Reopened and Still Thriving! GLEC Takes on Challenges

by Bria Bennett

Staff Reporter

Not only are the members of the Germantown Life Enrichment Center (GLEC) fighting to stay healthy but they have put up a fight to preserve the 145 year-old organization and 85 years of service to residents in the community. However, run off of donations and programs the community had many challenges keeping programs for Germantown residents of all ages.

The Germantown Life Enrichment Center formerly known as the YMCA of Greene Street is still thriving since its reopen in September of 2010, after being closed for two years. Up until 2009, the center has operated as the YMCA of Germantown until the center disassociated from the Y USA.

Since 2002, the life center has struggled with improper management, structural damage, flooding and even lack of funding. Nevertheless, the center has made a timely, but progressive turnaround with a lot of dedication from its longtime community members, board members and employees.

“It seemed that the center was always going through a crisis,” says Chief Director of the GLEC, Maurice Walls.

Apart of new management, Maurice Walls, with the help of  GLEC’s recovery Board and State Representative Rosita Youngblood,  has done his best to keep the center up and running and supply proper amenities for the community.

The center has added a pool, racquetball, conference room and weight room while keeping the old, sturdy infrastructure of the 85 year -old building.

Compared to other centers in the area, GLEC is more than just a fitness center, but a diversified program that offers childcare, fitness programs, athletic programs and is a  residential component that houses those in need. In fact, The Germantown Life Enrichment Center still has 128 single-bed occupancies for men in transition and five affordable, apartment homes for families of low income.

Director of Administration, Lyn Kuebler, says, “We want to create an atmosphere of supportive staff and to promote GLEC as a story‚ cleaning out the cob webs and infuse new energy.”

With a new staff of 50 employees and over 3,100 members since the reopen and 22 new members on The Recovery Board; the team is now focusing on a long-term, strategic and fund plan for the center. New basketball teams have been added, aquatic zumba, summer camp in June, soccer programs and newly received certificate for childcare.

Although funds are still quite skimpy, the members seem to love their experience at the center.

“I love the staff   here, I come to swim,” says Lawrence Young, who has been a member since 1998.

For more information on the GLEC activities call 215-844-3281.

Or visit www.germantownlifeenrichmentcenter.org.