News – YMCA of Reading and Berks County

From 1857 to Today: Honoring 167 Years of the YMCA of Reading & Berks County

Posted on June 13, 2025 Updated on June 10, 2025 by Amber Fox

Celebrating 167 Years of Impact: The Reading YMCA Legacy Lives On

Happy Birthday to us! On June 22, 1857, the Reading YMCA opened its doors with one mission: to strengthen our community through a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Today, 167 years later, we’re still at it, and stronger than ever.

Reading YMCA early 1900s

From our humble beginnings in a borrowed meeting room to now operating five vibrant branches and two early learning centers in Berks County, the YMCA of Reading and Berks County has become a cornerstone of community support, wellness, youth development, and social responsibility.

To thank you, our members, staff, and supporters, we’re throwing a weeklong celebration for Membership Appreciation Week, June 17–22! You’ve helped shape this legacy, and now we want to celebrate YOU.

A Rich History of Service and Strength

Since 1857, the Reading YMCA has weathered wars, economic shifts, and social changes, but our commitment has never wavered. From early literacy programs and boarding rooms for young men in the 1800s, to launching job readiness programs and summer camps in the 1900s, to providing critical childcare, housing, and fitness services today, we’ve adapted to meet the community’s needs every step of the way. Each generation brings new energy and passion, but our mission stays the same: building a stronger, healthier community, together.

“The Y has always been more than a gym; it’s a home. A safe place. A community of people who lift each other up.”

- YMCA Member, Reading Branch

The Reading YMCA created a USO 1943

Then, Now, Always: What the YMCA Offers Today

The Y you know today is packed with programs and opportunities for all ages and abilities. Whether you’re chasing a new fitness goal, searching for affordable childcare, looking for youth sports, or wanting to volunteer, there’s a place for you here.

Reading YMCA Welcome Center Desk 1879-1895

Here’s just a snapshot of what your YMCA offers:

State-of-the-art fitness centers
Preschool & early learning programs
Before & after school care
Swim lessons & water safety
Summer day camps & playground programs
Housing programs
Tennis and pickleball courts
Supportive community events and wellness workshops

We are proud to serve over 40,000 people every year in Berks County. Each one of you is part of our legacy.

Growing Into the Future: Our Next Chapter Starts With You

Our story isn’t just about the past, it’s about where we’re headed next. As we prepare for the future, we’re committed to:

Expanding affordable access to all families
Strengthening youth mentorship programs
Enhancing our facilities and equipment
Growing partnerships with local businesses and donors
Supporting community wellness and mental health

Every time you show up, whether to work out, volunteer, donate, or enroll your child in a program, you are shaping our story. You are helping us carry 167 years of impact forward.

Be a Part of Our Legacy

If you haven’t stopped by in a while, now’s the perfect time. Visit us during Membership Appreciation Week, take a tour, and discover how the YMCA continues to be a pillar of wellness, inclusion, and opportunity in Berks County and beyond.

Whether you’re a longtime member or brand new, you belong at the Y, because the Y belongs to this community.

Thank you,

To our founding members, our current families, and every volunteer, donor, and staff member who’s walked through our doors, thank you. This birthday isn’t just about looking back, it’s about celebrating what we’ve built together, and what we’ll keep building for generations to come.

The Olympic-size indoor Pool opened in 1971. At the time, it was the largest Y pool in the US.

Happy 167th, Reading YMCA. Here’s to the next hundred and beyond!

Keeping Kids Healthy All Summer Long

Posted on May 12, 2025 by Chrissy Faller

In celebration of YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, the Y offers the following tips to help families develop healthy habits this summer that can have a lifetime effect:

High-five the fruits and veggies-

Make sure kids get at least five servings of fruits and veggies each day, the minimum number nutritionists recommend for healthy childhood development. And to keep kids’ taste buds evolving, have everyone in the family try at least one bite of a new fruit or vegetable at least once a month.

Read together-

The summer is a great time to enjoy books with summer program participants—and 30 minutes a day goes a long way! Take trips to the local library or create a family reading challenge to see who can log the most minutes of reading. Encourage youth to create their own stories as well.

