Greater Scranton YMCA Awarded Grant, Supporting Early Learning Center In April, 2025, the Greater Scranton YMCA was awarded a $5,000 Community Needs Grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation. The grant supported the replacement of the outdoor fence at the Y’s Early Learning Center in Olyphant. FROM LEFT:Frank Caputo, Grants & Communications Coordinator, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA; Tressa Capoccia, Senior Education Director, Greater Scranton YMCA; Cathy Fitzpatrick, Director of Grants and Scholarships, Scranton Area Community Foundation The Olyphant Early Learning Center opened in April, 2024 and currently has 102 children ages zero through five enrolled. The center is located on a busy street and was in need of added security and privacy. Before the new fence was installed, a chain link fence covered 90 percent of the outdoor playground, with the remaining ten percent vinyl. Grant funding has allowed the Greater Scranton YMCA to replace the chain link fencing with a vinyl option. “The safety and security of the children in our care and of our staff is our top priority,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “This grant award has enabled our Y to replace the old chain link fence around the outdoor playground at the Olyphant center with a vinyl one, enhancing both the safety and privacy of the children we serve. Our YMCA is so grateful for community partners like the Scranton Area Community Foundation.” For more information about early childhood education at the Greater Scranton YMCA, contact Tressa Capoccia, Senior Director of Education, at tcapoccia@gsymca.org or visit the Y online at www.greaterscrantonymca.org.
Greater Scranton YMCA to Open Second Early Learning Center In April 2024, the Greater Scranton YMCA will open its second Early Learning Center. The 6,300 square foot center is located at 1015 Underwood Road in Olyphant and is licensed to serve up to 125 children ages zero through five. The need for child care services in our community is great. Enrollment in the Greater Scranton YMCA’s early childhood education programs has grown from 209 in January, 2023 to 244 children in January, 2024. These children are enrolled in full and partial day early childhood education programs, as well as before and after school care. Of the 244 children enrolled, 92 are receiving financial assistance. The department is at maximum capacity, with a waitlist full at 150 kids. While the YMCA has begun its early childhood education expansion project to renovate the second floor of its facility in Dunmore to create three new classrooms, a need for services still exists. This year, YMCA leaders signed a lease for an additional facility located in Olyphant. The YMCA is renovating the facility, updating eight classrooms and adding outdoor play equipment. “As always, the Greater Scranton YMCA will adapt its programs and services to meet the needs of our community,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “The opening of our second Early Learning Center will allow our YMCA to make a substantial impact on the great need for childcare services in our community.” The Early Learning Center in Olyphant is estimated to open on April 2 9, 2024. For familiesinterested in enrolling their child(ren) and for more information, contact Tressa Parker, Education Director at the Greater Scranton YMCA, at tparker@gsymca.org.
