Bellefonte Branch Management Team

State College Branch Management Team

YMCA of Centre County - History

The Bellefonte Family YMCA and the State College Family YMCA merged on January 1, 2009 to form the YMCA of Centre County. The reason for this merger was to enhance and expand YMCA services throughout Centre County.

The YMCA of Centre County offers a wide variety of membership and program opportunities. Major programs include child care, school age child care, fitness and wellness programs, aquatic programs, a multitude of youth activities, leadership development opportunities for teens, and family programs.

The YMCA is committed to community development, building new partnerships, strengthening existing collaborations, and expanding services to underserved areas in the county.

The YMCA is also looking for opportunities to develop new facilities within the county that will help meet its mission of building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.

For more information, contact:  Dennis Ditmer, CEO at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Bellefonte Branch

The Bellefonte YMCA was established October 19, 1869 and was the third YMCA chartered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.   Our existing facility was built in 1957, on the site that has been home to our YMCA since the early 1900’s.  While our facility is relatively old and small when compared to many other YMCA’s, the YMCA spirit – the spirit of a strong community – generated from our programs is extraordinarily far reaching.  The Bellefonte YMCA is an important “community crossroads” – a place where people come together in the spirit of fellowship to engage in positive programs, improve their lifestyles and build a stronger community.

The State College Branch

The State College YMCA was developed in the summer of 1975 following an informal gathering of local residents.  In 1978, a facility was rented in downtown State College where programs were held.   In 1980, the State College Area YMCA was incorporated and in 1983 the YMCA received its charger from the YMCA of the USA.   Programs continued in rented location until the building was constructed in 1990.   Since then, the State College facility has undergone three major renovations and expansions.