My Y is Every Y- Y members can now access facilities across Pennsylvania for free

Honesdale, PA, 09/28/2015 – The Y stands for healthy living and to make sure all members continue to be involved wherever they may travel or work, YMCAs across Pennsylvania have joined to offer reciprocal membership through their “My Y is Every Y” program.

The program, which will launch in October, allows Pennsylvania YMCA members to access any YMCA in the state, at no charge when they present a valid YMCA membership ID card.

“Our members count on their local Ys for their health and wellness needs. Now they’ll be able to take advantage of what Ys across Pennsylvania have to offer. We’re very excited to be able to bring this added benefit to members,” said David John, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Alliance of YMCAs. “We look forward to welcoming members from other Ys as we all stand together to strengthen our communities.”

Through the “My Y is Every Y” program, full facility/full privilege members will have access rights to all YMCAs in Pennsylvania. Members should bring their YMCA ID card and a photo ID card to access a partner Y. Some restrictions may apply depending on the YMCA, so members are encouraged to check with the Y they plan to visit ahead of time to learn the specifics.

YMCAs in New England began the “My Y is Every Y” program in 2010 and with its successes the program has expanded to other states.

About the Y

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,687 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. For more information visit ymca.net

When the school day ends, children and teens need opportunities to learn and engage in meaningful activities. Their success out of school can have a positive effect on their success in school. Unfortunately, one in four U.S. children and 18%[1] of children in Pennsylvania are left unsupervised after 3 p.m., according to Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness advocacy organization. To help youth reach their full potential, the Wayne County YMCA is offering afterschool programming in the Wallenpaupack School District that supports social-emotional, cognitive and physical development.

The Y’s afterschool program offers activities in a caring and safe environment where all youth can achieve, feel like they belong, and build friendships. Youth in Y afterschool programs demonstrate improvement in the skills needed for successful living and in academic proficiency. As a leading nonprofit committed to youth development, and a pioneer in afterschool programs, the Y believes in supporting the holistic processes that all youth experience – from birth to career – to support success in school and life.

“When the final school bell rings, continued learning opportunities can have a positive influence on how well youth perform in school,” said Tina M. Hoehn, CEO, Wayne County YMCA. “Afterschool programs also fill gaps in schools and communities where some recreational opportunities like art, music and physical activity offerings are limited.”

Studies show participation in afterschool programs helps boost school attendance and academic performance and reduces gaps in academic achievement among children from disadvantaged households[2].

In the Wayne County YMCA’s Wallenpaupack Afterschool Program, youth receive help with homework and can also explore group sports or the arts. Financial assistance is available to those in need, to ensure every child has the opportunity to learn and grow at the Y.

For more information about the Wayne County YMCA’s afterschool program, please contact Rich Palazzo, Health & Wellness Program Coordinator, at 570-253-2083.