October 21, 2022
YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties is pleased to announce that it has positively impacted 10,000 individuals from Bucks County, PA and Hunterdon County, NJ through its donor-funded Pathway Programs, and the number continues to grow. YMCA Pathways are free, specialized programs geared toward specific groups seeking wellness and social connection, often those who cannot find it anywhere else.
YMCA Pathway Programs began in 2012 at the Doylestown branch with the free 7th Grade Membership Initiative and THRIVE Cancer Wellness program. By 2017, Pathway Programs were introduced in Warminster, Fairless Hills and Newtown facilities, followed by Quakertown in 2019. Soon, programs expanded to include the Veterans Pathway, Healthy Horizons for mental health recovery, and children’s Safety Around Water programs. In 2022, the We All Wheel abilities-based youth wheelchair basketball program was started at the Doylestown branch, with plans to expand more Pathway programs throughout Bucks and Hunterdon counties.
“Our Pathway Programs provide guidance for healthy lifestyles, fitness, camaraderie, kindness, and a place to come together, led by warm, engaging leaders who want to make a difference,” said Zane Moore, president/CEO of YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties. “We serve people of all ages from all walks of life. Seniors are up and moving. Children are learning wheelchair sports and safety in the water. Teenagers are building confidence and self-esteem. Impacting the lives of over 10,000 individuals means we are truly building strength in our communities.”
YMCA Pathway Programs bring people together for the sake of their health and overall well being. “I unlocked the determination that had somehow disappeared over the years and it feels great,” stated John, retired Marine and graduate of the Veterans Pathway program. “The program not only gives you the proper form for the exercise but you learn from others via the zoom calls and become a small family.” Most of the YMCA Pathway groups meet in person at a branch and online for conversation, planning and support.
Other YMCA Pathways include Rock Steady Boxing POWer, for combating symptoms of
Parkinson’s Disease; the NORM Running Program, a couch-to-5K running program for at-risk youth; Healthy Lifestyles, open to adults at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes; Empower U, a 12-week wellness camp for teen girls; and the Citizenship Study Group, which supports immigrants eligible for U.S. citizenship.
Pathway Programs are community-funded through annual and sustaining donations, as well as Cause Membership, a $10 per month YMCA membership that provides the member access to the Y Wellness 24/7 virtual platform. Cause members choose their cause of interest and YMCA leaders provide regular updates from corresponding Pathway Programs.
The YMCA is working to expand Pathway Programs to more of its branches across both Bucks and Hunterdon counties. To do this, it is seeking individuals and organizations interested in partnering with the Y to help extend the reach of these valuable programs. Anyone interested in supporting a Pathway Program should reach out to Debbie Sontupe.
A complete list of Pathway programs and descriptions can be found <here>, and readers can learn more about Cause Membership, which supports YMCA Pathway programs <here>.
Photo Caption:
Ciarlo rolls in for a layup at his weekly We All Wheel wheelchair basketball Pathway program at the Doylestown branch of YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties.