The Proposed YMCA

For 92 years, the Nazareth YMCA has been providing programs and services which have helped to build a strong and vibrant community in the Nazareth and Slate Belt areas.  We serve the entire community, from the young child just learning to swim to the active older adult seeking the camaraderie and recreational and wellness activities the YMCA offers.  But, just as important are our efforts to reach out to the entire community including those most in need - our children.

The development of a full facility YMCA in the Slate Belt has been a vision of the community and the Nazareth YMCA for more than 10 years.  With 25% of the Nazareth YMCA membership coming from the Slate Belt, the Nazareth YMCA is working to develop a facility to meet the need of that community

On September 10, 2009, a concerned group of citizens formed the Slate Belt YMCA Founders Committee.  The Founders Committee, comprised of concerned citizens residing in the Slate Belt Area, was organized to develop a new YMCA Branch which will serve the entire Slate Belt Community.  The meeting was held in the Slater Conference Room at the Bangor Area School District.  At that meeting of over 40 concerned citizens, elections were held and the following individuals were elected to their respective leadership offices:

  • Co-Chairs: Tighe Scott & Dick Smith
  • Vice Chair: Patti Guarry
  • Treasurer: Richard Guarry
  • Secretary: Judy Piper

The first Executive Committee meeting of the Founders Committee was held on September 16, 2009. At that meeting the Executive Committee unanimously agreed to undertake the first steps in the development of a YMCA Branch:

  1. To make formal application to the YMCA of the USA for a YMCA Branch to be built in the Slate Belt.
  2. To develop the leadership to conduct a fundraising campaign to raise $200,000. These funds will be used to plan and conduct a major fundraising effort to build a Slate Belt YMCA.
  3. To conduct activities in the community to build awareness and support for the development and construction of a Slate Belt YMCA.
  4. Develop programs in the Slate Belt to promote wellness and to support teens, families and older adults.