Category: Blog

Listen360: We Hear You

Posted on by Victoria Stilson

Thank you to everyone who has responded to the Listen360 surveys. Since we launched the survey tool in July 2025, we have sent more than 10,000 survey requests and received nearly 1,500 replies. The platform has proven to be a great way to capture and track your feedback, so look for more surveys coming your way soon.

We want you to know our leadership team reads and reviews every single response. And while we are so grateful for your kind words, we are seeing consistent feedback in two specific areas: facility cleanliness and a noticeable smell of marijuana.

We wanted to make you aware of how we are addressing these concerns:

Facility Cleanliness: Leadership at each of our member locations is working closely with their staff teams – not just custodial staff – to ensure a high standard of cleanliness. At our Eastside location, for example, a cleaning schedule has been posted in key areas, including locker rooms, restrooms, and the wellness floor to drive accountability and consistency for each shift. Supervisors are completing daily inspection walk-throughs and working to promptly address any concerns brought to their attention. The team is also reviewing staff coverage and cleaning supply levels to ensure we have adequate resources to meet these standards. We will work to continue improving on this concern.

The Smell of Marijuana: We understand that any strong smell can be irritating, but for a smoke-free and drug-free environment like the YMCA, the smell of marijuana can be particularly troubling. Our leadership team is currently finalizing updates to our Code of Conduct. Once finished, updated signage and a new campaign will be launching to help all members be “scents-itive” to the smells they may be carrying into our facilities. Following the initial launch of the campaign, we will engage in active reminder phases to reinforce the message year-round.

Again, we thank you for taking the time to share your experiences with us. Your honest feedback is helping our team to evaluate our processes and prioritize projects.

Commemorating the Trailblazing Women Leaders of the YMCA Movement

Posted on by Victoria Stilson

In honor of Women’s History Month, the YMCA of Greater Erie proudly celebrates the remarkable women whose leadership and dedication have shaped the YMCA movement—paving the way for future generations of women leaders, members, and changemakers across the country.


Ellen Brown
Ellen Brown was the first female YMCA employee in 1886 when she was hired to serve as the “boys work secretary.” Brown taught a night class at the Y that grew so rapidly, it eventually became a whole department!

Addie Hunton
As part of the YMCA’s massive World War, I support effort, Addie Hunton was one of only three African American women assigned to serve over 200,000 segregated Black troops stationed in France. Hunton was also YWCA secretary for Black student work and vice president of the NAACP.

Marguerite Cockett
Marguerite Cockett graduated from Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1905. In 1916 she bought a car and brought it to France where she worked as an ambulance driver under the American Fund for French Wounded. She spent three months in Serbia establishing a French-Serbian hospital and served on a hospital ship in the Mediterranean. In 1917 she established the
first canteen under the YMCA American Expeditionary Forces.

Wilhelmina “Willie” Aveling
Wilhelmina “Willie” Aveling began her YMCA career as a physical director in Atlantic City. In 1933, she joined the staff of the Chicago Metropolitan YMCA to find ways to improve programs for women and girls. For the next 28 years, she helped develop policies and recruit women leaders within the YMCA movement. She was the first woman to be inducted into the YMCA National Hall of Fame.

Winifred Colton
Fighting to improve the status of women in the YMCA, Winifred Colton began her extensive YMCA career as women’s and girls’ work secretary at the YMCA of Metro Chicago. In 1957, the YMCA’s National Council’s statement of purpose no longer applied to “males only,” and Colton became the first woman professional on the national staff.

Janice Paton
At 26 years old, Janice Paton was the first woman to be named to the National YMCA Board of Directors in 1962, breaking barriers and paving the way for women’s leadership across the Y movement! Her trailblazing role helped shape a more welcoming YMCA – one that empowers women and girls everywhere to lead, grow, and thrive.

Violet P. Henry
After holding various executive leadership roles in the Newark and Chicago YMCAs, in 1976, Violet P. Henry became the first woman to be named to a top management position at the Y’s national office. She provided leadership for numerous national and international commissions and committees that worked for the rights of women and people of color.

Xinia Brenes Jenkins
One of the founding members of the San Jose YMCA, Xinia Brenes Jenkins was deeply involved in the Costa Rican Catholic youth movement. The Latin American Confederation of YMCAs reached out to Jenkins for her assistance in instituting a national Costa Rican YMCA. Jenkins’s work for the Costa Rican YMCA focused on providing programs for refugees, relief for those affected by housing shortages, and offering vocational skills training for women and agricultural skills training for Costa Rican natives.

