Community Reacts to News Hazleton YWCA to Close

by: Staff

Posted: Jun 17, 2019 / 10:42 PM EDT

Updated: Jun 17, 2019 / 10:42 PM EDT

HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU-TV) Community members are saying goodbye to a long-standing community center in Luzerne County. Hazleton’s Y-W-C-A has lost a hard-fought battle to financial struggles despite efforts from the community. Now that same community is reflecting on what they’re losing.

Eyewitness News Reporter Morgan Parrish has that story.

The YWCA has served the Hazleton community for more than a century.

And now, “Y“ members are forced to say goodbye.

“It’s sad man cause a lot of people come here they got the babysitting room a lot of parents are upset they won’t have that no more,” said Jorge Moscio, Hazleton

According to a press release from the Hazleton YWCA, board members announced they have no other choice but to close, due to a breakdown of negotiations with the mortgage holder.

Local foundations and organizations contributed more than $80,000 over the past six months to help keep the facility functioning.

“They said they tried they really did try i guess they couldn’t get it you know,“ said Anthony Hill

Anthony Hill is a lifeguard at the Hazleton Y.

He tells Eyewitness News he’s been coming here since he was five years old.

“There’s a bunch of kids out there and you can’t go to the parks any more I’m just saying I don’t even go to the parks no more and it’s kind of dangerous the Y is more safe and think about all the kids that aren’t going to have anything to do this summer. It’s going to be tough.“

Club members at the Y tell Eyewitness News they’ve had some of their favorite memories here at the Y from swimming in the pool from shooting hoops here at the gym.

“It’s going to be pretty sad because I used to come here a lot and now I’m going to have to find a new place to practice basketball,“ said Angel Cruz.

“I work out I’m a swimmer, so I use the pool all the time,” noted Jorge Moscio.

Jorge Moscio has been coming here for the past three years.

“Have a good time when I come here everyone is friendly I know most the people in here it’s a great environment,” Said Moscio.

The community says coming to the Y is more than just being a part of a club. It’s a place they like to call their second home.

The Hazleton YWCA will close on June 30.