YMCA OF GREATER ERIE ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT OF CEO

Gerry Vandemerwe will retire after 35 years of service

Erie, PA (May 16, 2023) – The YMCA of Greater Erie Board of Directors announced the upcoming retirement of CEO Gerry Vandemerwe after 35 years of service to Erie County’s second oldest non-profit organization.

Chairwoman Julie Wilson shared Vandemerwe’s retirement announcement with the Y’s board and employees at its regular board meeting on May 16.

“The YMCA is grateful to Gerry and his leadership of our Y and to the Erie community. He’s championed a culture that invests in its employees and built upon a long-standing reputation of accountability, reliability and fiscal responsibility,” said Julie Wilson, YMCA of Greater Erie chairwoman.

Wilson will chair an ad-hoc search committee that will work with Y-USA to conduct a nationwide CEO search to be concluded by year-end.

Vandemerwe, a native of Durban, South Africa, was recruited by Gannon University to play soccer and moved to the United States in January of 1984. Vandemerwe is a Gannon University Sports Hall of Fame inductee and still holds the University’s Goal Scoring Points Leader record established in 1988.

Hired in 1989 as a program director at the Downtown Y, Vandemerwe progressed through the Y’s career lattice working his way to CEO in June 2003. “I’ve been very blessed to call Erie my home and to be part of the Erie community for almost 40 years.”

“I am very grateful to have been given the opportunity to grow my career within the Erie Y,” Vandemerwe continued, “I am proud of all we’ve accomplished. Our staff team is superior, and I am proud of the fact that a culture of growth and opportunities has been provided to all the staff of the YMCA. I have stood on the shoulders of some very talented leaders in our history.”

The Erie Y has been recognized as a Top 100 Y in the country among its 800 peer YMCA associations. This accolade is based on operational budget size. Vandemerwe accepted the Y-USA Childcare Champion CEO award 2010 at the Y’s National Childcare Conference in Orlando and was just one of five CEOs to be awarded this recognition.

“I really enjoy visiting our Y locations and seeing the impact our programs have on those we serve. The diversity of our programs affords us the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, from infants as young as six weeks to people in their 90s,” reflects Vandemerwe.

The Y’s impact was recognized by The Nonprofit Partnership in 2020 through its inaugural award of Nonprofit of the Year. The Y has received numerous “Erie’s Best” choice awards for its youth development and healthy living work.

And, for Vandemerwe, the Y has played a large part in his life. Through his employment at the Y, he met his wife Amy at the Eastside Y 30 years ago. Their three boys (Tyler, Joe and Kyle) participated in many Y programs throughout their youth.

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About the YMCA of Greater Erie

The YMCA of Greater Erie is a leading nonprofit community resource founded in 1860. It provides services and programs in the areas of youth development,  healthy living and social responsibility.  Its cause is to strengthen the community. It serve a diverse population of men, women, and children with an emphasis on families.

Deeply rooted in communities throughout Erie County, the Y works in partnership with like-minded organizations to collectively improve the quality of life of all citizens by aligning our priorities with our community’s vision as identified by Erie Vital Signs.

Its membership is 21 million strong and spread across more than 2,600 Y associations nationwide. Here locally, four membership branches, outdoor recreation center, nine early and school-age education program centers and community outreach programs serve more than 35,000.

Perspective: : Retired Head College Soccer Coach Transfers Skills from the Field to the Pool DeckPerspective:

Keith Cammidge retired after 35 years as a collegiate head soccer coach and was looking for a fun, flexible and active part-time job. He found the perfect fit as a member of the aquatics staff at the YMCA of Greater Erie’s Glenwood Park location.

“The thing I’ve enjoyed most about working at the Y for the last five years, is the opportunity to interact and make friends with a diverse group of people from completely different backgrounds and life experiences,” said Keith. “My previous career put me in a coaching, “higher education bubble” where this was not possible. My education and experience affords me the opportunity to help members with basic anatomy and physiology questions and concepts of cardiovascular and strength training within an aquatic facility.”

