NAZARETH, Pa. — As you consider donating to the Nazareth branch of the River Crossing YMCA’s $9 million building renovation campaign, there are greater, impactful numbers to consider:
The 10,000 children supported through child care, school age and summer camp.
The 255,000 free meals and snacks provided to individuals and families.
The more than 16,000 active older adults impacted through fitness, wellness and social connection.
The 268 individuals provided shelter, food and a safe place to stay at warming stations, totaling nearly 6,600 overnight stays.
“This project could help the Y become the crown jewel of downtown Nazareth.”Stephen Bajan II, River Crossing YMCA board of directors
The nearly $12 million in community impact through financial assistance, essential services and Pathway programs.
“Next to schools and families, the YMCA has the next biggest impact in the community,” said Stephen Bajan II, a member of the River Crossing board of directors, at a news conference held Friday outside the 107-year-old building that has fallen into disrepair.
“This project could help the Y become the crown jewel of downtown Nazareth.”
River Crossing YMCA has launched “Restoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” a campaign to renovate the Nazareth branch and expand community impact services in its community.
Renovation work on nearly 21,500 square feet of the 40,000-square-foot building at 33 S. Main St. is scheduled to begin in April 2026.
The renovation project is $1.5 million short of its $9 million goal.
“There is community involvement here in Nazareth,” said Zane Moore, president and CEO of River Crossing YMCA.
“There is generosity from everyone and a passion to do something here. I was completely inspired when I first saw this building. We are building a community hub that honors the history and traditions of the Nazareth community, a place for everyone to be seen.”
The Nazareth branch serves 3,400 members. Renovations will provide new space and opportunity for all families and generations to come together for health, mind-body wellness, socialization and much-needed child care.
The facility will feature a modern design, with three floors geared to attract members looking for more than just a place to work out.
The renovated facility will include:
- A refurbished gymnasium and refreshed aquatics center.
- Yoga and meditation, spin and group exercise studios
- New elevator and family locker rooms
- Early child care, school-age child care and youth development.
- Holistic health and wellness programs.
- Three new studios and quiet spaces to support mental wellness, meditation and mindfulness.
- Community meeting space and collaborative programming hub.
- Cafe, gathering areas and flexible spaces for events and partnerships.
- Restored architecture.
“This renovation will be so important to Nazareth,” said Allen Childs, River Crossing chief volunteer officer and a board of directors member, who was raised four miles from the facility.
The Nazareth YMCA was part of the merger of the Greater Valley YMCA and the YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon counties in July 2024.
“When we talked about the two YMCA’s coming together, we were confident we had the support in the community and from the board of directors about this," Childs said. “When we merged, we talked about dream bigger. Dream bigger starts right here in Nazareth.”
For more information or to donate, contact January Misero, major gift officer, at jmisero@ymcarivercrossing.orgor call 267-810-4264.
