YMCA of Greater Brandywine supporting those in need with our giving pantry. YMCA of Greater Brandywine supporting those in need with our giving pantry.

Community Is Crucial

The YMCA of Greater Brandywine is an association of nine YMCAs across Chester County that offer life-changing programs for children, families, adults and seniors. We seek to be a catalyst for improving the quality of life and well-being for all in our community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Ongoing Initatives

Child Safety

The safety of young people at the Y is always our top priority. Children and teens who are mentally and physically safe are better able to learn, grow, and thrive.

Food Insecurity

Not everyone has access to quality, healthy foods - Our resource pantries are free to everyone in the community.

Youth Advancement

The YMCA nurtures the potential of every child and teen by supporting their unique youth development journey. From CPR and babysitting classes to free 7th grade memberships - the Y is here to help children succeed in life.

Community Support

From safe spaces to academic achievement to family well-being and more, when you donate to the Y, you are giving those in need the opportunity to thrive.

Water Safety

Accidental drowning is a leading cause of death for children under the age of 14. The YMCA of Greater Brandywine is committed to teaching critical water safety skills to the Chester County community.

Financial Assistance

The YMCA of Greater Brandywine is a non-profit organization committed to strengthening community. Our fundraising efforts help us to provide financial assistance and income-based membership to ensure that YMCA memberships and/or programs are available for all individuals and families in our community.

Diversity and Inclusion

We welcome all people regardless of ability, age, background, ethnicity/race, faith, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation.

Adaptive Programs

The YMCA’s recreational program provides a unique experience with an emphasis on sports, social interaction and fun for our community with special needs.
Kids in the preschool program at Oscar Lasko YMCA and Childcare Centers onsite daycare facility

Rapid Response Team

Because of a $200,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), our team is honored to bring a Rapid Response Team to early childhood education programs when those programs are struggling with the challenging behavior of a child who is at immediate risk of suspension or expulsion. 

Helping support the community, YMCA of Greater Brandywine collecting coats.

Volunteer at the Y

The YMCA offers a variety of ways to contribute to the community. Whether as a youth sports coach, through reading books to our preschool children, or by helping others improve their health, there are many ways that you can make an impact through volunteering at the YMCA.

Students from the YMCA's BASE program are pictured with the donations they collected on behalf of local organizations. Pictured with the students (left to right) are Claudia Aust of the YMCA, Ruby Abouraya of Safe Harbor of Chester County, Kecia Crowl of Kennett Area Community Service, Rachel Thomas Steadman of Bridge of Hope, Chaleena Boggs of Safe Harbor of Chester County, Patrice Stilley of Meals on Wheels of Chester County, Laura Mackiewicz of the YMCA and Bertram L. Lawson, II of the YMCA.

Holiday Cheer

Ever year, our YMCA of Greater Brandywine staff, members, donors and boards come together to support our community. We offer coats, meals and gifts for those that need support during the holiday season. 

Social Responsibility FAQs

 

The YMCA of Greater Brandywine is an inclusive organization open to all and believes that, in a diverse world, we are stronger when we are inclusive, when our doors are open to all and when everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Learn more about some (but not all) of our initiatives below: 

  • Branches across the YMCA of Greater Brandywine host regular blood drive events open to the public in partnership with The Red Cross. Search our events for blood drives
  • Our 2024 Before and After School Care (BASE) service project will take place during Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (HHAW), when students and school communities will join together to support local food and housing organizations.  We are also asking for your help! You can join us in making an impact by: