Founded: 1902

Since the mid-20th century, a great deal has changed in Clearfield. Much of the economic deterioration has occurred over the past 25 years due to the outward migration of many manufacturing firms to the South and elsewhere. Clearfield has also changed dramatically in the last decade as the community has experienced significant unemployment (8%) The overwhelming majority of the residents are low income and most of the children are not only at risk, but also highly vulnerable to social ills which plague inner-city neighborhoods. For these and many other residents, the YMCA has withstood the test of time and opened its arms to offer hope, inspiration, direction, and opportunity.

Without question, Clearfield is economically and socially challenged. With a $40,106 median state household income, the median household income for a Clearfield family is just $31,357. In fact, 19.3% of Clearfield children under age 18 live in poverty. Also, 33 in every 100 elementary students are eligible for free lunch and 12 in every 100 are eligible for a reduced lunch.

At a time when a high school education is an absolute necessity to obtain a modest-paying job, of all the students who begin their freshmen year in high school, 14.1% are not expected to complete their senior year. A 2001 Communities That Care Youth survey reported that 43% of all students surveyed used alcohol. In addition, 31% used cigarettes, 13% used marijuana, and 3% used inhalants. Clearfield also has an increasing delinquency rate.

Clearfield’s challenged youth population historically has been the target of the YMCA’s many character development, educational, intervention, child care and league programs. These activities and services do nothing less than provide at-risk and high-risk children with a serious means of personal direction and an opportunity for a brighter and successful future. For Clearfield children, the Y was available 105 years ago. It is available today. We want it to be available tomorrow.