YGBW Publications

The 2023 - 2024 Strategic Vision for the YMCA of Greater Brandywine from President & CEO Bertram L. Lawson, II.

As the largest non-profit committed to strengthening community, the Y knows that communities are strongest when all members have the chance to belong, grow and thrive.

As we reflect back to last year, we do so with gratitude. 2022 was a year of growth for us at the YMCA of Greater Brandywine in all areas - Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility – as we saw the community continue to return to activities and healthy habits. 

Overall, the story of 2021 is a good one. We experienced increasing program enrollments, a rapidly growing pickleball community, strengthened connections in our group exercise and group fitness offerings, and booming camp enrollments. Our mission moments and testimonials tell similar stories of connections and impact.

The impact of a three-month government-mandated shutdown and ongoing pandemic have been devastating. Our revenue was reduced by 40% in 2020 and we had no choice but to lay off 60% of our talented staff team members to stay afloat. Member visits to the YMCA were down by 64% and many people placed their YMCA memberships on hold. Childcare and summer camp programming dropped by 38%.

Building Community, Transforming Lives for All

Because of your generosity, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine was able to provide more than $3.3 million in financial assistance to over 11,000 Chester County residents to ensure they had access to all the YMCA offers.

What a year 2018 was! More than $3.4 million dollars in financial assistance was provided to 11,745 Chester County residents to ensure they had access to all the YMCA offers. Close to 4,000 children enjoyed YMCA summer camp. More than 8,600 seniors enjoyed YMCA memberships. And those are just a few of the highlights.

Every day at the YMCA, people of all ages, shapes, sizes, abilities, backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities come together, exemplifying what our community stands for. No matter who you are, you have a place at the YMCA. And no matter what you want to accomplish, there is always someone at the Y willing to help you do it. We are a community that stands united.

At the YMCA of Greater Brandywine, we believe that today's children are tomorrow's leaders and that all children deserve the opportunity to develop a powerful sense of self. When children and teens develop what they can achieve, they gain confidence and hope. The Y provides them with a safe place to learn, explore and connect. The Y is so much more than a 'gym an swim.' We are a community and a cause. We're proud that our programs motivate healthy living, bring families together and foster personal connections.

There is no greater feeling than knowing you are having a positive impact in the world. In this report, you'll see how our work comes alive. By encouraging youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y continues to strengthen the foundations of our community. Thank you for allowing us to serve.