J.P. Mascaro & Sons and the Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA are partnering to improve the lives of kids and families in the Pottstown and Norristown communities. Both organizations believe that all children deserve the opportunity for an outstanding education, regardless of their financial situation. To support this effort, J.P. Mascaro, the solid waste service company has awarded the Pottstown and Audubon YMCA‘s $50,000 over the next 3 years and has challenged other businesses with a matching opportunity up to $50,000.
97% of students in the Pottstown and Norristown area school districts qualify for the free and reduced lunch program. Our Pottstown and Audubon Y’s serve a combined 9,000 members within a 5-mile radius and find it difficult to serve the high number of kids needing additional learning support socially, emotionally, physically, intellectually and spiritually.
Company founder, Joseph P. Mascaro, firmly believed a well-rounded education was the key to individual and societal development. That belief set the tone for their family business.
“We pride ourselves on being actively involved in local communities and aggressively take part in educational initiatives,” says Lindsay Mascaro Ptaszenski, Director of Education and Community Relations. “It is our mission and civic duty to assist programs that work toward making this a reality.”
Y programs like child care, day and overnight camp, swim lessons, leadership development, art, music and sports build physical activity, character development and educational enrichment in a safe place. These programs are a vital resource to low-income families in these communities.
Mascaro is invested in supporting at risk communities and advocates for other corporations to do the same. “We are very excited for this opportunity and the benefits it will bring to those involved. However, we are well aware a greater need exists and we cannot do this alone,” says Ptaszenski.
Mascaro will help raise an additional $50,000 in contributions from local businesses who are interested in supporting this crucial cause.
“The best investment we can make as a community is the investment in our children. It has the highest rate of return on any investment there is,” said Shaun Elliott, President & CEO, Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA. “We are excited to work with Mascaro to continue providing more kids and families with the quality programming they need to succeed.”