Get moving-

Activities that require movement also help kids flex their mental muscle. Use materials in unique ways: ask youth to build models, manipulate tools or develop their own theatrical scenes.

Play together-

Play may be the best way to prevent childhood obesity. By putting more play into your family’s day, you will soon find yourself getting the activity that will have your family feeling energized and strong.

Make sleep a priority-

Doctors recommend 10-12 hours of sleep a day for children ages 5-12 and 7-8 hours per night for adults. Sleep plays a critical role in maintaining our healthy immune system, metabolism, mood, memory, and learning.

Healthy Kids Day is an annual event geared for outdoor family fun that is brought to the community by YMCA of Reading & Berks County and the Berks County Parks & Recreation – rain or shine!

Mission Moments: Ariyah’s Why

Posted on May 12, 2025 by Amber Fox

At the Y, Ariyah found the security and the support that gave her game-changing confidence.

Her mom found peace of mind and watched her daughter thrive.

When Ariyah made the big leap from Pre-K to Kindergarten, her mom thought she had prepared for everything: the labeled backpack, the sparkly shoes, the proud “first day of school” picture. The only thing she wasn’t ready for was Ariyah sobbing at drop-off and refusing to let go, every single morning.

“She would cry uncontrollably, cling to me, and sometimes even try to run back out of the classroom,” her mother, Perla Santiago, remembers. “It was heartbreaking to watch her feel so overwhelmed and scared.”

For weeks, this was their morning routine: chaos, tears, and heartbreak. Kindergarten wasn’t just a new classroom—it was a big, unfamiliar world, and Ariyah felt lost in it. For her mom, it was just as painful to watch her little girl struggle so much with the transition. “As a mother, it left me feeling helpless. She wouldn’t talk about what was bothering her, and I wasn’t sure how to make things better,” Perla reflects.

Then came the YMCA of Reading & Berks County’s Before & After School Program, which turned out to be the lifeline both Ariyah and her mom needed.

Y Care staff saw more than just a nervous Kindergartener. They saw a child in need of reassurance. Rather than trying to rush her through the transition, Y staff took the time to really get to know her and to understand what she needed to feel safe and secure.

“They approached Ariyah with so much patience, care, and understanding,” her mom shares. “They paid attention to the little things—what made her feel calm, what sparked her interest, and how to gently encourage her to engage.”

While some environments push kids to “get over it,” the YMCA staff walked beside Ariyah, step by loving step. They partnered with her mom, keeping her in the loop every day. They reminded her that growth doesn’t happen on a strict schedule—it happens with support, consistency, and heart.

And slowly, everything began to change. The tears stopped. The fear eased.

The same child who once ran out of classrooms now walks into the Y with her head held high and a confident smile. “She gives me a hug and says goodbye with confidence,” her mom beams. “The transformation has been incredible.”

"She gives me a hug and says goodbye with confidence. The transformation has been incredible."

Perla Santiago, Ariyah's mom

At the Y, Ariyah didn’t just gain comfort, she gained confidence. She discovered that she was brave. That she could trust new people. That the world wasn’t so scary after all. And her mom? She finally could trade those tearful drop-offs for peace of mind, knowing that her daughter was being cared for and engaged, not just supervised.

For the YMCA of Reading & Berks County, this is what community looks like. This is what donors make possible. Your support doesn’t just keep the lights on or fund a program, it creates a safe space where kids like Ariyah can thrive and where parents like her mom can exhale.

Because of Y supporters, a little girl found her courage and a mom found her hope.

And because of the YMCA, their mornings now begin not with fear, but with smiles.Instead of just making it through the day, Ariyah can be fully engaged in learning and making moments with friends.

Want to be part of stories like Ariyah’s?

Help us continue providing safe, nurturing spaces for every child who walks through our doors. Donate today and be the reason another child smiles tomorrow.

