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YMCA’s East Lycoming Branch expanding; completion slated for January

By Mark Maroney 5 min read

The East Lycoming Branch of River Valley YMCA is expanding and the children and families it serves are the reason.

At a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday at 5 p.m. children wore yellow construction hats outside where the facility expansion will go.

Pink tape marked the outline of where the expansion will be.

The expansion will be 8,800 square feet, said Chad Eberhart, CEO of River Valley Regional YMCA to the gathering of staff, volunteers, visitors -- including donors and business representatives with the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce.

The expansion project will add 4,800 square feet of expanded wellness space, two new childcare classrooms, a commercial-grade kitchen and more community space, and storage and office space, Eberhart said.

"The current wellness areas will be redesigned to create a more welcoming, functional experience for the approximate 3,500 members," he said.

The existing weight room will be converted into a dedicated community programming space for initiatives such as LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, wellness classes, meetings, and other community programs, he said.

The total cost of the project is $2.2 million. The project is being funded through a combination of "generous donations from individuals, businesses, foundations, and community partners," he noted.

Presently, the YMCA has successfully raised about 88% of actual committed funds, he said.

"We now have raised just under $1.9 million," Eberhart said. "We have another $241,000 pending approval from some funding sources," he said. That amount so far means there remains a need of $94,000 to be able to complete this project and be fully funded and debt free, he added.

"We are working to close the remaining funding gap before project completion, which is expected to be completed in January," he said. "We are very close and we are going to push to get there until we are debt free with this project," he said, recognizing several of the corporate and individual donors.

The reason for the expansion project also was given. The branch has experienced continued growth in membership and program participation, he added. This expansion will allow the YMCA to meet increasing community demand by expanding wellness offerings, increasing childcare capacity, and creating additional space for programs that support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

"This place means a lot to our family," said Courtney Kasenchak, advisory board member, a pre-school mother and volunteer. As with many families, she noted, her family started at this Y looking for a childcare program and credited the dedicated and caring teachers and staff there.

Moreover, beyond the pre-school, the Y "has become a really important part of my family," she said.

Indeed, the expansion project is expected to increase access to high-quality child care, create more space for health and wellness programs, expand opportunities for community programs and partnerships and better serve individuals and families throughout eastern Lycoming County.

Todd Ross from T-Ross Brothers Construction, the general contractor on the project, shared some details on the expansion and how the company does not just consider it another project.

Eighteen years ago, for example, the company had the privilege of building the original Eastern Lycoming County YMCA, he observed.

"At that time we hoped it would become a place where families could gather, children could grow, friendships could be built and lives could be changed," he remarked

As he looked around, Ross said "it's clear that this building has become so much more than just bricks and mortar . . . "It's become an important part of this community."

One of the greatest compliments to any builder is to be asked a second time to come back and help expand something that was built years ago, he added.

"That tells us the YMCA has been successful, that this community has embraced it, and that together we are preparing for an even bigger, brighter future," Ross said.

"This expansion is about meeting and growing the needs of our community," he said. "We're excited to be adding a significant expansion to the wellness center, providing additional space for the room for equipment, so even more members can pursue a healthier lifestyle in a comfortable, modern environment," he said.

"We are also expanding the current childcare facilities with classrooms, additional office space and a brand new kitchen," he said.

These additions will help the YMCA to continue growing its programs and providing an even better experience as it serves the community.

Eberhart also gave a tribute to and thanked those who helped to make the day possible, from the volunteers, staff, donors, foundations, business partners and campaign supporters.

"Thank you for believing in this vision and help bring us to this moment," he said. "Your commitment to the YMCA and to our community is deeply appreciated."

He extended a warm welcome to community leaders and elected officials who joined the celebration. State and federal lawmakers' and their representatives from their offices were present.

"This expansion reflects our commitment to meeting the growing needs of our community," he said.

Eastern Lycoming Branch Executive Director Abigail "Abbey" Shrom shared a bit of the branch's history.

Eighteen years ago the Eastern Lycoming YMCA Branch was built to extend the River Valley Regional YMCA services to serve a broader community from its Williamsport location.

Within the first year, the branch surpassed its projected membership numbers.

"It was clear that our branch was a necessity to the area's health and wellness," Shrom said.

Currently, the branch is serving over 3,500 members. Additionally, it has graduated over 300 pre-schoolers to go onto kindergarten, sent multiple swimmers to national competition from the swim team at the Y and helped over 350 cancer survivors through "our LIVESTRONG community," she said.

"We've created solid partnerships with our STEP Office of the Aging and our UPMC Muncy Physical Therapy Office," she said.

Not only are they tenants in the facility but are strong partners in the community, bringing wellness and improved health.

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