Our Work

At the Y, strengthening community is our cause and as a result the Y makes accessible opportunities that empower people and our community to learn, grow and thrive. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y nurtures the potential of every youth and teen, improves the community’s health and well-being, and provides opportunities to give back and support neighbors.

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Stories of Impact

Hope, Healing and Resilience - Ron's Story

If you visit the Y pool on a weekday morning, you might spot Ron. He’s there two to three days a week, often doing pullups on the starting blocks or joining the water volleyball group that welcomed him as one of their own. The laughter, teamwork and movement fuel his recovery and his spirit.

For Ron, the Y became more than just a place to exercise; it became a place to rebuild. The supportive environment and friendships he’s formed here have given him the motivation and confidence to keep pushing forward in his recovery journey.

It’s hard to believe that just over three years ago, Ron’s family was told he would likely never walk, talk or live independently again. After a horrific motorcycle accident, he was in a coma with significant brain damage and countless injuries. After months in the hospital, his doctors told his family to prepare for palliative care—that his best hope was to live comfortably in a nursing home.

Then, one day later, the impossible happened. Ron woke up.

The nurse who made the call to his family said that in 26 years, she had never seen anything like it—and she gave him a new name: “The Miracle Man.”

Today, that same determination and miracle are visible every time Ron walks through the Y’s doors. The pool, people and sense of belonging have all become essential parts of his recovery and his life.

A Safe Home Away from Home - Emily's Story

For Emily, a single working mom, the Y has been more than just a place for her kids to spend time before and after school—it’s been a lifeline.

“My sons have been part of the YMCA program since they first started at Park View Elementary, and I can’t say enough positive things about our experience. As a single working mom, it brings me such comfort knowing that my children are not only safe but genuinely happy there. They often ask me to pick them up later so they can spend more time playing with their friends—they truly love being there!”

Over the years, Emily has seen firsthand how the Y’s caring staff make a difference. From learning their favorite game, scatter ball, to helping manage her son’s medical needs, the YMCA team has gone above and beyond. Emily remembers feeling nervous on that very first day until Cindy, one of the Y’s dedicated staff members, eased her worries with kindness and care. Four years later, Cindy feels like part of their family.

“The staff have been incredible. They know my boys so well and truly care about them. I never worry when they’re at the Y. It feels like an extension of our home.”

Teen Leadership and Empowerment - Elle's Story

Every day, the B.R. Ryall YMCA empowers young people to discover their potential, develop their voice, and find purpose through service and connection. Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, teens have the opportunity to lead, learn and shape their futures in meaningful ways.

For Elle, that journey began with the Y’s Teen Advisory Board (TAB).

“After hosting and planning several teen-led events as a Teen Advisory Board Member and TAB President for the 2024–25 school year, I really started to understand what leadership meant—not just having a title, but being someone who listens, communicates clearly, supports the team and isn’t afraid to try new ideas.”

Being selected as president was both an honor and a responsibility that helped Elle grow in ways she never expected.

“I realized leadership is as much about the behind-the-scenes moments—checking in on someone who’s quiet or making sure everyone’s voice is heard—as it is about standing on a stage or leading a meeting. I’ve learned how to delegate, how to handle challenges when plans don’t go perfectly, and how to motivate a group toward a shared goal.”

Through her experience, Elle found more than leadership skills—she found belonging and direction.

“TAB gave me more than just leadership experience—it gave me confidence, purpose and a passion I didn’t know I had. I discovered a real love for organizing events and bringing people together, which has inspired my future.”

Today, Elle is studying Hospitality Management with a minor in Event Planning at Penn State — a path shaped by her experiences at the Y.