Greater Scranton YMCA Seeks Finance Director The Greater Scranton YMCA seeks a Finance Director to support its mission as a leading nonprofit organization focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. This role involves overseeing financial matters, investments, human resources, and information systems, while providing strategic direction for YMCA operations. The Finance Director will also act as a community convener to address critical social issues. Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Monitors monthly financial operations, prepares analysis and reports, and gives guidance to executive and operating staff. Works closely with operations staff on issues that affect financial outcome. Secures and allocates program or project resources so that strategic objectives can be achieved. Prepares specific recommendations. Reviews, updates, and/or develops internal control systems for the YMCA and oversees internalaudits which check for compliance on a variety of policies and standards. Provides recommendations for improvement. Manages the staff and oversees the operations of the accounting/finance, information systems and other assigned departments. Oversees and certifies the annual audit and meets periodically with the outside auditors to maintain communications and keep them informed of changes in the YMCA. Ensures that current accounting standards and legal requirements are met. Actively engages the board in challenging conversations and decision making to advance the Y’s impact. Works directly with assigned committee(s) of the board (e.g., Finance, Insurance, Investment, Audit) to build volunteer relationships, develop policies, monitor their implementation and meet the related needs of the board. Anticipates trends and their implications on the future of the organization. Manages investments, under the direction of the Investment Committee, and within the risk tolerance expressed by the Board via the asset allocation policy. Develops performance indicators and measurement systems for tracking strategic plan objectives. Evaluates current business models and leads efforts to modify or redesign business modelswhere necessary. Oversees preparation of reports to United Way, YMCA of the USA and governmental agencies. Oversees preparation of tax returns including IRS Form 990. Oversees the development of the annual operating budget, including all branch budgets. Guides the organization to make tough choices about what to stop, start, and continue. Works closely with operations staff to ensure that branch budgets are well-planned, realistic, and prepared in a timely manner. Establishes, maintains and/or monitors all banking and financing relationships. Maintains all necessary records and accounting reports and records all transactions on a timely basis. Maintains good working relationships with auditors, bankers, investment counselors, attorneys and other professional advisors. Other duties as assigned. LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES: Critical Thinking & Decision Making Fiscal Management Program/Project Management Volunteerism QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in business, finance or equivalent; MBA, CPA or CMA preferred. YMCA Organizational Leader certification or willingness to obtain. Five or more years of substantive experience in accounting and fiscal management. Knowledge and understanding of general business matters required including budget development, financial reporting, cash management, business taxes, banking and debt financing instruments. Knowledge of computer systems, including experience with system selection, new system implementation and project management. Personal computer skills required. Experience with investment management and asset allocation preferred. Experience in effectively managing a staff team. Previous experience with voluntary/nonprofit organizations preferred. WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device. The employee frequently is required to sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The YMCA offers a supportive and dynamic work environment that encourages personal and professional growth. By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a range of benefits designed to support your overall well-being. Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy as an employee: Impactful Work: Make a meaningful difference in your community every day. Supportive Environment: Thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven workplace. Competitive Compensation: Salary reflective of your skill and experience. Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive plans to ensure you and your family can receive the care you need. Wellness Programs: Y membership for you and your family to support your physical and mental health. Retirement Plans to Secure your Financial Future: The Y will contribute 12% of your salary into the Y’s retirement savings plan. You also have the option to make additional contributions to the Y’s 403(b) and ROTH plans. Work-Life Balance: Generous PTO, and holidays. Training and Development: Access to professional development programs, workshops, and certifications. Inclusive Environment: A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensuring all employees feel valued. Salary: $65,000.00 – 75,000
Greater Scranton YMCA Appoints Next President & CEO On September 26, the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Board of Directors appointed Rich Surridge as the organization’s next President & CEO. Rich has worked at the Greater Scranton YMCA for 17 years, beginning his YMCA career in July of 2007. During his time with the YMCA, Rich served in various roles at the Greater Scranton YMCA and Greater Wyoming Valley YMCA. Previous to being appointed President & CEO in September and Interim CEO in June, Rich served as the Greater Scranton YMCA’s CFO from 2007-2015; the CFO for both the Greater Scranton YMCA and the Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA from 2015-2021; and, most recently, the CFO and COO at the Greater Scranton YMCA from 2021 through June of this year. “On behalf of the board of directors, we are thrilled to name Rich as President and CEO of the Greater Scranton YMCA,” said Megan Wolff Galko, Chief Volunteer Officer, Greater Scranton YMCA. “His passion and dedication to the Y makes him the perfect person to continue our legacy of serving a critical need within the Northeast PA community by offering healthy meals for children and seniors, training in water safety, encouraging healthy habits, and offering a safe place for residents of all ages to spend time with their friends.” As President & CEO, Rich’s primary focus will be ensuring the Greater Scranton YMCA’s successful operation, including membership, program development, volunteer recruitment, staff supervision, community relations, collaborations, budgeting, and financial results. “I am honored to serve as the next President & CEO of the Greater Scranton YMCA,” said Rich. “I will work diligently to not only continue the important work of our YMCA, but also to grow our programs to meet the changing needs of our community. Working alongside our dedicated staff team, I am so excited to be a part of the impact the Greater Scranton YMCA will continue to make on the lives of children, adults and families from across our community.”
