Bertram L. Lawson II, the president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW), was recently appointed as a commissioner to the Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission (the Commission). The Commission’s goal of building a strong community and the value of childhood education align with the YMCA’s core values and Lawson’s own ethos.
“Education has mattered to me throughout my life, starting at an early age,” said Lawson. “My mother is a retired Head Start teacher. She, along with my father, instilled in me the value of a good education. My parents raised me to see problems as opportunities and to focus on solutions. I’ve devoted my career to building and growing quality youth development programs for children and families. I know firsthand the challenges facing residents of this greater commonwealth.”
Making Childcare Accessible
Lawson expressed how important supporting youth education programs is, especially with the mental health crisis and labor shortages across the country. YGBW is the largest childcare provider in its local county. Its financial assistance program is helping to address these needs. Because of YGBW’s support, no family is turned away because of an inability to pay. Vital youth education services are accessible.
“YGBW is devoted to strengthening community by ensuring everyone has the opportunity to belong, grow and thrive,” said Lawson. “We do that by offering programs and services that contribute to healthy living, social responsibility and youth development. This has strong ties to the work of the Commission.”
By being a part of the Commission, Lawson will be able to connect with like-minded leaders from different industries, including higher education, healthcare, finance and more. He plans to bring back these connections and insight to the YMCA which can benefit from potential partnerships and help other entities across the state.
“By serving on the Commission and alongside other leaders in Pennsylvania, I have the great opportunity to see a different point of view of these issues,” said Lawson. “While we are focused on our own mission at YGBW, we also see ourselves as a community convener and a place to bring together residents and organizations across the community. Serving on the commission provides an opportunity to further this role.”
Serving the Entire Community
Along with families who directly rely on these resources, Lawson emphasized how investment in youth development is an investment in the entire community. The issues YGBW and the Commission are addressing doesn’t just affect those with children, but the entire community.
“Quality childcare is the backbone of a thriving economy and matters to children, families, businesses, the economy and all Pennsylvanians,” explained Lawson. “Lack of access to quality education contributes to our ongoing labor shortage, the growing mental health crisis and more. Our economy loses $6.65 billion annually when families don’t have access to childcare. It negatively impacts all residents of Pennsylvania. Barriers to education present problems today and impact future generations.”
Though these are many challenges to be addressed, Lawson is honored to be a part of the solution. He expressed hope for the future, thanks to the work of YGBW and the Commission.
“I have hope because we are working tirelessly at YGBW to eliminate barriers to quality and reliable education for our youngest learners,” said Lawson. “I’m excited to apply my skills in problem-solving at such a large scale. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve all resident of our great state.”
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