Greater Hazleton Area YMCA

HAZLETON, PA (Wednesday, October 23) – The Greater Hazleton Area YMCA will officially open in January, offering quality childcare for 75 children ages 0-5 during phase one of reinstating a community center that served the region for generations.

The playground, shown above, was recently completed.

“The goal of the Greater Hazleton Area YMCA is to reestablish a community center in the heart of Hazleton,” said Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA CEO, Jim Thomas. “Phase one will focus on offering quality and affordable childcare to the community. Phase two will see the pools and gym restored. The new outdoor playground shows the progress we have made already, but I’m even more excited about the potential we have to grow the Y in Hazleton.”

“These two pools are vital to the Hazleton community,” added Thomas. “The ability to teach water safety to this community will save children’s lives. Reopening these pools is extremely important.”

Located at 75 South Church Street in Hazleton, the site has been home to the YMCA and YWCA in the past, but closed in June of 2019 due to lack of funding. As part of a plan to expand services throughout Luzerne County, the Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA completed a successful merger with the Greater Hazleton YWCA earlier this year. Thanks to funding provided by generous supporters, the building is now set to reopen with new leadership. The Greater Hazleton Area YMCA will be led by Lissette Dishmey, who was named Executive Branch Director by Thomas in June 2024.

“I’m very excited to be part of a great team that is committed to bringing the YMCA to the Hazleton community,” said Dishmey. “As a branch of the Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA, we aim to provide quality and safe programming that serves all community members from birth to adulthood. I am convinced that working hard together for a greater Hazleton, great things are soon to come.”

Lissette comes to the branch with previous experience in leadership roles in Luzerne County. She spent three years working at the Welfare office in Hazleton before moving into social work with Wilkes University’s SHINE program and the Global Engagement Office. She also led the instruction of Spanish in the Workplace courses to support local businesses with inclusion efforts. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Lissette is committed to community and advocacy for the new American and immigrant community.

Phase one will include an early education and child care center that will serve up to 75 children. Daycare and after-school care is at the forefront of the renovations. The pool and gym will also be renovated but will fall under phase two of the plan, which will also add room for another 75 children. A date for phase two of the reopening has not been set at this time.

The Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA association is currently in growth mode, having expanded from just two branches in 2019 to six by 2024. The Greater Hazleton Area YMCA and Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA are non-profit, charitable organizations turning no one away for inability to pay. The YMCA awards financial assistance to children, adults, and families in need across our communities in northeastern Pennsylvania. Those who share a passion for healthy living may join in supporting this cause by donating to the YMCA. To learn how to qualify for financial assistance, call (570) 823-2191.