Greater Scranton YMCA Announces Retirement of President The Greater Scranton YMCA announces the retirement of its esteemed President & CEO, Trish Fisher, due to health concerns. Trish’s unwavering dedication to the development of the Greater Scranton YMCA during her ten years of service will forever be appreciated, and they express gratitude for her. During Trish’s tenure, the Greater Scranton YMCA underwent nearly $10 million in capital improvements, including the renovation of the welcome center and the creation of a commercial kitchen, teaching kitchen, universal locker room, power cycling room and more. Under Trish’s leadership, enrollment in its Early Childhood Education Programs has more than tripled, which motivated the opening of its second Early Learning Center in Olyphant in April of this year. The YMCA’s membership has also tripled during this time, fully rebounding from the hardships incurred during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Throughout the pandemic, Trish was proud to continue paying all staff, even during the times when the facility was forced to shut down. Since Trish joined the Greater Scranton YMCA, $10,963,376 has been raised to support these efforts and continue fulfilling the mission of turning no one away for an inability to pay. Trish played an integral role in the establishment of the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Year-Round Food Program, which provides daily breakfast, lunch and snacks to the children in their care. Understanding the importance of year-round education for all children, Trish spearheaded the implementation of the Summer Scholars Program at the Mid Valley and Dunmore School Districts. The program operates for six-weeks during the summer months, is free of charge and is targeted to rising first, second and third grade students who are struggling with reading. The members, staff, and volunteers are profoundly grateful to Trish for her cause-driven leadership and wish her all the health and happiness in the world as she enters her well-deserved retirement!
Greater Scranton YMCA Supports Healthy Families September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and as children and families start their new school-year routines, it’s a perfect time to reflect on and refresh your family’s healthy habits. Many families, though, may not have easy access to opportunities to learn about and practice healthy behaviors. That’s why the Greater Scranton YMCA — a leading community-based organization dedicated to improving health — wants to help families through nutrition education and increased physical activity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of obesity affects about 14.7 million, or one in five U.S. children and adolescents. Obesity can increase risk for health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and some cancers. Here in Pennsylvania, 18 percent of children in grades K-12 are affected by obesity, according to the Department of Health. “Experts now have a heightened understanding of the necessity to provide families with assistance in altering their eating and physical activity patterns,” said Rich Surridge, Interim CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “At the Y, we’re delighted to collaborate with families, extending support as they strive to incorporate changes to help children grow up at a healthy weight.” The Y also promotes open communication between families and their health care providers regarding their children’s health. “A child’s healthy weight cannot be determined based off of appearance,” said Surridge. “Working with health care professionals guarantees that families receive accurate guidance and support.” The Greater Scranton YMCA is helping families improve their health and help youth adopt healthy behaviors through membership, youth sports and enrichment programs, swim lessons, family programming and more. The following tips are some great ways to incorporate healthier eating habits and increased physical activity into your daily family routine: Eat & Drink Healthy: Make water the drink of choice and encourage everyone to fill half their plates with fruits and vegetables by offering two or three servings at every meal. As a family choose a new fruit and veggie every week to taste together. Place a full pitcher of water on the table during meals and allow children to pour their own water. Keep full water bottles available in cars and back packs. Play Every Day/Go Outside: Children should have at least an hour a day of unstructured play outside (when possible) and break a sweat at least three times a week by getting 20 minutes or more of vigorous physical activity. Join your children in games that get your hearts pumping and body moving. Get Together: Eat as a family as frequently as possible. Involve kids in meal planning, preparation and clean up. In addition, take a break from electronics and spend one-to-one time each day together, enjoying one another’s company. Reduce Recreational Screen Time: Time spent in front of a television, computer, tablet, cell phone or video games should be limited to two hours or less per day. Make a family plan to reduce screen time at home (i.e., turn off screens during meals, charge electronics/screens in the kitchen overnight, go for a walk after a meal, set a timer to remind you to power down the screen). Sleep Well: Kids and adults need to keep a regular sleep schedule; unwind together in the evenings by reading a book or listening to soft music to ensure your bodies are preparing for sleep. Kids are growing and need 10-12 hours of healthy sleep per night; adults should aim for seven to eight hours nightly. To learn more about the Greater Scranton YMCA’s membership and programs, please contact Brandon Whipple, Senior Program Director, at (570) 828-3116 or bwhipple@gsymca.org, or visit the Y online at www.greaterscrantonymca.org.
