new this year. To encourage...

YMCA of Greater Brandywine hosts local 2nd graders for free swim lessons during National Safety Around Water Month

Since 1909 when group swim lessons were first developed at the Detroit YMCA, the Y has been a leader in educating communities on how to be safe around water. This May, as we observe National Water Safety Month, the Jennersville branch of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) hosted 160 second graders for free swim lessons focused on basic water safety and swimming skills as part of our Safety Around...

YMCA’s Active Aging Week Calls for renewed focus on physical and mental health

As the world continues to contend with the effects of the pandemic, a renewed focus has been placed on our mental and physical health. Aiming to introduce – or reinforce – healthy lifestyles to as many adults as possible, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) has joined Active Aging Week 2021, presented by Humana. This year, taking place October 4 – 10 around the globe, the 19th annual Active...

Jennersville YMCA introduces Pre-K Counts program to provide children a strong academic start in life

WEST GROVE — Research shows that children who do not attend a pre-kindergarten program often struggle and fall behind in school. As the largest provider of licensed childcare in Chester County, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) recognizes the importance of a quality pre-kindergarten experience and is excited to offer the West Grove community a Pre-K Counts program at the Jennersville YMCA. The...

YMCA announces 2020 award winners

Daryl Thomas WEST CHESTER — The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) is presenting two of its highest honors during its board meeting on Wednesday, March 24. Daryl Thomas of Herr’s Food will receive the 2020 Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes the effort and achievement of the YMCA’s most special friends and emphasizes the need for community service by all citizens. Advantage Building...

YMCA’s Power Scholars Academy goes virtual in 2020

Research shows that children can lose up to two months of learning during the summer. To prevent this “summer learning loss,” the YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) is offering its Power Scholars Academy program for children ages 5-11 beginning July 6. In past years, children in the program have gained up to a ½ month of learning rather than losing two months of learning. Now in its fifth year,...

The Y expands food distribution across Chester County

YGBW President & CEO Denise Day and Kennett Area Y Executive Director Thomas Gallagher organize food donations at the Kennett Area YMCA The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW), a non-profit organization comprised of eight YMCA branches serving Chester County, has opened its doors to neighbors struggling to put food on the table as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Soon after the statewide stay-at-home...

YMCA program to help kids thrive

Kids with diverse abilities learn fitness, water safety and teamwork The torches may have been doused, but Rio 2016’s fever hasn’t left for some kids who were glued to the action last summer. Now, with a recent grant to YMCA of Greater Brandywine from Autism Speaks, even more children with diverse abilities will be able to channel their Olympic inspiration into improving their swimming skills. The...

YMCAs to celebrate Healthy Kids Day

National event aims to keep children moving, learning On Saturday, April 26, area YMCAs will celebrate Healthy Kids Day, a potpourri of free events throughout the community to inspire kids to keep their minds and bodies active. From 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., YMCA of the Brandywine Valley and YMCA of the Upper Main Line Y branches will feature games, healthy snacks, arts and crafts, fitness and/or dance...

Take heart: Minor changes can improve health

YMCAs offering tips, incentive for observing American Heart Month February is American Heart Month, and area YMCAs suggest that it offers an optimal time to take stock of what you’re doing to maintain a healthy heart. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, contributing to about 600,000...