(West Chester, PA) – YMCA of Greater Brandywine has been named a Top Workplace by The Philadelphia Inquirer. In determining the 2024 Top Workplaces, the Philadelphia Inquirer partnered with Energage, a third-party employee engagement partner, to collect anonymous and confidential feedback from YGBW employees. This award signifies that employees of YGBW ranked the organization highly in categories such as Respected & Supported, Enabled to Grow and Empowered to Execute, among other positive sentiments.

YGBW employs more than 1,800 individuals annually, including many seeking part-time, seasonal and flexible opportunities. The organization contributes more than $28MM to the Chester County economy, making YGBW an influential employer in the region.
 

“It’s an honor to be named a Top Workplace,” shares President & CEO, Bertram L. Lawson II. “And the honor means so much to me, not because it came from the Philadelphia Inquirer, but because the award was based upon feedback from our staff.”
 

YGBW employees who responded to the Top Workplaces survey indicated that they feel aligned with the vision of YGBW leadership and value the meaningfulness of their work. Staff also indicated that they love serving members, feel like they are part of a family and feel they have an opportunity to grow.
 

A Culture of Growth and Development
“Employee growth and development is something we take very seriously at the Y,” Lawson continues. “I started my career as a camp counselor nearly 25 years ago – and look where I am today. I am proud to say that more than half of the YGBW Senior Leadership Team began their careers as part-time employees at the Y – Camp Counselors, Swim Instructors and more.”
 

YGBW offers a variety of employee benefits, including flexible work schedules, free family memberships and discounts on childcare, summer camp, youth programs and more, enabling all members of the family to learn, grow and thrive.
 

Employees are further encouraged to grow with opportunities like tuition reimbursement – and a discounted rate on many courses including a newly launched Master of Athletic Training program at Immaculata University.
 

Working Towards a Mission
“Our organization provides an opportunity to engage in mission-based work,” shares Natalia Gallon-Garcia, Chief Human Resources Officer. “Our mission is meaningful to our staff and adds a sense of purpose that extends far beyond a paycheck. It is a pleasure to work with such a motivated and caring staff team.”
 

YGBW is currently hiring and is especially in need of Teachers, Assistant Teachers and Childcare Directors. For the upcoming 2024-25 school year, the Y is looking for Site Directors and Coordinators for their Before and After School Enrichment (BASE) programs. BASE programs provide working families with childcare before or after school because work requirements don’t always align with school hours.  
 

“If you are looking for a career that is more than just a job, I encourage you to consider us,” continues Gallon-Garcia. “We’re excited to meet you and think you’ll love our supportive environment where you can make a difference in your community.”
 

Open Positions at YGBW: https://ymcagbw.org/about/careers  

2024 Top Workplaces List: https://sponsored.inquirer.com/the-inquirers-top-workplaces-2024-ranked/  

 

 
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About the YMCA of Greater Brandywine  

The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW), an association of nine YMCAs and Program Centers serving Chester County, is a leading non-profit organization committed to building community. We strive to nurture the potential of every child, promote healthy living and foster social responsibility through life-changing programs for all. YGBW raises funds to provide financial assistance to those unable to pay the standard rates. In 2023, $2.2 million was provided to more than 11,000 individuals to ensure they had access to childcare, summer camp, programs and memberships at YGBW. More than 60,000 people are members of YGBW. To learn more, visit ymcagbw.org.   

 

Photo Caption 1: President & CEO, Bertram L. Lawson II speaks with a student at the Oscar Lasko YMCA.