Greater Scranton YMCA to Host “Thriving Together” On Saturday, June 29th the Greater Scranton YMCA will host “Thriving Together,” a free community event being held to acknowledge and celebrate that Mental Health is Wealth, and to encourage all those that participated in, and from, the YMCA s Wellbeing Initiative programming to continue engaging in activities and/or practices to support their mental and emotional health. The family friendly event will be held from 11:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. at the Greater Scranton YMCA’s facility, located at 706 North Blakely St., Dunmore, PA 18512, and will feature a photo booth, the Alpacas of Windy Haven Farm, multiple inflatable activities, 9-hole mini golf, climbing rock wall, face painting, a band and more. All are welcome. In 2022, the Greater Scranton YMCA was awarded an approximate $1.836 million dollar grant through SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), made possible through Community Project Funding from Congressman Cartwright’s office, to support the Wellbeing Initiative. The project is a collaborative effort between the Greater Scranton YMCA, Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA (which includes the Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA and Greater Pittston YMCA), Greater Carbondale YMCA and Wayne County YMCA. Since the Y Wellbeing Initiative began in 2023, more than 11,500 people have taken a proactive approach to their mental and emotional health by participating in YMCA Wellbeing Initiative programming throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania with our youngest participant being 10 months old and our oldest being 102 years old, spanning over a century of lived experience. Through the Wellbeing Initiative, participants had the opportunity to engage in programming such as Groove and Grow with Me, Thriving Minds, The Art of Connection, Calm Your Mind Yoga, Sound Meditations, Drums Alive, Art 4 Healing, Hatha for Healing, Healthy Minds in Harmony, Food Mood and many more. “The Wellbeing Initiative has provided our YMCA with the opportunity to support the mental and emotional well-being of our community through free programs for all,” said Rich Surridge, Interim CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “We are so grateful to Congressman Cartwright for allowing us to bring this initiative to life.” For more information about the Thriving Together event, contact Katie Moran, Coordinatorof the Wellbeing Initiative, at kmoran@gsymca.org.
Greater Scranton YMCA Receives Grant In June, the Greater Scranton YMCA was awarded a $7,000 Youth Sports Access Grant from YMCA of the USA. Grant funding will be utilized to provide 125 children with one free session (one month) of youth sports programming. Funding will also support the purchase of much-needed youth sports equipment, including equipment for youth basketball, youth soccer and youth pickleball. Through this project, the Greater Scranton YMCA’s goal is to increase access and equity in youth sports. Thus, scholarships for low-income and/or underserved youth 14 and under will be prioritized. “Here at the Y, we believe all children should have equal access to youth sports,” said Rich Surridge, Interim CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “For many families, though, the financial resources are not available. Thanks to grant funding from YMCA of the USA, we are so proud to provide children in our community with the resources needed to participate in youth sports programming at our YMCA.” The Greater Scranton YMCA has created a form that families who are interested in participating in youth sports can complete. After 125 responses have been received, the YMCA will close the form. The form will open on Monday, June 24th and it can be accessed here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfLOTfmBC3xNvYYbxTd6meCCWgrMtcis-K9QBd6g0Ydi0JJ5g/viewform?usp=sf_link. For more information about this scholarship opportunity and youth sports at the Greater Scranton YMCA, contact Brandon Whipple, Senior Program Director, at bwhipple@gsymca.org.
Greater Scranton YMCA Receives Grant In April 2024, the Greater Scranton YMCA was awarded a $15,000 Community Needs Grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation. The grant will support the purchase of outdoor playground equipment at the Y’s new Early Learning Center in Olyphant. The center opened in April 2024. Through the opening of the new center, the Greater Scranton YMCA’s goal is to offer our community much needed childcare services, allowing parents to work knowing their child(ren) are in a safe and nurturing environment. The center will provide children with the tools and resources needed for success in kindergarten and beyond, and the outdoor playground equipment will provide children with daily opportunities for outdoor play. The new center, which is licensed to serve up to 125 children, will also aid jobseekers, creating 16 full-time and two part-time positions. “It’s because of the incredible generosity of community partners like the Scranton Area Community Foundation that the Greater Scranton YMCA is able to serve so many members of our community,” said Rich Surridge, Interim CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “The opening of our second early learning center will allow our Y to provide care to the substantial number of children and families in need of childcare services. The outdoor playground will be such a wonderful asset to the center.” For more information about early childhood education at the Greater Scranton YMCA, contact Tressa Parker, Senior Director of Education, at tparker@gsymca.org or visit the Y online at www.greaterscrantonymca.org.
