YMCA of Broome County Receives $1.41 Million State Grant for West Family Branch Improvements

The YMCA of Broome County has received $1.41 million in New York State funding to support major upgrades at its West Family Branch in Johnson City, improving the YMCA’s ability to continue its mission of strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The funding, awarded through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York’s NY BRICKS program, will help modernize the facility while expanding opportunities for recreation, connection, and community programming.

State and local leaders joined YMCA staff and community members at the Johnson City branch Tuesday to celebrate the investment and highlight the important role community centers play in supporting families, youth, and seniors across the region, which is the focus of the NY BRICKS program.

The funding will support several critical upgrades to the West Family Branch, including a new roof, updated HVAC system, parking lot renovations, enhanced outdoor lighting, and improvements to the facility’s lobby. Plans also include upgrades to the branch’s outdoor activity space, including the addition of pickleball courts and expanded recreational areas designed for multigenerational use.

“These improvements will allow us to continue serving our community while also reimagining how our space can meet evolving needs,” said Gareth Sansom, CEO of the YMCA of Broome County. “This investment ensures that children have places to learn and grow, families have opportunities to connect, and people of all ages can stay active and engaged.”

“It's about the community,” said Robert J. Rodriguez, President and CEO of DASNY. “It’s about supporting families and making sure we are investing in spaces that strengthen the communities they call home.”

Several state and local officials attended the announcement, including State Senator Lea Webb, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, Broome County Executive Jason Garnar, and Johnson City Mayor Christina Charuk, all of whom spoke about the importance of investing in spaces that bring communities together.

“Community centers are more than just buildings,” said State Senator Lea Webb. “They are places where health, connection, and opportunity come together.”

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo noted that investments like this help turn community aspirations into reality.

“We see these investments in the budget, but what’s behind them are the stories, the aspirations for these places, and the dreams that become possible because of them,” Lupardo said.

The project is part of more than $10 million in NY BRICKS funding awarded across the Southern Tier, supporting improvements to community facilities in Johnson City, Elmira, and Ithaca.

While construction may bring some temporary disruptions to the facility, YMCA leaders say the improvements will help ensure the West Family Branch continues to serve as a hub for youth development, healthy living, and community connection for years to come.