The Lower Bucks Family YMCA is a dynamic, growing organization meeting the needs of individuals and families throughout the Lower Bucks County area. We have grown to three permanent locations while also providing childcare services at a number of additional sites throughout the area.
We are a multi-faceted organization with programs and services for everyone. We are here to make a positive difference in your life -- and give you the chance to do the same for someone else. We believe that the long-term solution to many of the social problems facing our community today is to challenge individuals to accept and demonstrate positive values. Individual character development has been a cornerstone of the YMCA for over 150 years. The YMCA promotes Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility in our all of our programs and services.
Our History
In 1935, 21-year old John C. Burriss was working as a Bristol High School Latin teacher. He contacted the Pennsylvania YMCA and expressed his interest in beginning a YMCA in Bristol. He then started Hi-Y, the first service group for boys. The program spread to each of the area high schools and was soon followed by Tri-Hi-Y clubs for girls.
In 1948, Mr. Burriss was one of the founding Trustees and Vice President of the Board of Directors as the “Bristol” YMCA was incorporated. The YMCA operated out of the high school and later the firehouse on Mansion Street. In 1956, the YMCA changed its name to the Lower Bucks YMCA and in 1960, the facility in Fairless Hills was built.
To remember Mr. Burriss, the Bristol Borough YMCA Summer Camp has been renamed Camp Burriss in his honor.
Our Vision: We envision a Lower Bucks Community where ALL can enjoy safe and healthy opportunities to strengthen Spirit, Mind and Body.
Our Mission: To create relationships and offer programs that provide a healthy start for children, growth for youth and teens, wellness for adults, and unity for families.
Our Guiding Principles: Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility
The Lower Bucks YMCA is truly a part of the fabric of Lower Bucks County. We serve the entire community without discrimination and embrace people of all faiths, backgrounds, races, ages, and sex. All of our fundraising efforts support our financial aid program, and we are proud to say that no one is turned away due to an inability to pay.
Jamie Atkins Ellen Budman
Timothy Birch
Joseph P. Caracappa
Patrick Clark
Austin Cleveland
John Dooley
Don Dutton
Mike Fitzpatrick
Karen Galardi
Dr. Robert Carvajal
Joseph Cimino David Gill
Larry Good
Otto Group
Martin Kalbach
Denis Lanctot
Garth Lohr Clark Shuster
YMCA Board Officers
President ~ Vijay Khanna
Vice President ~ Mark Craig
Treasurer ~ Dennis Stewart
Secretary ~ Mary Krick
YMCA Board of Directors
Nicholas Johnson Larraine Lucisano John McGrath III
Tom Muller
Lee Nolting
Mark Reilly
Dr. Lorraine Rice
Geri Rush
Randy Stradling
Maragret Young Kathy Zelenka
YMCA Board Members Emeritus
Association Office
Eric Stark - President & CEO
Jared Cummins - FH Branch Executive & Chief Adm. Officer
Sarah Erickson - Association Office Manager
Barbara Nadzam - Controller
Barbara Golden -Finance Assistant & Volunteer Coordinator
Amy Goldey - Payroll & HR Coordinator
Jennifer Ritorto - Membership and Marketing Director
Fairless Hill Branch
Jennifer Ritorto Membership & Marketing Director
Donna Gibbons Sr. Health & Wellness Director
Michael Linder Fitness Center Coordinator
Lori Sullivan Youth/Adult Sports & Off site Camp Director
Joanne Tansey FH Membership Office Coordinator
Kathy Hess FH Asst. Office Manager
Cathy Lambert Child Care Billng & Registar
Cindy Clements Aquatics Director
Andrew Sanderbeck Aquatics Coordinator
Maria Riley Housekeeping Supervisor
Ruth S. Huth Child Care Director
Clara Chirchirillo Special Needs Director
Judy Gerber SACC Bristol Twp. Kids Club Dir.
Kathy McCormick SACC Supervisor
Tri-Hampton at Chandler Hall
Morrisville Branch
Saile Wibur - Membership Office Coordinator
Kate Sandel - Aquatics Director
Michele Fina - Branch Director
Kristi Morino - School Age Director/Assistant Director
Kim Kane - Event Coordinator
Cynthia McKenzie - Office Coordinator
Officers, Directors and Staff
The Wellness Center at the Y
Donna Gibbons - Wellness Center Director
Values (Guiding Principles):
CARING - Our Christian spiritual roots empower us to be loving to everyone we encounter. We care deeply about the needs of our Members, Volunteers, and Staff. We strive for a sense of Community throughout the Association and among the diverse people we serve.
HONESTY - We live each day with Integrity. Our actions are consistent with our words. We look honestly at our present strengths and challenges, and we work diligently to improve and grow.
RESPECT - We demonstrate tolerance of differences and embrace diversity of thought, ethnicity, culture, religion, gender, and economic ability. We treat ALL people as we wish to be treated: with respect, dignity and acceptance.
RESPONSIBILITY - The Lower Bucks Community can depend on us to provide quality care and programming, to be open to all community members, and to collaborate effectively with other organizations. We are responsible for upholding our Mission and these Values in all the programs and services we provide. Staff and Volunteers will be responsible stewards of YMCA facilities and assets, and will provide resources for financial stability and growth.
YMCA Staff