Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA

Specialties

The Y is a cause-​driven organization that is for youth development, for healthy living and for social responsibility. That’s because a strong community can only be achieved when we invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors. We focus our work in three key areas, because nurturing the potential of kids, helping people live healthier, and supporting our neighbors are fundamental to strengthening communities. The YMCA is a charity that is open to everyone where no one is ever turned away. For 150 years, our YMCA has remained relevant to individuals and communities as they change and evolve, while maintaining our core Mission. With a mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all, our impact is felt when an individual makes a healthy choice, when a mentor inspires a child and when a community comes together for the common good.

History

Established in 1863.

The Wilkes-​Barre Young Men’s Christian Association was originally founded on May 8, 1863, to foster recreational and religious programs in the community, with the YMCA using various sites in downtown Wilkes-​Barre. Agib Ricketts, a lawyer, was the first President of the YMCA Board. However, the nation was engaged in the Civil War, and the local YMCA effort was abandoned after 1864.

In 1871 under President George S. Bennett the YMCA was reorganized and again utilized various sites until 1892 when the YMCA completed construction of a building at 23 North Main Street (the site of the Times Leader). This building had bowling alleys, a gymnasium, and pool. An evening school program, begun in 1878, was the first night school in Wilkes-​Barre. At the turn of the century, a mining school was organized. It offered courses in mining techniques and safety, and mining classes were offered for half a century.

In 1903, the YMCA building was renovated following a fire, and in 1911 a boys’ building, th