Freeland YMCA to Become Part of the Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA

”We did not make this decision lightly. It was made for the greater good… to keep a Y in Freeland.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jason Minnick

Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA

570-764-0294

Jason.Minnick@wvymca.org

WILKES-BARRE, PA (Monday, November 3) – The Freeland YMCA Board of Directors have voted unanimously to join the Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA.

”After more than a century of operating independently, the Freeland Y will become part of the GWVA,” said Freeland YMCA Executive Director Jim Laputka. “The merger will allow us to enhance innovation, efficiency, and our impact on the local community. Combining resources, talent, and programs allows the Freeland Y to serve a broader region, pursue larger partnerships, and expand services for those most in need.”

A task force was created in October of 2023 to assess the benefits of a possible merger with the GWVA YMCA. The next step in this long and deliberate process was just over a year ago when the GWVA YMCA entered into a management agreement with the Freeland Y. Laputka was named Executive Director in July 2024, a new roof was completed in January 2025 and the interior of the gym was remodeled in February. A STEM education classroom was recently created, providing a safe space for children to learn coding and 3D printing skills. A preschool classroom was also added, bringing quality, affordable child care to Freeland. Additional programming for seniors is set to kick off soon with Laputka serving as the head instructor.

”We’re trying to open the doors to everyone,” said Laputka.  

The GWVA YMCA now governs all YMCAs in Luzerne County including branches in  Wilkes-Barre, Pittston, Hazleton and Freeland. YMCA Camp Kresge (Whitehaven) and two child care facilities - the YMCA Dr. Charlotte L Casterline, MD, Early Learning Center in Forty Fort and the Mericle Family Center in Pittston Township are also under the GWVA YMCA umbrella.

Donations made to specific YMCAs under the GWVA umbrella stay with the branch or program they were intended to support. Any donation made to the Freeland Y will be used to benefit the Freeland community.

”This decision was made after careful consideration by the Freeland YMCA’s Board of Directors,” said Laputka. “Each member of our board has been associated with the Freeland Y for most of their lives. They are committed to the Y’s legacy and the integral role the Y plays in this community. They are passionate about our cause. The mission of the Freeland Y will not change. We will continue to be the backbone of the community.”

More than 500 children participated in activities including summer camp, youth sports and preschool at the Freeland Y in 2025. The Freeland Y provides a safe place for all to play, exercise, and build relationships with neighbors in the Freeland community. Renowned for its successful youth and adult basketball programs, the Freeland Y is located at 600 Front Street, Freeland PA 18224. The YMCA is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. For more information on program times, visit their website (www.freelandymca.org), call 570-636-3640 or email freelandyexecdirect@outlook.com.

###

About the YMCA

Driven by its founding mission, the Y has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening the Greater Wyoming Valley community for over 160 years. Now through seven branches, the GWVA Y empowers everyone by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y’s goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections in and across Northeastern PA.