Taylor seeks to build upon the strong community in downtown West Chester

(West Chester, PA) – Taylor Kassel recently accepted an expanded role at the YMCA Of Greater Brandywine as Branch Director of Operations at the Oscar Lasko YMCA (OLY). In her new role as Branch Director, Taylor will be responsible for overseeing daily operations at OLY and will work to extend the Y’s reach into the local community.

Partnering to Support Families in Need
"I am proud of all the ways that the Y reaches out to the community," shares Taylor. "I especially love working with community partners to help those in need. It’s energizing to see how much impact we have when we all work together.”

Taylor recently worked with the Friends Association in West Chester, which has a shelter located close to OLY for families experiencing homelessness. Through this partnership, the Y has provided memberships to families living in the shelter, giving them a chance to lead a healthy lifestyle and to build positive family memories during an otherwise challenging time.

The cost of these memberships has been fully subsidized through the generosity of donors. As part of its Financial Assistance Program, the YMCA also offers a sliding scale for membership fees and program costs. The cost to the member is determined by household income and supported by donors, sponsors and community partners.

Building Upon a Strong Foundation
Taylor has worked with the YMCA since 2015, starting as Sports Director at OLY before serving as Senior Youth Development Director from 2018 to 2023. Through every role, Taylor has approached her work with joy, passion and incredible diligence – drawing inspiration from the Y’s mission and the rock-solid community in West Chester.

Back in 2009, YMCA leadership planned to close the doors of OLY – welcoming a new YMCA on Airport Road. But the community banded together and found a way to keep OLY open as an important resource for people of all ages and backgrounds, especially for those in downtown West Chester who are unable to travel to nearby YMCA branches.

“I love seeing the youth grow within our programs and at the same time being able to provide a place where our seniors can continue their health journey,” describes Taylor. She proudly serves the community that she was first introduced to as a child and YMCA program participant, then as a staff member and now as a mother – bringing her two children to work with her each day to continue the tradition.

Learn more about the Oscar Lasko YMCA: https://ymcagbw.org/locations/oscar-lasko-ymca-childcare-center
Learn more about the Friends Association: https://friendsassoc.org/
To learn about donor and sponsor opportunities: https://ymcagbw.org/give/waystogive
To learn more about financial assistance: https://ymcagbw.org/membership/financialassistance