Making Waves for a Cause: The Marsh Madness Polar Plunge Recap

Posted on March 27, 2025 Updated on April 21, 2025 by Amber Fox

A Chilling Challenge with a Warm Heart

Imagine stepping into icy 34-degree waters, the cold stealing your breath away as you take the plunge. Now, imagine doing it for a cause that changes lives. On March 15, hundreds of brave adventurers did just that at the Marsh Madness Polar Plunge, an annual fundraising event hosted by the YMCA of Reading & Berks County. This event wasn’t just about the thrill—it was about making waves for a greater cause by raising essential funds for the YMCA’s Open Door Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to youth when their families need extra help to afford programming such as summer camp, before & after school care, school’s out programs.

“Regardless of their family's ability to pay, events like this make sure that kids in our county have access to high-quality programming that is affordable. The experiences they have with their peers and our mentors have long-lasting impressions on their lives – from core memories to learning social skills and building confidence in a safe place. Every kid deserves – and receives – the same chance for potential.”

-Phil Borup

Freezin’ for a Reason: The Impact of Your Support

Every dollar raised at Marsh Madness helps ensure that children, no matter their financial circumstances, can access life-changing YMCA programs, including swim lessons, summer camp, and memberships.

$100 provides two children with six weeks of swim lessons, helping them learn vital water safety skills.
$250 gives a struggling family a seven-month YMCA membership, offering them a place to stay active and engaged.
$500 sends four children to one week of summer camp, giving working parents peace of mind.
$1,000 ensures 12 children have meals and snacks in childcare for a month.

The ripples of generosity from this year’s plunge will be felt by countless families across Berks County.

Epic Costumes, Fierce Competitions, and Award-Winning Spirit

The event was more than just a plunge—it was a celebration of community spirit. Participants sported wacky costumes, formed spirited teams, and competed for top fundraising awards.

Pot of Gold Awards (Top Individuals)

Shamrock Award (Male with most money raised): Joseph Conte
Four Leaf Clover Award (Female with most money raised): Kim Evans
Leprechaun Elder Award (Oldest Plunger): Bill Oswald
Fairy Tales Award (Best Female Costume): Rylee Coyle
Ogre Drag Award (Best Male Costume): Joey Conte

Blarney Chalice Awards (Top Groups)

Fiddler Folly Award (Best Team Costume): Christopher, Robin, Candice, and Ira Wierzbowski
Member Spirit Award (Member team with most participants or best costume): Reading YMCA Swim Team
Community Spirit Award (Business with most money raised): Exeter Leo Club

Y Spirit Awards (Branch Awards)

Most Money Raised: Reading YMCA
Best Spirit: Sinking Spring YMCA’s Group Fitness Team

Community Champions: Our Incredible Sponsors

Marsh Madness wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our local businesses. A huge thank you to our sponsors who helped make this event a success:

Platinum Sponsors

Redner’s, Chicco, Enersys, The Works at Wyomissing

Gold Sponsors

MailShark, West Lawn Quoiting Associates, UGI Energy Services INC, Reading Orthodontics Management, Dorothy M Hass Charitable Trust

Silver Sponsors

Alarm Tech Services INC, Reading Precast INC, Performance Roofing Associates, EHD, Kozloff Stoudt Attorneys, Burkey Construction, Fulton Bank, Herbein, Maillie LLP, Precor, Fleetwood Orioles Nest #23

Bronze Sponsors

Sheetz, Tree’s Salon, Sims Lawn and Landscaping LLC, West Wyomissing Fire Co, Lincoln Park Fire Company, Boehringer’s Drive-In, Hidden View Woodworks, Kristen Young Pilates LLC, ReMax of Reading, Rudolph LLC

Iceberg Sponsors

D & S Portable Toilets LLC, Geist Sporting Goods, Elwood and Carol Klinger, Simple Again, Keystone T’s, Bob Zelano Refrigeration, Prospectus Berco

Support the Y’s Mission: It’s Not Too Late to Donate

Visit our website to learn more about YMCA programs, volunteer opportunities, and how to support local nonprofits in Reading, PA. Every contribution helps strengthen our community—because when we come together, we rise together.

10 Things to Do at the Y

Posted on March 11, 2025 Updated on March 25, 2025 by Amber Fox

When you have fun options, prioritizing your health and wellness feels anything but “routine.” Putting self-care first helps enhance your sense of joy and contributes to a better quality of life.

