YWCA Bradford Breaks Ground on New Programs and Services Building

We Finally Broke Ground!

YWCA Bradford broke ground on April 5, 2023, for its new programs and services building. 

The 13,000-square-foot building will be built at 72 Congress St., the home of the former Second Ward School. The project is led by Bob Cummins Construction Co. and Larson Karle Architects.

“Given the time, expertise, and resources provided by so many people, the generosity of donors and philanthropists, and the obstacles overcome on this project, this day is gratifying beyond words,” said Vanessa Castano, YWCA Bradford Executive Director. “We are ever thankful.”

“We are grateful for the community support that has gotten us to this point. We look forward to working with all our McKean County neighbors as we continue to build a better future together,” said Katherine Randall, YWCA Bradford’s Board President.

The new building will house the YWCA’s programs and services, including Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities, Victims’ Resource Center, and Housing and Employment Services programs. The new facility will feature various client meeting spaces, including spaces for family meeting rooms, a “huddle” counseling room, “quiet” rooms and counseling rooms, and conference/training rooms.

This project allows for significantly heightened safety, security, and confidentiality for the vulnerable people seeking the services offered by the YWCA Bradford and the staff who provide them. Participants and staff will have ease of mind with fully secure entrances and meeting rooms, limited interaction between participants, and limited access to internal infrastructure.

The new building addresses many of the deficiencies of the YWCA’s current building at 24 W. Corydon St. That facility is poorly configured for the needs of the YWCA programs and has little room for expansion and growth. The building is in poor condition and would be very costly to renovate.