Schuylkill YMCA gets grant for facility improvements
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Aug. 13—POTTSVILLE — Thanks to a state grant, officials at the Schuylkill YMCA will be able to maintain their organization's 109-year-old building.
The nonprofit received a $150,000 Keystone Communities grant, which state Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, Rush Twp., and state Rep. Tim Twardzik, R-123, Butler Twp., formally presented Friday afternoon in a presentation in the YMCA's main gym.
The money will be used to upgrade the facility's security system, pay for a boiler, which was installed in October, and repair bricks on the building's exterior.
YMCA Board President Meghan Holobetz expressed gratitude for the grant, administered by the state Department of Community & Economic Development, adding that children wouldn't have anywhere to go if the facility wasn't open.
The boiler cost $70,000, Holobetz said, an amount officials feared they wouldn't be able to cover without the grant money. Officials said the security upgrades will cost $10,000, while the brickwork, which will be done in three phases, will cost $430,000.
Amanda Karenda, executive director, said in her introductory remarks that the grant will allow the YMCA to maintain the building, the former Pennsylvania National Guard armory, which they have occupied since 2009.
Friday's presentation was attended by city officials, YMCA board members, staff from the office of U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-9, and Schuylkill United Way Executive Director Kelly K. Malone. The YMCA is one of the United Way's 15 partner agencies.
Argall and Twardzik both said the Schuylkill YMCA helps the community.
"It's a hub for a lot of really cool stuff," Argall said.
Also present were officials from Alvernia University, which plans to open Pottsville CollegeTowne early next year. Holobetz said the YMCA is working on a partnership with the Reading-based university.
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