Hazleton Native Leads YMCA Rebirth
The real value of a YMCA is not in the hoops, pool or bricks – it is in the people that gather in those spaces to create community and friendships. That was the message delivered by the speakers and investors that made reopening the Y a reality at the July 29 ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Behind the scenes at that event was Brian Reyes, a Hazleton native who recently became the new Membership Coordinator for the Y. For him, losing this YMCA in 2019 meant his friend group had to find a new place to belong.
“I lived about two miles away,” said Reyes. “I was 16 years old when I started walking to the Y in 2013. It was a 30–40-minute walk but I didn’t mind. It gave me an opportunity to play, be with friends and improve my fitness.”
“When the Y shut down, we had nowhere to swim,” added Reyes. “My favorite memories were with a group of friends that gathered at the Y to work out, play basketball and swim. Thankfully, those friendships are still alive and well today. Some of them have become my closest friends.”
In his new role, Reyes is starting to see groups like his own come together at the Y once again.
“I am already seeing groups of friends coming in together to spend the day here,” said Reyes. “It really brought back memories when I saw one of our youth members come in with two friends on guest passes. They used the weights, played basketball, and finished the day with a swim – like we did.”
The time spent at the Y shaped Reyes, as it did those that supported the rebirth of this building.
“The time I spent at the Y led me to where I am today,” said Reyes. “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after high school. Initially I attended Penn State for engineering but couldn’t justify going too far into debt to complete that degree. It took me a very long time for me to realize what had been under my nose the whole time. I enjoy fitness. I enjoy wellness. I love that the Y helped me learn that.”
And now that it’s back, providing affordable childcare and a place for the community to grow organically – the Hazleton YMCA is in position to once again become a foundation of the town.
“Seeing the positivity that is spreading,” said Reyes. “People being happy and excited about something that promotes wellness – it is inspiring to see. It’s obvious this community needed a place for people to move their bodies and release stress in a healthy manner. Being able to support a place that promotes health and wellness is truly special to me.”
“The community reaction has been more than I expected,” he added. “I knew people were excited about the Y returning, but the emotions expressed, the tears shed and all the laughter… This place is more important than I initially assumed. This building lives in the hearts of too many community members to ever go away.”