Pittston Expansion

PITTSTON, PA (Thursday, December 18) — The Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA announced today that it has been awarded a $460,000 Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) grant through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to support the development of the Pittston YMCA Early Childcare Education Center, a project that will expand access to affordable, high-quality early childhood education while revitalizing a central downtown property.

The grant will support the renovation of an underutilized commercial office building directly connected to the Greater Pittston YMCA at 10 N. Main Street. Once complete, the project will create new classrooms serving 40 additional infants and toddlers ages six weeks to three years, helping address long-standing childcare shortages for families in the Pittston area. The YMCA plans to begin enrolling children in the new center before the upcoming school year.

“This investment is the result of strong local partnerships and a shared belief in Pittston’s future,” said Jim Thomas, CEO of the Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA. “When businesses, public leaders and community organizations come together, meaningful progress follows. We are thankful to our supporters: Pride Mobility Corporation, People’s Security Bank and Trust; Community Bank; Northeast Pennsylvania Salvage; Northview Property Services, LLC; U.S. Hydrations; Liberty Tax; Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank; and Fieldhouse Printing Co., along with Representative Jim Haddock, Senator Marty Flynn, Mayor Mike Lombardo, and the Department of Community and Economic Development.”

“This project takes an underutilized downtown building and puts it back to work for the community,” said Senator Marty Flynn. “It expands childcare space for young children and families who need it most—meaning more kids can be served, more parents can stay in the workforce, and a vital property in Pittston finally gets a second life.”

The Pittston YMCA currently serves approximately 90 children and maintains extensive waitlists due to limited classroom capacity, particularly for infants and toddlers. The expanded center will participate in Keystone STARS, accept Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) childcare subsidies, and utilize Educational Improvement Tax Credits, ensuring that families with lower incomes can access quality care at an affordable cost.

“I want to congratulate the Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA on its creativity and

determination in addressing the unmet childcare needs in our region,” said Representative Jim Haddock. “This project demonstrates how a trusted community organization and committed corporate partners can deliver meaningful solutions for young children and working families, while reinvesting in Pittston’s Main Street and strengthening the heart of the downtown.”

In addition to increasing childcare capacity, the project advances downtown revitalization and workforce development goals by fully renovating the building’s interior and critical systems, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection and structural improvements. The revitalized facility will enhance the downtown corridor at the intersection of Main and William Streets and contribute to Pittston’s continued economic renewal.

The YMCA will also continue to provide year-round nutrition support through participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), ensuring children receive healthy meals as part of comprehensive early learning and care.

“We are incredibly grateful to receive this funding and excited for what it means for the Pittston community,” added Joshua Lukaszewski, Executive Director of the Pittston YMCA. “This renovation will allow us to expand our childcare services and create more opportunities for underserved families throughout the Pittston area. We’re excited to take this next step and continue creating opportunities for families right here in Pittston.”

For more information about the Pittston YMCA Early Education Center, please contact Lucy Musto at 570-823-2191.