The YMCA of Reading & Berks County offers something for every age. Here’s a top 10 list of activities to keep your mind, body and spirit strong.

Health & Wellness. Exercise in one of five fitness centers outfitted with new free weights and cardio equipment that streams your devices so you can track your progress or catch up on your shows. Have little ones? Check the times for supervised childcare in the Kids Court while you work out or get a massage at New Beginnings in Sinking Spring Y. With fitness and nutrition orientations and cooking classes, the Y helps you improve your lifestyle choices.
Fitness Classes. Find your fun in fitness classes including Zumba®, yoga, spin, aquacise, LesMills™ BodyPump and many more that cater to different fitness levels and interests.
Get a day pass or membership to have a ball playing racquet sports year-round. To keep beginners and practiced players moving, the Y has indoor pickleball courts. You also can shoot hoops in, or maybe even rent, the gym.
Head to the indoor swimming pool at the Reading YMCA branch where you can enjoy lap swimming, recreational swimming and swim lessons for all ages.
Certifications and Classes. Take CPR, AED and lifeguarding classes in life-saving procedures offered through American Red Cross.
Summer Camps. Enroll your children in summer day camp and playground programs! Every week features amazing field trips within and beyond Berks, fun weekly themes, pool/water days, sports, arts and crafts, and educational programming for fun camp challenges. Campers will learn new skills, preventing summer learning loss. They’ll make new friends and life-long memories!
Celebrate a Birthday. At the Sinking Spring Y, make the day special with exclusive access to the Kids Court (Play Port, bounce house and climbing wall) and dedicated party staff. There are also options for Nerf parties and Gaga Pits.
Kids Night Out. Parents can take the night off and drop their kids (grades K-6) off for an evening of fun and games, crafts, snacks and movies. This monthly event rotates among the Y’s five branches.
Enrichment Programs. In addition to early learning centers, the Y offers Before & After School Care and School’s Out programs for school-aged children. Homework help, games and nutritious snacks are a few of the things you can expect.
Participating in community events offers a special sense of connection, camaraderie and purpose. Save these dates:

Take the plunge on March 15 at Blue Marsh for the Y’s Annual Marsh Madness Polar Plunge event to benefit youth.
Come to Healthy Kids Day, a free family fun day hosted by the YMCA and Berks County Parks & Recreation on April 26 featuring a color run for kids, food trucks, smoothy-making bikes, crafts, fitness activities and local vendors.
Pick your partner and register online (beginning March 30) for the Annual Cornhole Tournament on June 13. This family-friendly event will have brackets for adults (12+) and families (ages 6-12 can team up with an adult), food trucks and prizes.

For 166 years, the YMCA of Reading and Berks County has worked to strengthen our community by building healthier families, empowering youth, fostering inclusivity and providing a foundation for connection and belonging. The Y has five fitness/wellness centers, two early learning centers, and is one of the few in the nation to offer residential housing programs. In addition to its physical branches in Adamstown, Mifflin, Reading, Sinking Spring and Tri Valley (Fleetwood, Oley and Schuylkill Valley), the Y provides enrichment programs and community activities with several organizations and schools throughout the county. ymcarbc.org

YMCA of Reading & Berks County Celebrates Staff Milestone Anniversaries, New Board Member, and CEO Choice Awards for Excellence

Posted on February 18, 2025 Updated on March 11, 2025 by Amber Fox

The YMCA of Reading & Berks County proudly hosted its 166th Annual Meeting at the Reading YMCA, bringing together board members and staff to celebrate leadership, dedication, and outstanding service. The event marked the induction of new board members, honored staff milestone anniversaries, and recognized the winners of the 2nd Annual CEO Choice Awards.

