Thanks for being a #YAdvocate!

Interested in presenting at the 2023 virtual Staffing Summit, October 30–November 1. The Staffing Summit committee is accepting session proposals through September 8. Sessions are 45 minutes and presented virtually over a Zoom platform. bit.ly/3seIcba

LAST CHANCE! The ACA New Director Orientation (NDO) is a course for seasonal or newer camp directors, assistant directors, program directors, and others moving into camp leadership positions. The next cohort begins this Wednesday, Nov. 15. Register today! bit.ly/46aIC0w

“Childcare is not just a service—it is a cornerstone of our economy,” said Jen Segelken (The Greater Philadelphia YMCA) in Policy Committee PA House Republicans 🇺🇸 testimony. Arbitrary regulations drive up costs & restrict the workforce. �� It’s time for reform. Make childcare affordable & accessible.

Parents with access to high-quality, reliable childcare are more productive members of the local workforce. Expand Pre-K Counts and Early Intervention Programs in #PABudget. @PAHouseDems PA House Republicans 🇺🇸 PA Senate Republicans @PASenateDems

When kids have safe places to go outside of school, crime goes down, academics are boosted, and behavior improves. Expand VIP and BOOST in #PABudget. @PAHouseDems PA House Republicans 🇺🇸 PA Senate Republicans @PASenateDems

To ensure access to quality care for Pennsylvania families, we must address staffing shortages and ensure long-term stability for the childcare workforce. Fund childcare worker grants in #PABudget. @PAHouseDems PA House Republicans 🇺🇸 PA Senate Republicans @PASenateDems

"Childcare is (central) to the economic health of our town. Parents depend on us to stay employed or complete job training," says Tami Unger, Branch Director, Allentown Branch, River Crossing YMCA. Tami testified before state lawmakers today to advocate for common-sense reforms.

"Childcare is not just a service—it is a cornerstone of our economy," said Jessica Lausch, Vice President of Youth Development at the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh. As a childcare provider, she knows that access to affordable, dependable childcare is essential.

PA State Alliance of YMCAs VP of Legislative Affairs Alisa Harris was in Washington, DC this week with several Chambers of Commerce from central PA. The group urged the Congressional delegation to remove barriers to workforce participation like childcare access, for example.

Hanover Area YMCA Academy of Early Learning Renovations Complete! The Hanover Area YMCA is thrilled to announce the completion of renovations at our Academy of Early Learning — a transformation made possible through the generous support of the Powder Mill Foundation.

We are excited to announce that Henry DeHart has been unanimously selected as the new Chief Executive Officer of the American Camp Association®.

This is Y. Many thanks to the staff and volunteers of the Allentown YMCA, a branch of the River Crossing YMCA. wfmz.com/news/area/lehi…

If you're looking for some glorious music over the next two weekends, I will be singing several concerts with Opus One. At the concert on the 9th, we are also requesting donations for the Helping Harvest Food Bank.

Congratulations to CEO, Wayne Stump, and the team at the Bloomsburg Area YMCA for their 2025 Impact Award. The Impact Award was presented to the Bloomsburg Area YMCA staff last week. The award was in recognition of their work on the Bloomsburg Area YMCA Community Resource Hub.

Congratulations to CEO, Mike Harich, and the entire staff team at the Beaver County YMCA on their 2025 Impact Award for their "Nourishing Our Community" program. The Beaver County YMCA celebrated 31 years of providing meals and snacks to their community this year.

Congratulations to CEO, David Ozmore, Amy Jacobs and the team at the Harrisburg Area YMCA for their 2025 Impact Award. The Impact Award was presented to the Harrisburg Area YMCA staff last week. The award was in recognition of their work on the Pennie Health Equity Tour.

Congratulations to the team at the River Crossing YMCA for their 2025 Impact Award. The Impact Award was presented to the River Crossing YMCA staff last week. The award was in recognition of their work on the "Life After 21" program. Learn more here: ymcarivercrossing.org/ability/life-a…

Congratulations to CEO, Shaun Elliott, Scott Cusworth, Lindsey Dimino, Aimee Smith and the team at the Greater Philadelphia YMCA on their 2025 Impact Award last week. The award was in recognition of their Maternal Wellness Initiative. Learn more here: philaymca.org/.../maternal-w…

There's No Place like this Place! The YMCA's national campaign celebrating 175 years in the US is making waves. Here's more coverage with the video link. adage.com/video/ymca-175…