BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Bigger, the time-worn mantra posits, isn’t always better.
The latest news regarding the YMCA aims to dispel that supposition.
On July 1, the YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon counties will merge with the Greater Valley YMCA in Pen Argyl to form the River Crossing YMCA, it announced Friday.
“As one YMCA, we truly are stronger together, committed to building upon the excellence of over 100 years of service to our local communities."Zane Moore, president/CEO, River Crossing YMCA
As a result, YMCA members and participants from Bucks, Lehigh and Northampton counties in Pennsylvania and Hunterdon County in New Jersey will benefit from the facility amenities and specialized programming offered at all 12 member branches.
“As one YMCA, we truly are stronger together, committed to building upon the excellence of over 100 years of service to our local communities,” River Crossing YMCA Chief Operating Officer Zane Moore said.
“Our members and participants will benefit from strengths and talents from both organizations with a greater variety of high-quality programs.
"Coming together also allows us to expand the reach of our mission-driven services and community impact. The leaders from both YMCAs are as excited as I am to begin this work together as one association.”
Bringing YMSAs, facilities together
In September of 2023, Greater Valley YMCA entered a management agreement with the YMCAs in Bucks and Hunterdon counties following the retirement of Greater Valley YMCA CEO David Fagerstrom, who served the YMCA for more than 36 years.
Volunteer leaders from both organizations underwent a process of due diligence resulting in the agreement to bring the YMCAs together as one.River Crossing YMCA release
During that time, volunteer leaders from both organizations underwent a process of due diligence resulting in the agreement to bring the YMCAs together as one.
River Crossing YMCA operates member branches in Doylestown, Fairless Hills, Newtown, Quakertown and Warminster in Bucks County; Allentown and Catasauqua in Lehigh County; and Bethlehem, Easton, Nazareth and Pen Argyl in Northampton County.
The YMCA also operates child care centers in Morrisville, New Britain, New Hope and Quakertown in Bucks County, as well as the Forks Education Center near the Easton branch in Northampton County.
In Hunterdon County, the YMCA has the Deer Path branch in Flemington, with child care centers in Annandale and Milford. Outdoor camp properties include Camp Carr in Clinton Township, New Jersey and Holland Outdoor Center in Holland.
With revenue of more than $55 million, the newly formed YMCA will employ more than 2,000 people, serve more than 142,000 members and participants and provide more than $12 million in annual charitable community impact.
