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Berkshire Family YMCA
Connecting people to their
potential, purpose, and
each other
W
ith a focus on youth development,
healthy living, and social responsibility,
the Berkshire Family YMCA offers
something for everyone regardless of age or ability.
Housed in the “Bennington Rec” on Gage Street in
Bennington, Vermont, the Y is abuzz with activity
every day.
“Our most devoted swimmers and fitness
enthusiasts arrive at 6 a.m. somedays and we just get
busier as the day progresses, often ending with swim
meets hosted by the local high school or club teams,”
says the Bennington Branch Director
Kayla Becker.
But the Y’s reach goes well beyond
the walls of the Gage Street
building.
Beginning in 2021, the
Y began partnering with
local schools to provide
afterschool programming.
“Designed for working
families, the program
provides K-5 students from
local schools with a safe and
engaging place to be when the
school day is done, and a meal
before they head home,” says Becker.
“Key to the program’s success—and a key part of
our mission—is the staff, which includes a lot of
high school-aged teens who serve as counselors. In
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addition to leading games and activities, the teen
staff members are engaged in a leadership and
training program that teaches them important life
skills. Many of the counselors eventually move on to
work for the Y. In fact, almost everyone who works
at our location is born and raised in the Bennington
area, which helps reinforce the community spirit
we’re striving to build and strengthen.”
New programming oppounities for seniors
Most recently, the Y introduced new programs for
older adults.
Hosted at the Bennington Sports Center,
the programs were developed in direct
response to a need expressed by
the Y’s community partners, the
Bennington Senior Center and
Meals on Wheels.
“While we were offering
senior fitness classes,”
says Taylor McGuire, the
Y’s assistant director, “we
learned that many seniors
were looking for pure social
opportunities. Now there’s a
place for them to come together
Monday through Friday and Sunday
morning to connect, share a cup of coffee,
play board games, and build friendships. For those
that are interested, we continue to offer the active
walking, yoga, Qigong, and more.”