Can I volunteer at the YMCA?

Yes! We have opportunities across all branches and programs in our association. Visit our project catalog to view current needs. You can sort by branch location, keyword, and project start date to find an opportunity that is the best fit for you. Are you looking to volunteer at a particilar location? You can use the links below. YMCA of Greater Brandywine Assocation Brandywine YMCA (Coatesville, Pa) Jennersville YMCA (West Grove, Pa) Kenentt Area YMCA (Kennett Square, Pa) Lionville Community YMCA (Exton, Pa) Octorara Program Center (Atglen, Pa) Oscar Lasko YMCA and Childcare Center (West Chester, Pa) Upper Main Line YMCA (Berywn, Pa) West Chester Area YMCA (West Chester, Pa)

Create a log-in and profile on VolunteerMatters. This system is a one-stop shop for volunteer registration and opportunities. For the safety and wellbeing of our community, all volunteers must register. After you submit your information, browse the project catalog for a position you would like to try. You will be prompted to submit any additional clearance information you might need for the position.

Why are there so many requirements to volunteer?

In our commitment to strengthening the foundations of our community, the safety and wellbeing of our participants, members, staff, and volunteers are top priority. Screenings and authorizations establish a secure, best-fit environment for all.

I signed up for a volunteer position. What happens next?

We will review your application. Then the project organizer will reach out to you with any additional questions, orientations, or next steps that are needed before you start to volunteer. Once your clearances have been approved, you are all set!

Do I have to be a member of the YMCA to volunteer?

No. While we encourage our members to join us in service, all are welcome to join our volunteer team and give back.

Do I have to be over the age of eighteen to volunteer?

Depends. For some positions, there is an age requirement. The position posting on VolunteerMatters will include information on any restrictions.

Do you have student internships or volunteering for credit?

High school and undergraduate internships are available as well as school-required volunteer service hours, but these opportunities vary by branch and by department throughout the year.

Can I volunteer in a group?

We do have project-based group opportunities throughout the year. Contact , director of volunteer engagement.

Volunteer Opportunities in Chester County

The YMCA of Greater Brandywine has exciting volunteer opportunities at each of our Chester County branches.

Volunteering at the YMCA is a fun and rewarding way to support your neighbors, strengthen your community, and connect with amazing people.

There are a lot of ways you, your friends or your whole family can contribute, no matter what your interests or your schedule. When we all pitch in, we all rise together!

Volunteer Today

Volunteering at the YMCA can be extremely rewarding.

Program Volunteers

Our volunteers nurture the potential of thousands of kids, teens and adults year-round. They teach, mentor, guide and support youth from their first few weeks of life through their first steps into adulthood. Volunteers assist as youth sports coaches, member services volunteers, picklelball or through clubs, classes and events.

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YMCA of Greater Brandywine board members meeting to discuss upcoming plans.

Committee & Policy Volunteers

Each of our eight locations in Chester County has a dedicated group of volunteers who serve on advisory boards and committees. These volunteers review and advise staff on policies, monitor and evaluate the work of the YMCA, and provide feedback on how to continue to strengthen our community. You can contact the Executive Director at your preferred location to learn more.

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volunteers painting a sign at the Upper Main Line YMCA

Mission Driven Volunteers

Volunteers help the YMCA listen and respond to our region’s most critical social needs. They help inspire compassion and involvement in our community through fundraising for the annual campaign, sharing personal testimonials and encouraging others to support the Y. Contact our Mission Advancement Department to learn more about how to get involved.

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Meet Laura

Laura Milazzo Mackiewicz

Director of Volunteer Engagement

610-643-9622, ext. 2109

lmackiewicz@ymcagbw.org

Laura joined the YMCA of Greater Brandywine as the Director of Volunteer Engagement in June 2022 where she oversees volunteer recruitment, engagement and retention for the association.

Laura has a passion for bringing people together and worked in community engagement for more than a decade before joining the YMCA team. Most recently she spent eight years at LCH Health and Community Services, a nonprofit federally qualified health center that provides health care for all, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Here, she worked to share community resources, engage volunteers and community champions and support special health initiatives.

Prior to this role, she worked as an office manager and outreach coordinator at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission in Washington, DC. Laura attended the University of Delaware.

Laura is originally from Corning, NY and enjoys the wide variety of things to do and see in Delaware/Southeastern PA, where she currently resides with her husband and two young children. Laura enjoys team sports and was in the marching band and looks forward to volunteering as a coach at the YMCA.

Contact Laura