Warminster YMCA Shares the Impact with Local Businesses, Politicians

Local business owners and politicians gathered Wednesday at the Y’s first ‘Share the Impact’ event in Warminster where Zane Moore, President/CEO of the Y shared his vision for Warminster Township.

State Representative Bernie O’Neill, State Senator Stewart J. Greenleaf, Warminster Township Supervisor Chairman Daniel J. McPhillips and Supervisor Scott DeRosa attended the event held at Giuseppe’s Restaurant in Warminster.

Opening the program entitled “A Year of Firsts” was Warminster Township Supervisor Chairman Daniel J. McPhillips who spoke of the increasing presence of the Y in Warminster and the importance of the steering committee for guiding the process thus far. He introduced Leon Poeske, chairman of the Warminster Steering Committee who highlighted the partnerships with Warminster Township, Warminster Parks & Recreation, Warminster Library and Centennial School District as important to the growth process. Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick addressed the group with his support of the Y’s vision for Warminster.

Kevin Crail, senior director of Warminster YMCA, spoke about the impact that Y programs have already made in Warminster especially proud of the 362 campers served this summer and the $39,000 in financial aid provided to those who needed it. “So many firsts in our first year,” said Crail. “First family night, first fishing camp, first leadership camp…it’s been an amazing year in Warminster.”

In late 2013, Central Bucks Family YMCA in partnership with Warminster Township launched a community needs assessment in Warminster. Once completed, the need for youth leadership opportunities held in a safe community space and services aimed at engaging the entire family were identified as gaps in the Warminster landscape. The Y started offering swim lessons at Log College in 2014 and has since served over 700 youth and adults who registered for 3,600 programs in the past year including swim lessons, sports, group exercise classes, summer camp, and family night events.

Warminster resident Rita Melvin addressed the group via video and expressed her gratitude for the financial aid that enabled her two sons to attend summer camp.

Leaving a big impression on the audience was Michael Stemen, a Warminster 9th grader and summer camp counselor-in-training (CIT) who spoke of the impact the camp program had on him personally. After loosening the group up with an unintended joke, Stemen shared his love of working with kindergarten and first grade campers as a CIT, the importance of “getting away” from electronics and television, and the value of the leadership training he received through camp.

President/CEO Moore ended the program with thankfulness for the support of their valued partners including Warminster Township, Centennial School District, the commissioner’s office and state senators and representatives in attendance.

“In 2016, we plan to expand our reach in Warminster with a permanent building, expanded summer camp offerings, increased financial assistance and water safety programs,” said Zane Moore, President/CEO of Central Bucks Family YMCA. “My call to action to you is this: Tell our story. Make a donation. Spread the word.”

For more information, visit the Y’s website at cbfymca.org/warminster

Photo caption:

The breakfast brought Y staff, youth and our local politicians and businesses together to ‘Share the Impact’ a celebration of firsts. Pictured here: Kevin Crail, senior director of Warminster YMCA, Michael Stemen, Warminster YMCA camp counselor, Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick, and Zane Moore, President/CEO of Central Bucks Family YMCA.