Wyoming Valley Catholic Youth Middle is gearing up for a momentous occasion as it celebrates its seventy-fifth anniversary. jul14 2023
Mark Soprano, the executive director of CYC, reflects on the countless lives that have been touched over the years, including his own.
He acknowledges the profound (Youth) impact that CYC has had on the community and imagines how different life would be without such a cherished institution. Wyoming Valley
The “Diamond Jubilee” festivities will commence with the Annual CYC March Madness Event, scheduled for April 1st at the Westmoreland Club in Wilkes-Barre. This highly anticipated gathering offers a relaxed atmosphere where attendees can savor delicious food and beverages while enjoying the exhilarating NCAA Final Four basketball games. The event also features a raffle with an enticing prize—a trip to Walt Disney World worth $7,500 or a cash alternative of $6,500. Additionally, an online silent auction will be held, showcasing over 100 items available for bidding at https://2023marchmadness.cbo.io. Wyoming Valley
Soprano emphasizes how CYC has continually adapted to meet the evolving needs of the community. He mentions their recent efforts to support young individuals dealing with mental health issues, highlighting CYC’s commitment to growth and service. Wyoming Valley
The visionary behind CYC was Bishop William Hafey, who recognized the necessity of establishing a recreational and educational hub for the youth in Wilkes-Barre. Under Bishop Hafey’s guidance, CYC became a space where young people from Wyoming Valley could socialize, engage in recreational activities, and develop their talents.
Originally situated on South Washington Avenue, the modest CYC building consisted of a small gymnasium, a two-lane bowling alley, a handful of classrooms, and a small auditorium. Wyoming Valley
Various Classes, such as sewing, basketball, archery, and painting, were offered in the early years.
As participation in the program grew, the CYC outgrew its premises within the first decade. This led to the addition of a gymnasium and a swimming pool in the late 1960s. The expansion enabled the CYC to diversify its programs, becoming home to St. Mary’s High School basketball team and Offering youth Sasketball, soccer, gymnastics, and swim lessons. The CYC’s competitive swim program played a significant role in shaping the local swimming scene and continues to thrive through its partnership with Bishop Hoban High School.
The gymnasium also became a vibrant social hub during the late ’60s and ’70s, hosting Saturday night dances featuring popular live bands that attracted a large crowd each week. Wyoming Valley
Following the devastating Agnes Flood in 1972, the CYC acquired additional land adjacent to the facility. This expansion led to the construction of outdoor basketball and tennis courts, as well as a playground area for younger children. These additions facilitated the expansion of services and increased enrollment in existing programs. Notably, the CYC’s preschool program and Summer Day Camp experienced significant growth during this time. Wyoming Valley
In the early 1990s, the CYC introduced a full-time Child care program. Initially serving a small number of children, the program expanded rapidly,
necessitating the Conversion of every available space within the facility into Child care areas. By 1999 the CYC became one of the first child care centers in the state, and the only one in Luzerne County, to offer 24-hour services. Initially funded through a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant to support homeless Families, the program transitioned to serve all families in need of Child Care.
In 2001, a Capital expansion and improvement project was launched, aiming to raise dollar 4 million. The project resulted in the Construction of a state-of-the-art aquatic Center, transforming the existing pool into a gymnasium, and the acquisition of land to develop a park with additional outdoor play areas. The aquatic Center boasts the largest swimming complex in the area, featuring an eight-lane pool and seating for over 500 per spectators.
In recent years, the CYC has partnered with the Luzerne County Mental Health system to provide social, recreational, and educational activities for young people involved in the mental health system. The CYC’s Drop-In program has become a popular destination for these individuals, offering informal playtime, life skills programs, and special events three days a week. Since its inception over 500 Children have participated in the program.
Currently, the CYC’s child care program serves 242 children, ranging in age from 6 months to 13 years.
They also offer a Before and After School program with transportation to and from schools in the Wilkes-Barre Area, Hanover Area, and Wyoming Valley West School District.
As a member agency of the Wyoming Valley United Way and part of the Diocese of Scranton, the CYC continues to make a positive impact on the community. For inquiries about CYC programs or the March Madness Event, individuals can contact CYC at 570-823-6121.
