'We open up a pathway': YMCA to offer Leap Year discount

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — It’s that time of year when the New Year’s resolutions begin to fade. So the Greater Valley YMCA is offering a way to jump back into meeting health and wellness goals.

The "Leap into Wellness" campaign begins the last week of February, when the Y will offer new members the opportunity to enroll without a join fee.

"We'd like to do it a little bit after January because everybody comes in for their New Year's resolutions, right?" Greater Valley YMCAChief Executive Officer Zane Moore said.

"But we want to get them when they're starting to fade away from that. So now, come on in, that's when you need us the most."

The promotion will run through the end of March, with additional payment options available to help offset costs to those who may not otherwise be able to afford a membership.

The joining fee is typically $25 to $50.

'Be a fabric of the community'

"We want the community to come in and if the price is a barrier, that's the beauty of the YMCA, we're never going to turn anyone away for their inability to pay,” Moore said.

He said the Greater Valley Y gave out $700,000 in financial assistance to the community and more than 210,000 free meals in 2023.

"What makes the YMCA different is the fact that we want to be a fabric of the community,” Moore said.

“We open up a pathway into the Y so we can knock down any barriers for inclusion, whether it's waiving the fees or allowing or educating people about financial assistance.”

The Greater Valley YMCA locations include Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Forks, Nazareth, Pen Argyl and Catasauqua.

The Allentown location currently is closed because of a fire, but is expected to reopen.