Keith is certified as both a YMCA lifeguard and swim instructor. For those that enjoy lifelong learning, earning aquatics and lifesaving certifications is satisfying. “There is a substantial commitment of time, effort and study to obtain and keep your certifications. We are the “front line” to preventing aquatic accidents and teaching individuals how to be safe in and around the water. It is very rewarding.”

“I’d encourage anyone retired, or close to retirement, to consider a part-time job as a member of the YMCA aquatic staff. It’s active, fun, flexible and rewarding.”

Perspective: Learning to Swim Boosts Confidence

Darlene Stalmach always wanted to know how to swim. She took lessons more than 25 years ago but never finished. A recent knee replacement motivated her to enroll in adult swim lessons.

“I was looking for a total-body and low-impact exercise,” said Darlene. “Swimming has given me the confidence and motivation to go to the Y, try different activities and meet new people.”

Darlene is afraid of heights. Diving into the water from the diving block required Darlene to overcome an additional fear. “I attempted it twice and backed down. My instructor Brandi encouraged me. Eventually, I did overcome my fear and I dove it! It was a definite milestone for me.”

“I have a 13-year-old granddaughter and she doesn’t know how to swim either. I hope I can be her role model and maybe someday teach her,” said Darlene.

Perspective: Mom & Daughter Bond Through Swim Lessons

Ann Trask always wanted to know how to swim. She took swim lessons as a child, but never progressed into a competent swimmer.

“I also wanted to learn so as my daughter’s swimming skills progressed, I could keep up with skill level and ensure that she is safe in the water,” said Ann.

The two bond over conversations about swimming, watching swimming videos and swapping stories about what each learned in the week’s class. “I also think learning as an adult shows her that you are never too old to learn something new and, sometimes, it takes time and practice to progress,” said Ann.

Learning to swim has given Ann confidence. It’s inspired her to try other new experiences too.

“I would recommend learning to swim at any age. My instructor Brandi has been fabulous and is patient with adult learners.”

Time to “Waterproof” Erie Kids through YMCA of Greater Erie Swim Programs

As the season turns from spring to summer, the YMCA of Greater Erie encourages children and parents in Erie to explore the many benefits of swimming, while also keeping safety top of mind. In Y swim programs, participants can enjoy water sports, enhance or learn new techniques, meet new friends and develop confidence, while also learning safety skills that can save lives.

It’s never too early to get children involved in swimming—it’s an important for safety reasons, but also a great way to keep active and healthy. There are so many options for parents, but the best place to start is by learning basic water safety skills that helps get kids familiar with the water that often continues with swim lessons and competitive swim programs and can even lead to a career.

At part of National Water Safety Month in May, the YMCA of Greater Erie encourages parents to take an active role in fostering a relationship between their children and swimming—beginning with water safety. Following are safety tips to practice when in and around the water:

  • If you have a backyard pool, it’s a good idea to have a latching gate around the pool to keep kids out of the water until an adult is with them for swim time. It’s also a good idea to remove your ladder if the pool is not being used.
  • Designate an adult water watcher at all times and have a conversation with your child about water safety. Set a rule for your swimmer that they must have an adult water watcher and an adult’s permission before entering the water.
  • It’s important to discuss what to do in case of an emergency. Where is the closest phone to call 911? Is anyone in the family certified in CPR? Do you have equipment, such as a ring bouy, a reaching pole or pool noodle to assist struggling swimmers?
  • Have coast guard approved floatation devices such as life jackets and puddle jumpers. Inflatable toys are typically not coast guard approved floatation devices.
  • Everyone, even strong swimmers, must wear a lifejacket when participating in watersports, boating or other watercraft activities.

In addition to learning lifesaving water safety skills, swimming is a great way to increase physical activity. Swimming also motivates children to strive for self-improvement, teaches goal orientation and cultivates a positive mental attitude and high self-esteem. It also teaches life lessons of sport and sportsmanship, so that children can learn how to work well with teammates and coaches and how to deal with winning and losing.