Greater Scranton YMCA Sets Kids Up for a Healthy Start to the Summer at Healthy Kids Day The Greater Scranton YMCA is hosting the Y’s annual Healthy Kids Day® on May 11 from 10:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. located at 706 North Blakely Street in Dunmore. This free, annual event features a variety of family-friendly activities to encourage healthy kids, healthy families and a healthy start to the summer season. Sponsored nationally by Peanuts, Healthy Kids Day’s mission is to turn fun and play into lifelong memories. Some featured activities include a Kids Fun Run, vendor fair, bounce houses, face painting, entertainment, refreshments and more. The event is open to the community and registration is not required. “It is so important for kids to stay active over the summer, both physically and mentally,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “At the Y, we believe in providing resources for families to create healthy habits, no matter the time of year. Healthy Kids Day is a fun, free communitywide event that encourages families to take advantage of all the great summer activities the Y has to offer.” Locally, Healthy Kids Day is sponsored by Community Bank, Rainey & Rainey, NET Credit Union, Topp Business Solutions, Matrix, Cal Mal Vending Services and Brucelli Advertising. Kids Fun Run schedule (free and registration is not required!):10:30-10:40 a.m. – Ages 3-510:45-10:55 a.m. – Ages 6-911:00-11:10 a.m. – Ages 10-14*Located outside in the back of the facility. For more information about Healthy Kids Day, including reserving a table at the vendor fair or for sponsorship opportunities, contact Brandon Whipple, Senior Program Director, at (570) 828-3116 or bwhipple@gsymca.org.
Harry McGrath Memorial Golf Tournament Benefits the Greater Scranton YMCA On Monday, March 18th the McGrath family presented the Greater Scranton YMCA with an $18,000 donation, which represents proceeds from the 4th Annual Harry P. McGrath Memorial Golf Tournament. The tournament was held on September 15, 2023, at Glen Oak Country Club. Tournament proceeds will support the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Summer Learning Loss Prevention Program, Summer Scholars. Summer Scholars is a free research-based and research-proven six-week summer learning program. The goal of the program is to get elementary students on track to read at or above grade level by the start of their next school year. In summer 2024, the program will serve rising first, second and third grade students attending the Dunmore and Mid Valley School Districts. Participants’ days consist of 2.5 hours of literacy in the morning followed by lunch and enrichment in the afternoon. Enrichment activities include field trips, as well as trips to the Greater Scranton YMCA for use of the pools. The program is instructed by certified teachers and YMCA staff. “We are happy to provide support to the Y’s Summer Scholars program,” said Betsy McGrath Ardizoni, Board Member, Greater Scranton YMCA, and daughter of the late Harry P. McGrath, Esq. “Our dad believed in the importance of children receiving the necessary tools to succeed in school, and this program does just that.” The Scranton Area Community Foundation administers the Harry P. McGrath, Esq. Memorial Fund, established in May 2022 by Harry’s family to support the charitable causes and organizations important to him including the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Summer Loss Prevention Program. “The Greater Scranton YMCA is so grateful to the McGrath family for their continued support of our YMCA and our Summer Scholars Program,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “The generosity of tournament participants and sponsors continues to amaze us. This funding makes such an impact on the lives of the children benefitting from Summer Scholars and supports our mission of keeping the program free for families.” For more information about Summer Scholars, contact Helen Cruser, Education Director, at hcruser@gsymca.org. For more information about the Harry P. McGrath Memorial Golf Tournament, contact Betsy McGrath Ardizoni at ecm0588@gmail.com.
Greater Scranton YMCA Receives Grant from Local Foundation Funding will support the inclusion of STEM equipment and supplies in to the YMCA’s Early Childhood Education Department. In 2023, the Greater Scranton YMCA was awarded a $16,244 grant from AllOne Charities. Grant funding will support the inclusion of STEM equipment and educational materials in the YMCA’s Early Childhood Education Department. The addition of STEM equipment and activities into the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Early Childhood Education curriculum will allow staff to make a greater educational impact on the growing number of children we serve. Through exposing young children to STEM activities and initiatives early in life, the groundwork will begin being laid, helping children enter kindergarten with a broader knowledge base and the tools and resources needed for success. “We are so grateful to AllOne Charities for this generous grant award,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “Enrollment in early learning programs continues to grow. We are so proud to provide the children in our care with access to daily opportunities to engage in STEM activities, as exposure to STEM initiatives is a critical component to academic success.” For more information about the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Early Childhood Education Department, contact Tressa Parker, Education Director, at tparker@gsymca.org or visit the YMCA online at www.greaterscrantonymca.org.