2024 Board Chairman Troy Rider and 2025 Board Chairman James Michalak

Newly elected board members pictured with CEO Phillip Borup: Daniel Laws, Crystal Gilmore-Harris, James Michalak

Welcoming New Leadership

The YMCA of Reading & Berks County is excited to announce the appointment of new officers who will help guide the organization into the future:

Association Board Chairman: James Michalak, Partner, Chief Operating Officer, Herbein + Company
Vice Chairman: Michael Trymbiski, Regional Account Manager, UGI Energy Services
Treasurer: Robert Ippolito, retired
Secretary: Troy Rider, Esq., Partner, Barley Snyder LLC, (previously served as Board Chairman)

Additionally, the YMCA welcomed newly elected board members:

Crystal Gilmore-Harris, Community Outreach Coordinator, Senator Judith L. Schwank’s Office
Daniel Laws, President/CEO, DaBrian Marketing Group
Carl Sottosanti, Esq., retired and rejoining the board

With these new appointments, the YMCA will continue to further its commitment to strengthening its mission, expanding its reach, and continuing its impactful work in the community. Together, the board and staff will move forward with honesty, respect, and a caring spirit, committed to fostering a community that thrives on the YMCA values.

Honoring Excellence: CEO Choice Awards

At the Annual Meeting, the YMCA recognized the winners of the 2nd Annual CEO Choice Awards, honoring employees who exemplify dedication and a commitment to the Y’s mission. Each honoree received an award symbolizing their uniqueness that helps build the synergy of the team’s DNA and their dedication to excellence in all they do to make an impact in the communities we serve.

This year’s recipients include:

Mary Halstead, Certified Recovery Specialist
Bruce Nixon, Maintenance Professional, Reading YMCA
Amy Lerario, Fitness Coordinator
Jenn Wilmer, Welcome Center Representative, Tri Valley YMCA
Jonathan Johnson, Program Director/Branch Manager, Mifflin and Adamstown YMCAs
Amber Fox, Digital Media Engagement Director
Chrissy Faller, Vice President of Marketing and Communications
Gena Pina Garcia, Executive Director of Social Services (two-time recipient)
Angie Harrison, Executive Director of Member Engagement and Reading YMCA Center Manager

2024 CEO Choice Awards honorees pictured with CEO Phillip Borup: Jonathan Johnson, Amy Lerario, Mary Halstead, Jenn Wilmer, Gena Pina Garcia, Chrissy Faller, and Angie Harrison; Not pictured: Amber Fox and Bruce Nixon

“These individuals exemplify the YMCA’s core values and drive our mission forward through their unwavering commitment, leadership qualities, and inspiration they provide throughout the organization and the broader community.”

-Phillip Borup, Chief Executive Officer, YMCA of Reading & Berks County.

Recognizing Dedicated Staff Milestones

The YMCA also took the opportunity to honor its dedicated staff members who have reached significant milestone anniversaries in their years of service. These individuals have made invaluable contributions to the Y community:

5 Years

Jill Demi, Group Supervisor, Young Toddler classroom, Tri Valley YMCA Richmond Early Learning Center
Stephanie Labissiere, Lead Teacher, Pre-K Counts program, Reading YMCA Early Learning Center
Nyree Fernandez, Child Care Director, Tri Valley YMCA Richmond Early Learning Center
Siri Nieves, Parent Educator, Parenting Pathways program
Sonia Davila, Reading YMCA Housekeeping team member

10 Years

Lisa Getz, Welcome Center Representative, Adamstown YMCA
Renee Seisler, Group Exercise Instructor, Sinking Spring YMCA
Jordon Valentine, Assistant Group Supervisor, Pre-K Counts program, Reading YMCA Early Learning Center

15 Years

Shelley Eppihimer, Vice President of Youth Development

20 Years

Nelson Lopez-Soto, YMCA maintenance team member

“Our staff are our greatest asset, We are so grateful to have them run and support our programs. They’re invested in doing more than their jobs. They create meaning, build connections, and improve the quality of life for the individuals and families in Berks. At the YMCA, we foster a culture of professional and personal growth, ensuring that our staff feel valued and empowered.”

-Phillip Borup, Chief Executive Officer, YMCA of Reading & Berks County.

Looking Forward

As the YMCA of Reading & Berks County continues to grow, the organization remains dedicated to strengthening communities, developing leadership, and fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. The Y extends its gratitude to all board members, staff, and community partners who support its mission.

