YMCA’s branches in Philly and Camden just merged

Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA and YMCA of Burlington & Camden Counties are now one.

As of Jan. 1, the former adopted the New Jersey branch into its operations after almost a year of negotiations. The two will now be known as only Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA.

This local association is one of the country’s largest within the YMCA network, with 21 locations in Berks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia and now Burlington, Camden and Pike counties and almost 200,000 members, according to a release.

“This union creates a new synergy that unites one association to serve more individuals and families through a shared mission focused on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility,” said Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA President and CEO Shaun Elliott. “Together, we will continue working for a better us.”

The Philadelphia Freedom Valley branch earned its name when the YMCA of Philadelphia merged with Freedom Valley YMCA in 2013.

According to 2016 tax forms, the Conshohocken-based Philadelphia Freedom Valley branch managed $90.2 million in expenses; Burlington & Camden Counties managed $11.5 million.