As a leading nonprofit committed to youth development, the Y has been a leader in providing swim lessons and water safety for more than 163 years. The YMCA of Greater Erie continues to help youth and adults experience the joy and benefits of swimming, so they can be healthy, confident and secure in the water.

There are a variety of programs to choose, including those at the Y or local township recreation programs.

Glenwood Park-Lower Wellness Center UPDATES

The Lower Wellness Center will OPEN Tuesday, February 21st at 5am but can only be accessed by the far-end stairwell past the lower lobby.

The Basic & Brief Room, as well as the stairwell between the locker rooms, will remain closed until Thursday, February 23rd, at 5am.

The Holistic Center is closed until further notice. Until we can reopen this space, classes have been relocated to racquetball court 1 or the 2R meeting room. Classes requiring reservations will still require reservations. Again we thank you for your patience and apologize for any inconvenience!

Glenwood Park-Schedules & Amenities NOTICE/UPDATES


Water leakage from our Large Lap Pool flooded the lower-level Wellness Center, including the Basic & Brief room and Holistic Center, and caused our Large Lap Pool to drop in temperature.
The Large Lap Pool will reopen tomorrow, Tuesday, February 14th. Programs and reservations will continue as scheduled.


The lower-level Wellness Center, Basic & Brief room, and Holistic Center are currently closed. Classes offered in these spaces are on hold until we can reopen.


The Free Weight room will remain open but can only be accessed by the far-end stairwell past the lower lobby. The stairwell between the locker rooms is currently closed.


We are working hard to raise the pool temperature and dry out the lower level to open these spaces as soon as possible. We will keep you up to date with more information as we receive it.
We thank you for your patience and apologize for any inconvenience!

National Punt, Pass & Kick Competition Seeks Participants

Erie, PA –Punt, Pass & Kick USA, Inc. (PPK) will host division youth events at the YMCA of Greater Erie’s Eastside location on Saturday, Oct. 8.

PPK creates a lively and engaging forum for boys and girls ages 6-15 to compete individually against their peers in football skills.  PPK is divided into local and regional geographic locations and youth may advance to nationals which are held in early 2023.

Youth may participate in only ONE local event per year.

PPK is FREE for participating youth, but registration is required at https://www.cognitoforms.com/PuntPassAndKickUSAInc/PPKUSALocalCompetitionParticipantRegistration

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Erie County Re-entry Services & Support Alliance Re-locates

Erie, PA – The Erie County Re-Entry Services & Support Alliance (ECRSSA) has relocated its office and support services to the YMCA’s downtown location, 31 West 10th Street.

An initiative of UnifiedErie, a violence reduction initiative, the ECRSSA provides support and services to transitioning clients through an intentional network of community and faith-based organizations in partnership with the criminal justice system.

“Transitioning clients” are individuals released from federal, state or county prison reentering a law-abiding life who had criminal involvement in the past.

Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. or by appointment. Off-street and surface lot parking are available. The office’s new phone number is (814) 452-3261.

ECRSSA’s program manager is Helen Carter-Snell.

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YUSA, YMCA Worldwide Sending Support to YMCA Ukraine

Erie, PA – March 8, 2022- Ys across the U.S. express solidarity and concern for the young people, families, and communities who are directly impacted by the crisis currently unfolding in Ukraine.

YMCA of the USA’s World Service Campaign is working in coordination with YMCA Ukraine, YMCA Europe, and the World YMCA to help people and communities who are impacted by the conflict. YMCA Europe has already disbursed emergency funds to YMCAs in Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine in support of the emergency services they are providing to refugees fleeing Ukraine and internally displaced people inside Ukraine.

Financial contributions can be made safely through YUSA and will provide:

  • Emergency support, including food, clothing, housing, transportation, and psychosocial counseling for Ukrainian refugees and internally displaced people (including Y staff and volunteers) in Romania, Moldova, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.  
  • Support for the Ukraine YMCA response efforts in the country if/when the situation permits.  
  • Coordination of regional response efforts and local, national, and regional partnerships.
  • Support to re-establish long-term peace and reconciliation, cooperation, and youth programs between Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus.