Suzanne McCormick
In 2021, Suzanne McCormick became the first woman to serve as President and CEO of YMCA of the USA. A 30-year nonprofit executive, Suzanne is a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the nonprofit and social impact sectors. In her role, she serves as an inspiration and symbol of what’s possible for future women leaders, including the millions of girls and young women who engage with the Y as members, participants, staff and volunteers. As we reflect on these incredible women’s achievements, we recommit to fostering leadership, and empowerment for women and girls throughout the Y community today and tomorrow.

Eastside Y Outdoor Pool Town Hall Presentation

Posted on by Victoria Stilson

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our recent Public Town Halls regarding the Eastside Y Outdoor Pool. We are incredibly grateful for the thoughtful questions, honest feedback, and strong community presence at both sessions.

If you were unable to attend — or would like to review the information again — the full presentation shared at the Town Halls is available here: 2026 Town Hall Presentation

No Place Like This Place

Posted on by Deanna Renaud

The Y is where communities come together and strangers become friends. We’re the place for play and learning, for health and connection, for giving back and moving forward. We’re where parents find support, teens find purpose, seniors find community, and kids find belonging. We believe everyone deserves a place to achieve their potential alongside others doing the same. Everything we do at the Y is about creating spaces where people connect across differences and communities grow stronger together.

2026 marks the 175th anniversary of the YMCA in the United States. Collectively known as the Movement, YMCAs throughout the country have been helping people and communities learn, grow, and thrive since 1851.

From the invention of basketball and volleyball, to leading the very first English as a Second Language classes and group swim lessons, the YMCA has helped shape our interests and our communities and we’re excited to celebrate this milestone with YMCAs near and far.

In 2025, the YMCA of Greater Erie celebrated our own milestone—our 165th anniversary of serving Erie County. The celebration continues through 2026 as we recognize the ways the YMCA has shaped both our community and our country. We hope you’ll join us — Make this place your place for building connections that last.

Watch this video celebrating This Place.

November Wellness Calendar

Posted on by Victoria Stilson

This month, we’re challenging you to stay active, positive, and connected — no slacking, no quitting, no excuses! Each week features quick “Fall Fitness” challenges and fun national observances to keep you moving and motivated.

🍩 Celebrate National Donut Day (balance matters!)
🧘 Try Yoga Fusion or Silver Cardio
☕ And don’t forget National Espresso Day on the 23rd!

Let’s finish the year strong — with gratitude, intention, and community. 💛

Free Food Support – Erie County

Posted on by Deanna Renaud

With the potential changes to SNAP Benefits on Nov. 1, this may be a difficult time for you or those you care about. We are sharing a list of free Pantry Boxes in our area to support those who may need assistance:

Food Pantries

• 816 W 8th Street

• 606 E 38th Street Lamb of God

• 945 E 5th Street

• 953 Hess Ave (off of 10th Street)

• 2813 Raspberry Street

• E 23rd and Reed at the Trinity Church

• 314 E 11th Street

• 329 E 28th Street

• 509 E 26th and Wallace at St. John’s

• German and E 9th St (parking lot)

• 4749 McMillan Drive at FlightPath Fellowship

• Cascade Street between 23rd and 24th

• Powell Ave between 10th and 12th

• Lawrence Park United Methodist Church

• Platea Fire Company Hall on Route 18

• N Main Street in McKean in front of Trinity Church

• Monroe and Maple Street on Lakeside by the Edinboro Albion Library

• 323 Cherry Street in Waterford

• Butch’s Diner on Vine Street in North East

• *There was previously a blessing box at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church but Second Harvest Food Bank is actually sponsoring a Food Pantry there now*

Food Banks in Erie

• Community of Caring (245 E 8th St)

-Provide free meals Monday-Friday noon to 1pm

• Community of Caring Food Bank (245 E 8th St)

-Last name beginning A-L: Wednesday from 11am-1pm

-Last name beginning M-Z: Friday 11am-1pm

-Diabetic Food Bank: Tuesday from 11am-12pm

• Emmaus Food Pantry (218 E 11th St)

-Open every Monday and Tuesday from 9am-11am & 4-5:30pm

• Erie Center City Outreach Food Bank (538 E 10th St)

-Contact Darlene at 10th St United Methodist Church. (814-459-3131), Photo ID and proof of residency required, Must live on East Side between Bayfront Parkway and 26th St. and between French and East Ave

-Food pantry open every 3rd Friday from 10:30am-1pm

• Erie City Mission (1017French St)

-Free lunches served Monday-Sunday 11:30am-12:30pm, Doors open at 11am

• Erie City Mission- Family Care Center Food Bank (1017 French St)

-Photo ID required

-Limit once per week

-Every Tuesday and Thursday 9am-2pm

-Clothing also available Tuesdays from 12:30pm-2pm and Thursdays 9am-10:30am

• GECAC Meals on Wheels (18 W 9th St)

-Preparation and Delivery of meals for aged people and people with disabilities

• Glenwood United Methodist Church (2931 Myrtle St)