For more information about the YMCA of Reading & Berks County and its initiatives, visit www.YMCArbc.org or follow us on social media.

YMCA Mifflin and Sinking Spring Branches Chosen as “2024 Nextdoor Neighborhood Faves”

Posted on November 28, 2024 Updated on January 3, 2025 by Kris Danner

Jonathan Johnson, Branch Manager & Program Director of Mifflin YMCA, proudly displays the 2024 Neighborhood Faves placard at the entrance.

Neighbors are recognizing two branches of The YMCA of Reading Berks County as “Neighborhood Faves.” Users of the Nexdoor app selected the Mifflin and Sinking Spring YMCA branches as favorite gyms or fitness studios as part of the “2024 Nextdoor Neighborhood Faves.” This is the eighth year for the annual awards program that allows users to show some love for their favorite local businesses and organizations. The Mifflin branch was also recognized in 2023.

Both the Mifflin and Sinking Spring branches of the Y offer a robust schedule of fitness activities in updated facilities. From youth and adult sports to fitness classes that range from cardio and aquatics to yoga, dance, and Silver Sneakers, the Y offers a wide variety of fitness and recreational activities for all ages and abilities.

Every year, the Neighborhood Faves Awards highlight the local businesses that neighbors on Nextdoor love the most. These winners are chosen based on how many “Faves” and recommendations they get from people nearby. Nextdoor, used by one in three households across the U.S., has become a popular resource for neighbors, public agencies, and local businesses to connect and share information that matters in their communities.

“At the Y, our members and community are the heart of our organization. We hold their opinions in the highest regard and to receive recognition based on member feedback is an honor,” said Phillip Borup, President and CEO of the YMCA of Reading & Berks County.

The YMCA of Reading Berks County has five branches in neighborhoods throughout Berks County. In addition to fitness programs, the Y provides specialty classes, youth programs, early education opportunities, parenting programs, and housing for those experiencing homelessness and/or dual diagnosis of mental health disorders and substance use disorder.

Mission Moments: Jeff’s Y

Posted on November 8, 2024 Updated on November 27, 2024 by Amber Fox

At the Y, Jeff found small steps make a big difference.

When Jeff Seltzer first came to The YMCA of Reading & Berks County’s Adamstown branch, he had been living with a life-changing medical diagnosis. A degenerative disease had impacted his physical movement and balance. He could no longer go to work. And isolation was becoming a real threat. But in 2022, Jeff walked into the Y and took a step that would help him regain some of what he had been losing.

At first, he thought it would be beneficial to use the treadmill and walk a little each day, but the Silver Sneakers classes quickly caught his attention. He decided to join in – a decision that would become another life-changing event for Jeff.

“[The classes] are not physically taxing, but they keep me moving,” says Jeff as he joyfully demonstrates how he can touch his right foot to his left knee as he slowly crosses his leg – a movement some take for granted, but a major milestone for Jeff, who had been unable to touch his toes in over five years. “I can do this now,” he says. “And I give credit to moving.”

Jeff looks forward to taking group fitness classes offered at the Y to keep him socially engaged and his body moving. Small steps have made a big difference.

"I have to admit I wouldn’t have done this stuff on my own. It’s because of coming here and doing these classes I’m learning these things. It’s very beneficial."

-Jeff Seltzer

Over time, Jeff discovered the simple exercises he had been doing were making a real difference. Due to his condition, he has difficulty reaching the floor because it’s too painful. “If I drop anything, I don’t even bend over and try to pick it up,” he explains. “One morning in my bedroom I knocked something down and I subconsciously bent down and picked it up and stood up – and I was like ‘What did I just do?!”

Jeff is now a regular at the Y, riding his recumbent bike to classes four times a week when it’s warm outside. He participates in the Silver Sneakers class as well as stability and stretching classes. As much as he enjoys the classes and the results, he says it’s the people that keep him coming back.

Find Your Reason to Give.

Find your Y.

Our donors lay the groundwork for our YMCA to provide structure, expand community outreach programs, uplift Christian principles, and advance inclusion and belonging. It is through support that we can provide a firm foundation for services and evolve with the needs of our community. Be the change you wish to see.

