YMCA Offering Community Week Free Trial The Greater Scranton YMCA is calling on individuals and families across the community to experience what it means to truly belong. The Y is a place where people come together to grow stronger in body, mind, and spirit. From group fitness classes to youth sports, from swim lessons to volunteer opportunities, the Y offers something for everyone. But what makes it truly special is the sense of connection that forms when people from all walks of life share space and purpose. “At the Greater Scranton YMCA, we see every day how friendships form, confidence grows, and communities thrive,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “It’s not just about what you do here, it’s about who you do it with.” Membership at the Y means joining a movement that’s been strengthening our community for more than 165 years. Whether you’re looking to get active, give back, or simply find your people, there’s a place for you here. This December, the community and those interested are invited to try the Y free for 7 days! Experience everything the Y has to offer with no commitment, just connection. Visit https://www.greaterscrantonymca.org/ or stop by the Y, located at 706 North Blakely St. in Dunmore, to start the free trial today.
YMCA Announces 2025 Jingle Bell Jog The Greater Scranton YMCA invites runners, walkers, families, and holiday enthusiasts to join the fun at the 2025 Jingle Bell Jog, taking place on Saturday, December 13, with a 9:00 a.m. start time at the Y. The 2nd Annual Jingle Bell Jog features a 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk, offering something for participants of all ages and fitness levels. Runners and walkers are encouraged to embrace the holiday spirit by wearing their favorite festive attire. The first 50 registrants will receive a free t-shirt. Proceeds from the event benefit the Y’s Financial Assistance Program, which helps ensure that everyone, regardless of age, background, or income, has access to the Y. “We are excited for the 2025 Jingle Bell Jog to bring our community together in a fun and festive way,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “During this season of giving, the Greater Scranton YMCA is so proud to provide financial assistance to children, adults, and families from our community and this will event will support our efforts.” Participants can register online at https://runsignup.com/scrantonymcajinglebelljog or at the Y, located at 706 North Blakely Street in Dunmore. The cost for participants over the age of 12 is $25 and there is no charge for participants 12-years-old and under. Same day registration is available for $35. Day of race check-in and packet pick-up will be open from 8:00-8:45 a.m. and an awards ceremony will take place at approximately 10:00 a.m. For more information, please contact Jennifer Dolphin, Race Coordinator, at dolphinjennifer7@gmail.com.
YMCA Announces 2025 Jingle Bell Jog The Greater Scranton YMCA invites runners, walkers, families, and holiday enthusiasts to join the fun at the 2025 Jingle Bell Jog, taking place on Saturday, December 13, with a 9:00 a.m. start time at the Y. The 2nd Annual Jingle Bell Jog features a 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk, offering something for participants of all ages and fitness levels. Runners and walkers are encouraged to embrace the holiday spirit by wearing their favorite festive attire. The first 50 registrants will receive a free t-shirt. Proceeds from the event benefit the Y’s Financial Assistance Program, which helps ensure that everyone, regardless of age, background, or income, has access to the Y. “We are excited for the 2025 Jingle Bell Jog to bring our community together in a fun and festive way,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “During this season of giving, the Greater Scranton YMCA is so proud to provide financial assistance to children, adults, and families from our community and this will event will support our efforts.” Participants can register online at https://runsignup.com/scrantonymcajinglebelljog or at the Y, located at 706 North Blakely Street in Dunmore. The cost for participants over the age of 12 is $25 and there is no charge for participants 12-years-old and under. Same day registration is available for $35. Day of race check-in and packet pick-up will be open from 8:00-8:45 a.m. and an awards ceremony will take place at approximately 10:00 a.m. For more information, please contact Jennifer Dolphin, Race Coordinator, at dolphinjennifer7@gmail.com.
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 Awarded BK5K Youth Grant On October 9, 2025, the Greater Scranton YMCA received a grant award of $2,000 from the BK5K Youth Fund of the Winona Community Foundation. Funds will support the continued development of youth programs at the Y. From left: Marcelo DeSousa, Regional Operations Manager, Fastenal; Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA; Meghan Carnevale, Mission Advancement & Marketing Director, Greater Scranton YMCA; Whitney McDonald, SHUB Help Desk Manager, Fastenal
Greater Scranton YMCA To Host Jack & Jill Bingo The Greater Scranton YMCA is excited to announce its Inaugural Jack & Jill Bingo, offering community members a fun and festive way to celebrate the season while supporting the Y’s financial assistance program. The event will take place on Sunday, October 26th at 12:00 p.m. at the Greater Scranton YMCA, 706 North Blakely Street, Dunmore. Jack & Jill Bingo will feature 15 games and three special games, as well as a food truck, 50/50, and raffles. Prizes are valued between $100 and $350. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in a Halloween costume, as a prize will be awarded to the best. The event costs $30 per person. Proceeds will support the Greater Scranton YMCA’s financial assistance program, which provides the resources needed to allow all members of our community to benefit from all the Y has to offer. “We’re so excited to bring the community together for our Fall Bingo Event,” said Tressa Capoccia, Senior Education Director, Greater Scranton YMCA. “We’re looking forward to a fantastic afternoon filled with prizes, laughter, and community spirit all while raising funds to support community members in need.” For more information about Jack & Jill Bingo, as well as to register, contact Tressa at tcapoccia@gsymca.org or visit the Greater Scranton YMCA online at https://www.greaterscrantonymca.org/.