Locally, the First Ukrainian Pentecostal Church, 820 West 20th Street is collecting goods such as food, clothing medical and hygiene items. Items can be dropped off on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 3-6 p.m. See below image for a complete list of requested items.

Click here to view a message from the CEO of the YMCA of Ukraine.

Click here to make a donation through YMCA of the USA’s World Service Campaign.

The Highmark QUAD Games is Golden

The Highmark QUAD Games was committed to providing safe, virtual events during the 2020/21 series and it has paid off!  With just under 200 registered participants they received their biggest surprise with the latest virtual ski/snowshoe registrant – Kikkan Randall – USA Ski Team Gold Medalist from the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.  Highmark QUAD Director Kelly Latimer was able to speak with Randall via Zoom.  Randall stated that she may have to complete her 5-mile event in Alaska but is committed to getting it done.  She also wanted to remind participants that she is retired and to not hold her to an Olympic standard, but hopes to set a time that other participants can chase (or even beat).

Two months after winning Olympic gold at the 2018 Winter Olympics, Randall was diagnosed with breast cancer.  She has been pretty open about her fight against cancer.  The Highmark QUAD finds this very inspirational as they have seen a number of participants use the QUAD Games as an outlet through their fight against cancer.

This is not the first Olympic athlete to participate in the Highmark QUAD Games.  In 1985, America long distance runner Frank Shorter participated in the run leg of the series.  Shorter won a gold medal in the marathon in the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich.

With many events have been cancelled or postponed due to the pandemic, the Highmark QUAD wasn’t going to be sidelined without a fight.  In April of 2020, organizers decided to move forward with the Highmark QUAD Games but as a virtual series.  With just under 200 participants, this year has been full of fun changes!  With a more laid back approach, participants can compete in their 4-event series anywhere.  Encouraged to take pictures and participate in fun competitions like the best cannonball during the swim or snow angel during the ski/snowshoe.  Participants have until February 13, 2021 to submit a time for their ski or snowshoe.

The Highmark QUAD Games plans to host live events in 2021.  They will kick off the 2021/22 Series with the 12-mile bike ride on Saturday, July 10, 2021 in Edinboro, PA.  The swim event will take place in November of 2021 to ensure that all events can be help following proper, safety protocol.

Free Community Wellness Challenge Hits the Reset Button

Erie, PA –  It’s time to hit the reset button and re(invigorate) our health routine. What better way to do that than with the Y and literally thousands of people across the US!

The YMCA of Greater Erie invites all in the community to participate in a free six-week RESET challenge designed to help transform spirit, mind and body. The Erie community joins with over 125 YMCA communities nationwide in launching RESET on Feb.1.

“What happens when your body’s hardware is burdened, slow, and endlessly spinning? When your mind, body, and soul are stuck in strange patterns; patterns that are unhealthy and glitch,” asks Gerry Vandemerwe, YMCA of Greater Erie CEO. “RESET will help you fix your glitches. It will give you tools to power you ‘off’ and turn you back on to help restore and reset your hardware.”

According to Vandemerwe, Challenge participants can expect weekly workout suggestions, on-demand and live stream classes, nutrition tips, motivation and connection.

All in the community can opt-in to the free challenge by texting #RESET to 22300 or register at ymcaerie.org. Follow the prompts to sign-up and participants will receive three texts and/or emails a week filled with motivation, challenges, workouts and more.

“Participate on your own time where you’re most comfortable – at home or at the Y- or a combo of both. While an active Y membership is NOT required for RESET participation, it is required if you intend on using the Y. There is plenty of support either way,” said Vandemerwe.

The Y is making available a RESET website, free on-demand and live stream classes, a virtual facebook closed group community and inspirational resource videos.

“It’s the perfect time to take back our lives, reenergize, achieve goals, feel better and stronger,” added Vandemerwe.

Register today!