Mission: The ymca of reading and berks county's mission is to put judeo-christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The ymca of reading and berks county is a cause-driven organization that is for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. That's because a strong community can only be achieved when we invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors.
Programs: 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 providing 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.
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.
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.
YMCAFriend
General Member of the Public
02/10/2015
Rating: 5
02/10/2015
I have been a member of the YMCA of Reading & Berks County for years. I utilize all 6 of their branches and have been extremely satisfied with the facilities, service and camaraderie from both staff and members. Although my children are older now and I do not need child care anymore, I cannot thank the Y enough for the quality of care we received in Y child care. I have recommended Y centers to many friends and relatives and some are still utilizing child care services today. The Y is a tremendous asset to the Berks County community.
I would not recommend this YMCA. The facility is extremely dirty, staff are unfriendly, their child care program loses children, and no one cares. When you try and talk to an Executive or the CEO, they blow you off and act like nothing is wrong. This is a disgusting organization that doesn't care about the community!
