A merger of the Freedom Valley YMCA and the YMCA of Philadelphia & Vicinity is planned, effective Jan. 1, pending a membership vote, according to Jay R. Schaeffer, president and CEO of Freedom Valley YMCA.

Schaeffer said the proposed merger is a positive move for both organizations that has no downsides.

It will still be members local YMCA, he said. This is not a takeover of the Freedom Valley YMCA.

Schaeffer will retire on the date of the merger, should the membership approve it.

If the merger is approved, I would be retiring after 26 years as president and CEO and 42 years with the YMCA, Schaeffer said in a phone interview. He noted that his choice to retire is voluntary.

Its been wonderful, Scheaffer said recalling his long career with the YMCA.

John F. Flynn, president and CEO of the YMCA of Philadelphia & Vicinity, will become president and CEO of the new merged organization, which will be known as the Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA. The new entity will include Freedom Valley YMCAs current five branches and YMCA of Philadelphia & Vicinitys 10, as well as proposed Freedom Valley branches in Pennsburg and Lower Providence, and a proposed YMCA of Philadelphia & Vicinity branch in Haverford, Schaeffer said.

Both the Freedom Valley YMCA, which has a $25 million yearly budget, and the YMCA of Philadelphia & Vicinity, which has a $37 million yearly budget, are financially healthy entities, Schaeffer said. Once merged, they would have a combined budget of $61 million or more, depending on the opening and reach of the new branches.

Well see even more participation and revenue, Schaeffer said.

The membership vote on the merger is slated for Thursday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. at Chadwicks Restaurant, The Club at Shannondell, 2750 Egypt Road, Audubon. The vote is open to all current Freedom Valley YMCA members age 18 and above. Votes must be cast in person. Continued...

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Freedom Valley YMCA proposing merger with Philly YMCA