Johnson College to Host Free Community Resource Fair Johnson College will host a free Community Resource Fair for all local college-bound students on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, inside the Moffat Student Center Gymnasium at its Scranton campus. The event is open to the public and is designed to connect current and prospective college students with local resources and support services. The fair will feature a variety of community organizations offering guidance and assistance on topics such as education, employment, health, and wellness. “The Community Resource Fair is an opportunity for all students attending any of our region’s colleges and universities to learn about local services available to them,” said Dr. Kellyn Williams, Associate Vice President of Special Programs at Johnson College. “We’re proud to bring together organizations that are making a positive impact in our region.” Participating organizations include: ACE of NEPA Educational Opportunity Centers of PA Friends of the Poor/Catherine McAuley Center Geisinger Marworth Greater Scranton YMCA Goodwill Industries of Northeastern Pennsylvania Susquehanna County Interfaith The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement For more information, please contact Sam Lehman at slehman@johnson.edu or 570-702-8341.
Greater Scranton YMCA to Host Hawaiian Hula Hustle 5K Run Race proceeds will benefit the Y’s Financial Assistance Program The Greater Scranton YMCA will host a Hawaiian Hula Hustle 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk on Sunday, August 24th, 2025. Event proceeds will support the Y’s Annual Support Campaign, which provides scholarship funding to individuals and families in need, allowing them to benefit from all the Y has to offer. Registration is open. The cost for participants over the age of 12 is $25. Participants 12- years-old and younger are free. Race day registration is available for $35.00. Day of race check-in and packet pick-up will open at 8:00 a.m. Following the race, the Y is inviting participants to stay for a post-race Luau, including live music, refreshments, and a medal ceremony. “The Greater Scranton YMCA is proud to award financial assistance to individuals and families in need, allowing them to benefit from all our Y has to offer” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “It’s because of the generosity of our donors and the support of our community that we are able to make such an impact. The Hawaiian Hula Hustle 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk will serve as a celebration of community—bringing us together for a day of fun and support for those in need.” For more information and to register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Dunmore/TheGreaterScrantonYMCAHawaiianHulaHustle. For questions about the Hawaiian Hula Hustle 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk, contact Brandon Whipple, Senior Program Director, at bwhipple@gsymca.org.
Johnson College to Host Free Community Resource Fairs Johnson College will host two free Community Resource Fairs on its Scranton campus this summer. These events are open to the public and are designed to connect current and prospective college students with local resources and support services. The fairs will feature a variety of community organizations offering guidance and assistance on topics such as education, employment, health, and wellness. The fairs will be held on: Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 12, 2025, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Both events will take place inside the Moffat Student Center Gym at the Johnson College Scranton campus, located at 3427 North Main Ave., Scranton. “The Community Resource Fair is an opportunity for students to learn about services available to them both on and off campus,” said Dr. Kellyn Williams, Associate Vice President of Special Programs at Johnson College. “We’re proud to bring together organizations that are making a positive impact in our region.” Participating organizations include: Agency for Community EmPOWERment of NEPA American Water Community Services for Children County of Lackawanna Transit System Educational Opportunity Centers of PA Goodwill Industries of NEPA Greater Scranton YMCA Maternal and Family Health Services Inc. Outreach Center for Community Resources PA Careerlink Lackawanna County Parent Pathways of NEPA RISE NEPA Scranton Area Community Foundation The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement And many more For more information, please contact Sam Lehman at slehman@johnson.edu or 570-702-8341.
Greater Scranton YMCA Urges Community to Prioritize Water Safety by Joining National “Phones Down, Eyes Up™” Campaign The Greater Scranton YMCA is proud to participate in the launch of YMCA of the USA’s National Phones Down, Eyes Up™ campaign this May in honor of National Water Safety Month. This campaign is focused on reducing distractions around water and raising awareness about the importance of vigilance when families visit pools and waterfronts this summer. Statistics from the National Drowning Prevention Alliance show that 88% of drownings occur with at least one adult present, highlighting the critical need for caregivers to stay alert when supervising children around water. The Phones Down, Eyes Up campaign encourages families to keep their phones away and stay focused while supervising children at pools, lakes, beaches, or other bodies of water. “The Greater Scranton YMCA is excited to be part of this important national campaign,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “People think they’ll hear someone if they’re struggling in the water, because that’s what we see in tv and movies,” says Surridge. “In actuality, drowning is silent and can happen in as little as 30 seconds. When we’re looking at our phones, we don’t see what’s happening around us.” As part of the Phones Down, Eyes Up campaign, the Greater Scranton YMCA is calling on families to designate a “Water Watcher”— an adult whose sole responsibility is to supervise children near water, free from distractions like phones, conversations, or alcohol. “We know how easily distractions can happen around water, but just one moment of inattention can have serious consequences. The Greater Scranton YMCA is committed to empowering families with the tools and information they need to stay safe around water.” The campaign’s website, PhonesDownEyesUp.org, offers a variety of helpful resources for families, including digital safety materials, a pledge to commit to water safety, and educational tools to help families stay safe this summer. Families who take the pledge will have access to resources such as phone wallpaper reminders, monthly safety tips, and downloadable Water Watcher lanyards. For more information on how you and your family can become Water Watchers and take part in the Phones Down, Eyes Up campaign in our community, visit phonesdowneyesup.org.
