The long-awaited, $2.5 million expansion of the Mon Valley YMCA is under way. Ceremonial groundbreaking ceremonies were conducted last week for the project - a 27,000-square-foot complex that will house a wellness facility, a child development and educational center and community meeting rooms. It's the second major expansion of the local YMCA since it first opened its doors in 1970. Raising money to finance the latest expansion was an arduous task because the campaign began shortly before the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and other factors combined to put America's economy in a tailspin. Thankfully, YMCA officials and board members managed to solicit enough money to launch the much-needed expansion. "We still have a $1 million mortgage," quipped YMCA board member Jerry Zahand at Friday's groundbreaking ceremony. That, of course, means the fund-raising effort must continue. It also should be a reminder to the Mon Valley community that one of our more productive institutions could use some financial help. We urge local businesses and people to consider donating to the YMCA's latest expansion project. Such donations are an investment in the future of the Mon Valley - an investment that promises to have a very large return.

---

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)

---