Mission Moments: Tanieya’s Y

Posted on November 1, 2024 Updated on November 21, 2024 by Amber Fox

At the Y, Tanieya found her wings.

Like any working mom, Tanieya Woodson’s days are full. In addition to caring for her daughter, she’s pursuing her bachelor’s degree and serves as the group supervisor for a toddler classroom at the YMCA of Reading & Berks childcare program. Tanieya’s full-time job at the Y is also a full-circle success story that began in 2017, when she and her 6-year-old daughter moved into the YMCA Y Haven Housing Program.

“I was ready for a new start, for something different,” Tanieya recalls of applying to the Y Haven Program to venture on her own from her mother’s house. “When I moved in, the other residents welcomed me and made sure I was comfortable.”

The Y Haven Program is designed to help women and children experiencing homelessness find stability and independence. Tanieya joined a community of women living together in a supportive, structured environment.

Tanieya Woodson on duty at YMCA childcare, where she came full circle as a participant in Y Haven and Parenting Pathways (formerly Baby University) programs.

“We went to school, went to work, did our chores, and cooked for each other. We worked as a group to take care of each other,” Tanieya says. “I learned how to cook for myself at the Y. I learned how to make money properly and in a healthy way. I learned how to save. I learned how to budget.”

Tanieya also participated in Parenting Pathways, a program formerly called Baby University that was created to help parents of young children support development in the crucial first five years of life. The program covers key skills like discipline, wellness and sick care, and purposeful play.

Tanieya and her daughter spent two and a half years at Y Haven. In that time, they built a strong foundation that allowed them to achieve meaningful successes – like earning her associate’s degree from Reading Area Community College, advancing in her career path, moving from the Y to her first apartment, and most recently, buying her first house!

In almost every memory of her time there, Tanieya fondly mentions “Ms. Gena.” Gena Pina-Garcia, executive director of social services at the Y, is much more than her title. For the women of Y Haven, she’s an accountability coach, a guiding north star, and often the first person they call with news, good or bad. “I try to make myself available to them, so they have that support,” Gena explains. “Some come from dysfunctional homes, have trauma, or lack family.”

"The Y helped me grow and brought me out of my shell. I learned how to take care of me and my child and how to be self-sufficient. I learned a lot.”

-Tanieya

While Gena fits well as a caretaker and confidant, she’s also versed in truth and tough love—providing guidance but insisting that growth comes from within. Tanieya speaks highly of the encouragement that led her to make positive changes for herself and her daughter. She smiles as she mentions the butterfly decorations at Y Haven, now understanding their significance.

“A lot of people would ask, ‘What’s up with all these butterflies?’” Gena laughs. “And I’d say, ‘This is your cocoon, and when you leave, I want you to have the wings to fly.’”

At the Y, I found myself.

Find Your Reason to Give.
Find Your Y.

YMCA of Reading Berks CEO Phil Borup Featured in Berks County Living

Posted on September 22, 2024 by Kris Danner

In the latest issue of Berks County Living, Phil Borup, President and CEO of the YMCA of Reading and Berks County, shared his journey and unique leadership style that’s transforming the organization.

Known for kicking off meetings with light-hearted dad jokes, Borup explained how he has created a relaxed yet empowering environment for YMCA staff, encouraging openness and collaboration. The article underscores how Borup has united the YMCA’s five branches and community programs under one cohesive vision, all while ensuring every employee feels valued and trusted.

Having joined the YMCA nearly two years ago after relocating from Montana, Borup brings a fresh perspective and a hands-on approach to leadership. Whether dressing as Santa for community events or participating in charity challenges, he’s a leader who isn’t afraid to dive in alongside his team.

With a healthcare and physical therapy career background, Borup’s path to the YMCA may be unconventional, but it’s driven by his passion for helping others and building strong communities. His commitment to both the organization and the people it serves has already made a significant impact across Berks County.

To learn more about Phil Borup’s story and some of the exciting changes happening at the YMCA of Reading and Berks County, click the link to read the full article in the September 2024 issue of Berks County Living (page 33).