-Food pantry open every 1st and 3rd Monday from 6pm-7pm

• Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (643 W 17th St)

-Free meals Wednesday and Saturday at noon and Tuesdays at 5pm

• Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Food Bank (643 W 17th St)

-Photo ID and proof of residency required

-Must meet federal and state income guidelines

-Food pantry open every Tuesday from 6pm-8pm

-Martin Luther King Center Food Bank (312 Chestnut St)

-Contact Mrs. Pierson at extension 248 for the food pantry (814)-459-2761 extension 248

-Photo ID, social security card, proof of income, proof of name and address required

-Food pantry open every Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 10am-11:45am and 1pm-2:45pm

• Metro-Erie Meals on Wheels (201 State St), (814)-452-6930

• Salvation Army Food Bank (1022 Liberty St)

-Food pantry open the last two Mondays and Wednesdays of the month from 9:30am-11:30am and 12:30pm-2pm

• St. John’s Lutheran Church Food Bank (2216 Peach St)

-Photo ID and proof of income and residency required

-Food Pantry open every 2nd and 4th Wednesday from 12:30pm-2pm

• St. Martin’s Center (1701 Parade St)

-Food pantry for emergency food access only

-Call and schedule appointment for food pantry

-(814)-452-6113

• St. Patrick’s Church Food Bank (130 E 4th St)

-Must register, (814)-454-8085

-Photo ID and proof of residence required

-Must live between Bayfront Parkway and 6th St

-Food Pantry is open every Tuesday from 11am-1pm

• St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Food Pantry (134 W 7th St)

-Photo ID and proof of income and residency required

-Food pantry open every Friday from 9:30am-noon

• St. Paul’s R.C. Church (452 W 16th St)

-Free meals served at the Parish Center on 16th Street every Monday 4:15pm-5pm

• St. Peter’s Cathedral Food Bank (230 W 10th St)

-Food bank open every Wednesday from 9am-11am

Christian Cupboard in Girard is open the 1 and 3rd. Thursday of the month. Need to show proof of living in the Girard, Lake City area. the next handout is Nov. 6 – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

You may also choose to apply for the Pennsylvania Emergency Food Assistance Program, which begins Nov. 1. Click here for more information and applications in multiple languages.

BINGO ‘BASH FOR CASH’ FUNDRAISER

Posted on by Deanna Renaud

The YMCA of Greater Erie is inviting the community to its “Bingo Bash for Cash” fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 8., to support financial assistance scholarships for members and early learning families. 

Join the YMCA for 10 rounds of bingo, as well as basket and 50/50 raffles, at JPT Foundation Events Center & Bingo, 2319 W. 38th St., Erie. The entry fee is $30, which includes the 10 games. Additional bingo sheets are available for purchase.

Attendees can bring their own food and drinks. Doors open at 10:30 a.m., and bingo starts at Noon.

Proceeds benefit the YMCA of Greater Erie’s 2025 Annual Campaign, which provides scholarships to children, families, and individuals seeking assistance. Through scholarships for early learning, memberships and program fees, all people — regardless of financial circumstance — can benefit from being part of the Y.

To register, stop by the Glenwood Park YMCA, call (814) 868-0867 Ext. 4255 or click here.

October Wellness Calendar

Posted on by Victoria Stilson

Fall is a season of change—and at the Y, it’s also a season of growth, wellness, and community connection. From family events and youth programs to fitness challenges and special YMCA360 offerings, there’s something for everyone this month!

🌟 Highlights include:
Family Fit Fun Day at Camp Sherwin (Oct. 11)
Weekly Fall Into Fitness challenges
Cooking with Kids, Yoga Fusion, and Silver Cardio
Awareness days that inspire us to take care of ourselves and each other

📅 Check out our full October calendar below to see how you can join in. Whether you’re looking to get moving, spend time with family, or simply connect with your community—you’ll find it here at the Y.

September Wellness Calendar

Posted on by Victoria Stilson

🍂 September is here — and so are plenty of ways to connect, move, and celebrate with the Y!

🌟 Community Events
• Waterford Fair
• Barber Beast on the Bay (last year!)
• Albion Fair
• North East Wine Fest
• AHA-Erie Heart Walk (Sept. 5 @ Liberty Park – 4:30 PM opens, 5:30 PM walk begins)

💪 YMCA360 Highlights
• Kids Fit: Bedtime Stretches
• Motivational Minutes: High Performers vs. Low Performers
• Silver Cardio & Yoga Fusion
• Cooking with Kids: Tie Dye Donuts

☕ Plus, fun national days to celebrate: Grandparents Day, Daughters Day, Coffee Day & more!

✨ “September is the month to embrace change.” Let’s do it together at the Y!