YMCA of Reading and Berks County

Child care - the Ymca of Reading and Berks County is one of the largest providers of childcare in Berks County. The Ymca provides high quality childcare by comprehensive, age appropriate activities for infants through school age children at two full day centers and ten before and after school locations. We provide full and part time options at all locations, as well as second shift care at our Reading location, to serve a wide range of family scheduling needs. Woven into the fabric of the Ymca mission is a commitment to strengthen families. Ymca childcare programs relieve the burden of balancing work and family and make it possible for parents of children in our care to remain gainfully employed, knowing that their children are thriving in a safe, developmentally sound environment. The Ymca collaborates with other social service agencies to provide subsidy for childcare fees and supportive services for parents and children. All Ymca childcare centers are licensed by the department of human services and are keystone stars quality-rated.

Health and wellness/membership - helping people of all ages and abilities (regardless of ability to pay) to develop health in spirit, mind and body is at the core of the Ymca movement. Our programs are designed to help people create realistic goals for self improvement and emphasize disease prevention through regular exercise, proper nutrition, stress reduction, and health education. Sports programs for youth, families and adults promote teamwork, interaction, and development of social and physical skills. Our aquatic excercise program keeps seniors active and flexible; our aquatic program helps to develop physical skills for children of all ages; our family swim and parent-child programs give adults and children shared time in the pool to interact with each other and promote intergenerational relationships. In light of the national obesity crisis, our Ymca participates in the michelle obama's let's move initiative and participates in a variety of events and community activities designed to help the "at risk population" develop habits and relationships that lead to more active lifestyles. Ymca membership is inclusive and available regardless of ability to pay. There are no contracts. Ymca membership and programs are available to all.

Human services - our Ymca works in collaboration with governmental and community agencies to provide ten transitional housing programs for homeless men, women and women with children. These programs include life skills, education, job readiness and intensive case management to individuals who are leaving drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers and/or incarceration. In addition, the same services are provided to homeless veterans, individuals who have been dually diagnosed with drug addictions and mental health issues and single moms and their children. These programs create a sense of community and belonging for our clients and were developed to provide clients with the supportive services they need to become self sufficient.

Aquatics - in addition to traditional Ymca swim lessons, the Ymca provides community lifeguard certification classes, manages the womelsdorf borough pool, provides free swim lessons to all children enrolled in childcare programs and offers age group swim team programs. Our Ymca also provides community first aid and cpr certification classes.

Youth - Ymca youth and teen programs give kids role models to help them develop self-esteem and strong values, including cooperation, respect, good citizenship, fair play, and a strong work ethic. Our teen program is a safe place for teens to come after school to participate in recreational activities, receive homework assistance, develop leadership skills and provide service to the community. The 7th grade initiative program provides a free membership to all 7th graders in the Reading school district. Daily activities include, swim lessons and pad rec time, hip hop aerobics, homework help, volunteer opportunities, etc. Youth sports programs provide skill development to more than 1,500 children throughout Berks County each season. Ymca day camp programs are provided to over 1000 children in nine camp and five playground locations within the association.

Food service - the Ymca provides meals to all children enrolled in childcare and participates in the federal food program; more than 140,000 meals are served annually through this program.

International - our Ymca is extremely active in world service through the Ymca of the usa and currently has partnerships in ivanovo, russia and hannover, germany. These partnerships provide exchange programs for international interns, support a staff member in russia and provide support for general program operations.