Within a year of taking the helm as Senior Pastor of Methuen’s First Church Congregation in 2016, Pastor Bill Ingraham connected with the YMCA. “I landed in the Merrimack Valley and was looking for how I would be involved in the community. I have a great passion for child safety, and for creating safe and…
When YMCA Board Member Hernan Guerrero was in 8th grade at St. Mary’s Elementary School in Lawrence, he met YMCA staffers Frank Kenneally (now YMCA President & CEO) and Craig Wilson who ran the school’s physical education program. “I was in another afterschool program that I didn’t love. At gym time, Frank said to come…
17-year-old Lauren Vincent drew from her experiences as a YMCA Assistant Group Leader in the School Age Child Care program when she wrote her college admissions essay: “Becoming a role model and learning how to adapt in the classroom, has helped me grow and adopt a global perspective on change. Every one of these kids…
In its 12th year, the YMCA’s partnership with the Francis M. Leahy School in Lawrence has allowed students to explore nature through our Outdoor Education program held at YMCA Camp Otter in Salem, New Hampshire, on Captain’s Pond. This program offers youth the chance to explore the woods while learning about environmental science, working in…
23-year-old David Flores learned to swim at the Lawrence YMCA when he was 5 years old. His instructor was Claudia Soo Hoo, who is now the Y’s Chief Operating Officer. “Sometimes when you stay at an organization for a length of time, you get to witness the long-term impact of the work the Y does….
The Merrimack Valley YMCA is pleased to announce that Trish Villanueva has been named Vice President of Operations for the Association. In this capacity, she will be responsible for community relations, membership, programs, volunteer recruitment, collaborations, budgeting and general operations of the Andover/North Andover Branch, one of the Merrimack Valley Y’s four branches. She will…
